Fine and Studio Arts at Columbus State University

Columbus, GA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $22,798/yr (-10% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 17.7x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #159 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 $398K $406K $390K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.3x 17.7x 17.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.9x 6.0x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 31 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$23,004
Out-of-state: $67,220 (6.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,556
-107% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,983
15.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$27,436
20% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Columbus State University's Fine and Studio Arts program produces graduates earning $22,798/yr — within striking distance of the $25,391 national average for this field.

With a 17.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% 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 1.3x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #159 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places Columbus State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About Columbus State University

A 99% acceptance rate means Columbus State University is accessible to most applicants, serving 5,537 students in Columbus, GA. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Columbus State 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

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Columbus State University

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 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at Columbus State University?
At 31/100, 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 Columbus State University?
At $29,983 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →