Design & Applied Arts Schools in California
In 2018-2019, 4,680 students earned their Design degrees in CA.
As a degree choice, Design & Applied Arts is the 33rd most popular major in the state.
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Education Levels of Design & Applied Arts Majors in California
Design majors in the state tend to have the following degree levels:
Education Level | Number of Grads |
---|---|
Bachelor’s Degree | 2,112 |
Associate’s Degree | 1,218 |
Award Taking 2 to 4 Years | 515 |
Award Taking 1 to 2 Years | 515 |
Award Taking Less Than 1 Year | 456 |
Master’s Degree | 254 |
Post-Master’s Certificate | 125 |
Postbaccalaureate Certificate | 125 |
Gender Distribution
In California, a design major is more popular with women than with men.

Racial Distribution
The racial distribution of design majors in California is as follows:
- Asian: 18.2%
- Black or African American: 3.2%
- Hispanic or Latino: 24.0%
- White: 30.3%
- Non-Resident Alien: 14.8%
- Other Races: 9.4%

Jobs for Design & Applied Arts Grads in California
88,250 people in the state and 756,760 in the nation are employed in jobs related to design.

Wages for Design & Applied Arts Jobs in California
In this state, design grads earn an average of $77,580. Nationwide, they make an average of $71,430.

Most Popular Design & Applied Arts Programs in CA
There are 137 colleges in California that offer design degrees. Learn about the most popular 10 below:
Of all the students who attend this school, 75% get financial aid. Of all the teachers who work at the school, 40% are considered full time. In their early career, FIDM Los Angeles grads earn an average salary of $33,900.
63% of students get financical aid. The full-time teacher rate is 21%. Roughly six years after entering college, graduates of this school earn $26,900 a year.
An average student at Art Center College of Design will pay a net price of $43,010. The full-time teacher rate is 26%. Most students complete their degree in 4.80 years.
Of all the teachers who work at the school, 87% are considered full time. 20 to 1 is the student to faculty ratio. A typical student attending UC Davis will pay a net price of $14,729.
Grads earn an average early-career salary of $29,400 after earning their degree at this institution. The full-time teacher rate is 21%. Of all the students who attend this school, 93% get financial aid.
It takes the average student 4.75 years to graduate. 56% of the teachers are full time. 76% of students get financical aid.
In their early career, SFSU grads earn an average salary of $38,000. This public college charges it's students an average net price of $15,033. Of all the teachers who work at the school, 50% are considered full time.
Graduates earn an average $31,000 after graduation. 76% of students get financical aid. 16% of the teachers are full time.
49% of the teachers are full time. This public school has an average net price of $8,982. Graduates earn an average $36,500 after graduation.
The average student takes 4.93 years to complete their degree at Cal State Fullerton. 49% of the teachers are full time. This public college charges it's students an average net price of $8,234.
Design & Applied Arts Careers in CA
Some of the careers design majors go into include:
Job Title | CA Job Growth | CA Median Salary |
---|---|---|
Art, Drama, and Music Professors | 15% | $100,050 |
Designers | 13% | $77,030 |
Multimedia Artists and Animators | 10% | $84,740 |
Artists | 8% | $60,490 |
Graphic Designers | 7% | $56,810 |
Art Directors | 7% | $118,660 |
Commercial and Industrial Designers | 6% | $70,410 |
Interior Designers | 5% | $60,360 |
Set and Exhibit Designers | 5% | $58,910 |
Fashion Designers | 4% | $78,680 |
Photographers | -4% | $46,790 |
Related Majors in California
Below are some popular majors in the state that are similar to design.
Major | Annual Graduates in CA |
---|---|
Fine & Studio Arts | 6,630 |
Film, Video & Photographic Arts | 4,428 |
Music | 3,615 |
Drama & Theater Arts | 3,415 |
General Visual & Performing Arts | 1,285 |
Dance | 490 |
Arts & Media Management | 290 |
Other Visual Art | 101 |
View all majors related to Design & Applied Arts
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References
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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