Visual and Performing Arts, General at Southern Oregon University

Ashland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
17
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,228/yr (-33% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Large (63,400 openings/yr)
ROI 9.8x earnings multiple (3.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #54 of 59 Visual and Performing Arts, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Visual and Performing Arts, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $471K $473K $445K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.7x 9.8x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.8x 3.8x 3.6x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 18 17

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$48,372
Out-of-state: $122,892 (3.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,880
-36% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,833
14.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,291
105% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $17,228 per year, Visual and Performing Arts, General graduates from Southern Oregon University earn below the $25,525 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

At 9.8x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $20,833 debt load exceeds a year of the $17,228 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #54 out of 59 programs, Southern Oregon University's financial outcomes for Visual and Performing Arts, General trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $17,228 to $35,291 over five years (105% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Southern Oregon University

With 83% of applicants admitted, Southern Oregon University prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 2,911 students in Ashland, OR.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Oregon University →

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 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Visual and Performing Arts, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southern Oregon University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Southern Oregon University's Visual and Performing Arts, General program score?
This program scores 18/100 — on the lower end for Visual and Performing Arts, General. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Southern Oregon University Visual and Performing Arts, General graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
How vulnerable is Visual and Performing Arts, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Visual and Performing Arts, General careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 38% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why are Visual and Performing Arts, General earnings lower at Southern Oregon University?
Lower starting pay at Southern Oregon University 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 →