Fine and Studio Arts at Pacific Northwest College of Art

Portland, OR · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
20 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
20
Optimistic
20
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,906/yr (2% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #359 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 $420K $426K $407K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.3x 2.2x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 20 20 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$188,504
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$163,384
13% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
11.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$30,577
18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $25,906/yr, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Pacific Northwest College of Art land near the $25,391 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 2.3x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 3% 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 $25,000 against $25,906/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #359 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places Pacific Northwest College of Art in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $25,906 to $30,577 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Pacific Northwest College of Art

Pacific Northwest College of Art accepts 69% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a compact campus enrolling 412 students in Portland, OR. 44% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Pacific Northwest College of Art →

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 Pacific Northwest College of Art

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 20/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at Pacific Northwest College of Art?
At 20/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →