Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $14,829/yr fall 42% below the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
An earnings multiple of 2.8x 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 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $14,829 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #378 out of 385 programs, Minneapolis 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 $14,829 to $36,667 over five years (147% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.