Program Analysis
At $26,180/yr, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Salem State University land near the $25,391 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
The 10.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.
AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $26,180 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
Ranked #162 out of 385 programs, Salem State University's Fine and Studio Arts offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth from $26,180 to $44,271 over five years (69% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.