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Fine and Studio Arts at Columbia University in the City of New York

New York, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $51,435/yr (103% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)

ROI 1.9x earnings multiple

Ranked #46 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	$522K	$519K	$483K
Earnings Multiple	1.9x	1.9x	1.8x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	37	37	31

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)

$276,180

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$80,592

71% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

6.3 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$55,731

8% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $51,435 per year, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Columbia University in the City of New York significantly outpace the $25,391 national average for this major, reflecting strong employer demand for this program's graduates.

An earnings multiple of 1.9x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt-to-$51,435 income ratio translates to about 6 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #46 out of 385 programs, Columbia University in the City of New York's Fine and Studio Arts program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $51,435 to $55,731 over five years (8% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Columbia University in the City of New York

With just 4% of applicants admitted, Columbia University in the City of New York ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a mid-sized student body of 8,899 in New York, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $80,592 over four years — 71% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbia University in the City of New York →

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 Columbia University in the City of New York

Consider the Trade Route?

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

How does Columbia University in the City of New York's Fine and Studio Arts program score?

This program scores 37/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

Why does Columbia University in the City of New York rank so high for Fine and Studio Arts?

The #46 ranking out of 385 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.

How affordable is Fine and Studio Arts at Columbia University in the City of New York after financial aid?

Sticker price is $276,180, but the average net cost is $80,592 — a 71% discount. For students who qualify for aid, this program is considerably more affordable than it appears.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →