Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $18,903/yr fall 24% below the $24,833 national median for Visual and Performing Arts, Other. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
An earnings multiple of 2.2x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 44% task exposure — and the -0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $24,526 debt load exceeds a year of the $18,903 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
With only 8 programs offering Visual and Performing Arts, Other nationally, this is a niche field. Elon University ranks #7 among them.