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Fine and Studio Arts at Montclair State University

Montclair, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $21,934/yr (-14% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)

ROI 8.6x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #281 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	$511K	$509K	$475K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	8.6x	8.6x	8.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.3x	5.3x	4.9x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	26	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$59,064

Out-of-state: $96,504 (5.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,636

4% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$26,998

14.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$43,683

99% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Montclair State University's Fine and Studio Arts program produces graduates earning $21,934/yr — within striking distance of the $25,391 national average for this field.

A 8.6x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Fine and Studio Arts career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #281 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places Montclair State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $21,934-to-$43,683 earnings arc over five years reflects a 99% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Montclair State University

A 87% acceptance rate means Montclair State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 17,677 students in Montclair, NJ. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Montclair 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

Other Majors at Montclair 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

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at Montclair State University?

At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Fine and Studio Arts degree from Montclair State University?

At $26,998 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →