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Visual & Performing Arts at SUNY at Purchase College

Purchase, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Visual and Performing Arts, General

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $22,024/yr (-14% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

Job Market Large (63,400 openings/yr)

ROI 11.3x earnings multiple (5.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #32 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 & Performing Arts graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$395K	$404K	$389K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.0x	11.3x	10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.2x	5.3x	5.2x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	23	21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$35,812

Out-of-state: $75,452 (5.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$76,268

-113% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

14.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $22,024/yr, Visual & Performing Arts graduates from SUNY at Purchase College land near the $25,525 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 11.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 1% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Visual & Performing Arts career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.2x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #32 ranking among 59 Visual & Performing Arts programs places SUNY at Purchase College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

About SUNY at Purchase College

With 73% of applicants admitted, SUNY at Purchase College prioritizes broad access, a compact campus enrolling 3,110 students in Purchase, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY at Purchase College →

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 & Performing Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at SUNY at Purchase College

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Visual & Performing Arts at SUNY at Purchase College?

At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Visual & Performing Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Visual & Performing Arts degree from SUNY at Purchase College?

At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Visual & Performing Arts at SUNY at Purchase College?

The 38% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →