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Fine and Studio Arts at Grinnell College

Grinnell, IA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,111/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 1.5x earnings multiple
Ranked #252 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 $385K $395K $381K
Earnings Multiple 1.5x 1.5x 1.5x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,448
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$62,432
76% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,750
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $20,111 per year, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Grinnell College earn below the $25,391 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 1.5x 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 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $16,750 debt-to-$20,111 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #252 out of 385 programs, Grinnell College's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Grinnell College

With just 13% of applicants admitted, Grinnell College ranks among the nation's most selective schools, a smaller institution with 1,705 students in Grinnell, IA. The average net cost of $62,432 over four years represents a 76% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Grinnell College →

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 Grinnell College

Computer Science ($84,449) Economics ($46,791) History ($39,687) Biochemistry, Biophysics and Molecular Biology ($38,598) Biology, General ($37,170) Political Science and Government ($36,662) Romance Languages, Literatures, and Linguistics ($28,691) Research and Experimental Psychology ($28,507)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Fine and Studio Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Grinnell College's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Fine and Studio Arts earnings lower at Grinnell College?
Lower starting pay at Grinnell College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
How affordable is Fine and Studio Arts at Grinnell College after financial aid?
Sticker price is $259,448, but the average net cost is $62,432 — a 76% 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 →