Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $20,866/yr fall 18% below the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
At 10.0x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $26,296 debt load exceeds a year of the $20,866 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #319 out of 385 programs, Portland State University's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $20,866 to $33,420 over five years (60% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.