Fine and Studio Arts at Spalding University

Louisville, KY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
19
Pessimistic
Earnings $14,940/yr (-41% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 3.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #350 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 $361K $373K $363K
Earnings Multiple 3.2x 3.3x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 21 21 19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$111,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$97,056
13% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
21.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Spalding University's Fine and Studio Arts graduates start at $14,940/yr, trailing the $25,391 national average by 41%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

The 3.3x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the -0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $14,940 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #350 out of 385 programs, Spalding University's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Spalding University

A 99% acceptance rate means Spalding University is accessible to most applicants, a smaller institution with 597 students in Louisville, KY.

See all programs and financial aid at Spalding 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 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Spalding 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 Spalding University's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Spalding University Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.8x 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 Spalding University?
Lower starting pay at Spalding 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 →