Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $20,809/yr fall 18% below the $25,525 national median for Visual and Performing Arts, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
An earnings multiple of 1.5x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $20,809 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #58 out of 59 programs, Bennington College's financial outcomes for Visual and Performing Arts, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.