Fine and Studio Arts at North Carolina Central University

Durham, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,980/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 15.4x earnings multiple (5.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #188 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 50%

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 $394K $403K $388K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.1x 15.4x 14.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 5.1x 4.9x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 30 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$26,168
Out-of-state: $78,312 (5.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,112
-130% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000
16.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$28,300
29% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,980/yr, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from North Carolina Central University land near the $25,391 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 15.4x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 2% 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 1.4x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #188 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places North Carolina Central University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

About North Carolina Central University

With 90% of applicants admitted, North Carolina Central University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 5,400 students in Durham, NC. 57% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at North Carolina Central 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 North Carolina Central 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 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at North Carolina Central University?
At 30/100, 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 North Carolina Central University?
At $31,000 in median debt, graduates carry 17 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 →