Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $25,053 track close to the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
An earnings multiple of 2.6x 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 11% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $26,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $25,053 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #332 out of 385 programs, New York University's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $25,053 to $62,042 over five years (148% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.