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Fine and Studio Arts at East Tennessee State University

Johnson City, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
22 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
22
Optimistic
22
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,696/yr (-34% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 10.6x earnings multiple (7.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #346 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 $413K $420K $402K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.4x 10.6x 10.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.5x 7.6x 7.3x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 22 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$39,800
Out-of-state: $55,160 (7.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$63,176
-59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,000
15.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$26,651
60% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $16,696/yr fall 34% below the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 10.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% 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 #346 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places East Tennessee State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $16,696-to-$26,651 earnings arc over five years reflects a 60% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About East Tennessee State University

East Tennessee State University has a 87% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 9,807 students in Johnson City, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at East Tennessee 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

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 East Tennessee State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($64,459) Engineering Technology, General ($56,551) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($52,008) Dental Support Services and Allied Professions ($51,316) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($48,671) Accounting and Related Services ($44,834) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($40,276) Finance and Financial Management Services ($39,936)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Fine and Studio Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 22/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at East Tennessee State University?
At 22/100, 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 East Tennessee State University?
At $22,000 in median debt, graduates carry 16 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is East Tennessee State University a good choice for Fine and Studio Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If East Tennessee State 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 →