Program Analysis
Graduates earn $26,795/yr, edging above the $25,391 national average for Fine and Studio Arts — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.4x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Fine and Studio Arts's typical career paths, with 36% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 6% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $22,500 represents roughly 10 months of the $26,795 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #199 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs, Northern Illinois University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $41,109 show a 53% jump from the $26,795 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.