Fine and Studio Arts at California State University-Fresno

Fresno, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,167/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 17.5x earnings multiple (6.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #106 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Fine and Studio Arts graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $488K $488K $458K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.5x 17.5x 16.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.5x 6.5x 6.1x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 30

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$27,920
Out-of-state: $75,440 (6.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$25,920
7% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,409
8.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,618
83% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $22,167 track close to the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

With a 17.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Fine and Studio Arts career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $15,409 against $22,167/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #106 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places California State University-Fresno in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $22,167-to-$40,618 earnings arc over five years reflects a 83% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Fresno

California State University-Fresno has a 96% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 21,070 students enrolled in Fresno, CA. With 56% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Fresno →

Top Career Paths

Art directors $111,040/yr
Special effects artists and animators $99,800/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-Fresno

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at California State University-Fresno?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →