Fine and Studio Arts at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

Philadelphia, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
15 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
16
Optimistic
15
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $10,780/yr (-58% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #385 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 $462K $464K $438K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.5x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 15 14

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$178,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$180,088
-1% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,625
28.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,984
169% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $10,780 per year, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts earn below the $25,391 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

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 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,625 debt load relative to $10,780/yr starting earnings is steep. Graduates face an extended repayment timeline that materially affects post-graduation finances.

At #385 out of 385 programs, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $10,780 to $28,984 over five years (169% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts

With 88% of applicants admitted, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 99 students in Philadelphia, PA.

See all programs and financial aid at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts →

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

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

How does Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 15/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 2.4x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Fine and Studio Arts earnings lower at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts?
Lower starting pay at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →