Fine and Studio Arts at Empire State University

Saratoga Springs, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
47
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,946/yr (57% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 15.7x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 1%

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 $478K $480K $451K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.7x 15.7x 14.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.8x 6.8x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 47 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,520
Out-of-state: $70,160 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$44,588
-46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,688
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Empire State University Fine and Studio Arts graduates command $39,946/yr out of the gate, well above the $25,391 national median. That 57% premium suggests the program's reputation carries real labor-market weight.

The 15.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

Loan repayment is a non-issue here — $13,688 in median debt clears quickly against $39,946 in annual earnings.

A #5 ranking out of 385 programs puts Empire State University in the top 1% for Fine and Studio Arts. By our composite measure, very few programs deliver stronger results.

About Empire State University

with a mid-sized student body of 7,046 in Saratoga Springs, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Empire 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

Compare Fine and Studio Arts

Other Majors at Empire State University

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 Empire State University's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Empire State University rank so high for Fine and Studio Arts?
The #5 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.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →