How much money does a designer make?

Wanting to be self sufficient as a graduate is a great goal.
The answer to this question, is the same for any career really.

Time invested will weigh on the monetary returns. If you are determined and a good networker, have good time management skills and can adhear to a budget, you will be ahead of the curve.
Success is really 90%hard work, 5% connections and 5% luck !
Sounds corny I know, but I find this to be true.

Depends on the type of designer you want to be but generally designers work under the direction of a Sr Designer or Engineer. Designers make $40 (Graphic designed) -$60K (piping designer) and can make about 50% more with several years of experience. I hope this helps.

It all depends on what type of design you want to get involved in, and what part of the country you are looking for a job. An entry level commercial interior designer can make in the Midwest around 30-40k depending on internship experience and what type of organization you get hired with. If you are looking for a job on the east / west coast, your median pay will be higher, but so will your cost of living. Get involved with local design groups, networking is huge in any industry. It really is sometimes who you know!