Fine and Studio Arts at Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Boston, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,461/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 7.6x earnings multiple (2.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #329 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 $451K $455K $430K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.5x 7.6x 7.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.7x 2.7x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 23 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,840
Out-of-state: $168,720 (2.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$95,056
-59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,513
14.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,716
62% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,461 per year, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Massachusetts College of Art and Design earn below the $25,391 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 7.6x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,513 debt load exceeds a year of the $21,461 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #329 out of 385 programs, Massachusetts College of Art and Design's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $21,461 to $34,716 over five years (62% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Massachusetts College of Art and Design

With 77% of applicants admitted, Massachusetts College of Art and Design prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,812 students in Boston, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Massachusetts College of Art and Design →

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 Massachusetts College of Art and Design

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 Massachusetts College of Art and Design's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Massachusetts College of Art and Design Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Fine and Studio Arts earnings lower at Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
Lower starting pay at Massachusetts College of Art and Design may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →