Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $19,566 place Michigan State University below the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.
At 8.1x 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 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,875 debt load exceeds a year of the $19,566 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #299 out of 385 programs, Michigan State University's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $19,566 to $43,016 over five years (120% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.