Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $20,171/yr fall 21% below the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
An earnings multiple of 2.0x 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 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $19,000 debt-to-$20,171 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #371 out of 385 programs, Smith College's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $20,171 to $38,376 over five years (90% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.