Best Design and Applied Arts Schools in Wisconsin

Wisconsin has 14 colleges offering Design and Applied Arts programs tracked by the College Scorecard, producing 442 recent graduates. Graduates earn $34,431 on average within two years, roughly in line with the national average of $34,895.

School choice matters significantly: University of Wisconsin-Madison graduates earn $45,919 while Herzing University-Brookfield graduates earn $32,925 — a $12,994 gap. Research each program's curriculum, employer connections, and career services before deciding.

Schools in WI

$34,431

WI Avg. Earnings

$34,895

National Avg.

371

Schools Nationally

Public vs Private: Design and Applied Arts in Wisconsin

Public Schools (5)

$36,523

avg. 2yr earnings

Private Schools (8)

$33,647

avg. 2yr earnings

Public schools in Wisconsin produce comparable or higher early earnings for Design and Applied Arts graduates, often at lower cost — making them strong value options.

Design and Applied Arts Schools in Wisconsin, Ranked by Earnings

University of Wisconsin-Madison

Madison, WI · Public

$45,919

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $43,684

Graduates: 26

Acceptance: 43.4%

University of Wisconsin-Stout

Menomonie, WI · Public

$36,717

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $39,578

Graduates: 133

Acceptance: 84.7%

Mount Mary University

Milwaukee, WI · Private

$31,495

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $28,624

Graduates: 32

Acceptance: 93.3%

Herzing University-Madison

Madison, WI · Private

$32,925

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 94.2%

Carthage College

Kenosha, WI · Private

$41,193

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $35,624

Graduates: 32

Acceptance: 84.2%

Rasmussen University-Wisconsin

Green Bay, WI ·

N/A

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: N/A

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $38,278

Graduates: 32

Acceptance: 90.1%

University of Wisconsin-Green Bay

Green Bay, WI · Public

$26,933

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $26,924

Graduates: 35

Acceptance: 87.8%

Edgewood College

Madison, WI · Private

Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design

Milwaukee, WI · Private

$37,363

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $29,216

Graduates: 109

Acceptance: 62.8%

#11

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

Kenosha, WI · Public

N/A

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $34,379

Graduates: 26

Acceptance: 72.6%

#12

Concordia University-Wisconsin

Mequon, WI · Private

$33,993

2yr Earnings

1yr Earnings: $36,006

Graduates: 17

Acceptance: 67.5%

#13

Herzing University-Kenosha

Kenosha, WI · Private

Herzing University-Brookfield

Brookfield, WI · Private

$32,925

2yr Earnings

Acceptance: 90.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best school for Design and Applied Arts in Wisconsin?

University of Wisconsin-Madison ranks #1 for Design and Applied Arts in Wisconsin with median graduate earnings of $45,919 within two years of graduation. There are 14 schools offering Design and Applied Arts programs in the state.

How much do Design and Applied Arts graduates earn in Wisconsin?

Design and Applied Arts graduates in Wisconsin earn an average of $34,431 within two years of graduation. This is 1% below the national average of $34,895 for this major.

What is the hardest Design and Applied Arts school to get into in Wisconsin?

University of Wisconsin-Madison is the most selective Design and Applied Arts program in Wisconsin with an acceptance rate of 43.4%. The average acceptance rate across Design and Applied Arts programs in the state is 81.2%.

Should I attend a public or private school for Design and Applied Arts in Wisconsin?

In Wisconsin, private Design and Applied Arts programs produce average earnings of $33,647 vs $36,523 at public schools. However, public schools typically cost less — consider net price relative to earnings when calculating ROI. There are 5 public and 8 private options in the state.

Other Popular Majors in Wisconsin

Computer Engineering $73,755 Construction Management $63,643 Computer Programming $62,260 Civil Engineering $62,210 Computer and Information Sciences, General $61,271 Biomedical/Medical Engineering $60,265 Computer Science $59,189 Computer Systems Analysis $57,437

All colleges in Wisconsin →

Design and Applied Arts in Other States

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Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, field-of-study file last updated June 2026. Institution-level figures elsewhere on the site come from the June 2026 release.