Home › Central Michigan University › Fine and Studio Arts

Fine and Studio Arts at Central Michigan University

Mount Pleasant, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,117/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #330 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs

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 $470K $472K $444K
Earnings Multiple 8.3x 8.3x 7.8x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$56,760
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,164
-13% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000
20.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,717
97% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $18,117 per year, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Central Michigan University earn below the $25,391 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

A 8.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% 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 a 1.7x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #330 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places Central Michigan University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $18,117-to-$35,717 earnings arc over five years reflects a 97% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Central Michigan University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Central Michigan University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 9,916 in Mount Pleasant, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Central Michigan University →

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

Compare this program → View all 385 schools offering Fine and Studio Arts →

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Columbia University in the City of New York ($51,435) University of Southern California ($50,161) Ramapo College of New Jersey ($44,529) University of Nebraska at Kearney ($40,501) Barnard College ($39,947) Empire State University ($39,946) University of Pennsylvania ($38,820) Minnesota State University-Mankato ($38,717)

Other Majors at Central Michigan University

Computer Science ($74,135) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($71,457) Mechanical Engineering ($69,862) Management Information Systems and Services ($68,088) Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods ($66,149) Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians ($64,284) Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians ($63,862) Accounting and Related Services ($62,430)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Fine and Studio Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at Central Michigan University?
At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Fine and Studio Arts degree from Central Michigan University?
At $31,000 in median debt, graduates carry 21 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Central Michigan University a good choice for Fine and Studio Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Central Michigan University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →