Fine and Studio Arts at California State University-Fullerton

Fullerton, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
37 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
37
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,839/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 18.5x earnings multiple (6.9x out-of-state)
Ranked #42 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 25%

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 $525K $522K $486K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 18.6x 18.5x 17.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.9x 6.9x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 37 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,292
Out-of-state: $75,812 (6.9x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$22,584
20% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,917
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,226
102% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $22,839 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 18.5x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $15,917 against $22,839/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

California State University-Fullerton ranks #42 among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

The $22,839-to-$46,226 earnings arc over five years reflects a 102% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Fullerton

California State University-Fullerton has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 36,956 students enrolled in Fullerton, CA. With 47% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

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

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-Fullerton

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 37/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at California State University-Fullerton?
At 37/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is California State University-Fullerton one of the best schools for Fine and Studio Arts?
Among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs, California State University-Fullerton's #42 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →