Entry Level Salary
$33,476
Median Salary
$65,000
Unemployment Rate
4.9%
Avg: 2.2%
Underemployment Rate
32.7%
Working non-college jobs
Earnings Trajectory
Lifetime: $2,600,000
Entry (Early)
$33,476
Median (Prime)
$65,000
High (Prime)
$64,894
ROI Sensitivity AnalysisAssuming 4 Years to Graduation
This analysis tests three "What-If" scenarios. While most students start at the Entry Level, calculating ROI using Median and High salaries helps illustrate the potential long-term payoff for top performers relative to the degree cost.
Lifetime Value Added (NPV)
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
-154k
+122k
+121k
$25k / yr
-244k
+32k
+31k
$50k / yr
-334k
-58k
-59k
Break-even Age
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
Never
31
31
$25k / yr
Never
48
48
$50k / yr
Never
Never
Never
Return on Investment %
Entry Level
Median
High
$0 Cost
0%
∞
∞
$25k / yr
-225%
29%
28%
$50k / yr
-154%
-27%
-27%
Sensitivity Analysis Methodology: These grids assume you begin your career earning the salary specified in the column header (Entry Level = conservative baseline, Median/High = potential upside).
Important Note: Your ROI with any major will depend on the cost you pay to attend the program, and your starting salary. Both vary significantly across institutions. We encourage you to explore the ROI of a specific program variant by selecting the Program title of the credential level you are interested in. You will then have a more detailed return analysis for programs at specific institutions. We also encourage you to use the ROI calculator, or for more sophisticated analysis, the Guided ROI Interview, with your specific estimates of cost and salary.
Education Impact
Advanced Degree Rate22.7%
Analysis: Most graduates enter the workforce directly with a Bachelor's degree.
Top Professions
Artists and related workers
5.4% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$34,217
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,475|$99,060
openings
21,700 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.7%
Elementary and middle school teachers
4.5% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$41,296
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$57,388|$62,500
openings
132,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -2%
Graphic designers
4.2% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$46,856
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$60,000|$61,300
openings
20,000 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.1%
Management occupations
3.8% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$45,020
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$86,082|$122,090
openings
1,147,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +6.1%
Postsecondary teachers
3.1% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$17,701
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$59,652|$81,600
openings
136,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +5.9%
Secondary school teachers
2.9% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$33,765
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$62,475|$64,530
openings
72,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): -1.6%
Art and design workers
2.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$66,074
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$75,000|$53,180
openings
84,900 /yr
Growth (10yr): +2.3%
First-line supervisors of retail sales workers
2.1% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$30,000
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$52,000|$47,320
openings
125,100 /yr
Growth (10yr): -5%
Retail salespersons
1.8% of graduates map to this role
Stable
Entry Salary
$17,698
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$29,497|$34,580
openings
555,800 /yr
Growth (10yr): -0.5%
Other teachers and instructors
1.5% of graduates map to this role
Growing
Entry Salary
$20,825
Median Salary (PUMS | BLS)
$33,476|$44,220
openings
171,400 /yr
Growth (10yr): +1.4%
About this Data:
- Entry: Median salary for graduates aged 27 and under (PUMS).
- Median (PUMS | BLS): Comparison of this major's graduates vs. the national market average for the role.
- Growth & Openings: 10-year national projections (2024–2034).
Program Variants & Earnings Ranges
Summary of specific program titles and credential levels mapped to this major, showing the range of earnings across different colleges.
Completers Only: Federal median earnings data strictly reflects outcomes for students who successfully graduated. Students who do not complete their degree typically earn significantly less and face higher risks of debt default.
| Program Title | Credential Level | # Colleges | Median Earnings Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| fine and studio arts. | Undergrad Certificate | 56 | $31,707 - $49,440 |
| fine and studio arts. | Associate's Degree | 303 | $17,588 - $71,302 |
| fine and studio arts. | Bachelor's Degree | 1032 | $16,981 - $72,428 |
| fine and studio arts. | Post-bacc Certificate | 5 | Data N/A |
| fine and studio arts. | Master's Degree | 253 | $24,720 - $99,698 |
| fine and studio arts. | Doctoral Degree | 50 | Data N/A |
| fine and studio arts. | Level 99 | 20 | $43,919 - $51,176 |