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Fine and Studio Arts at SUNY Buffalo State University

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $24,041/yr (-5% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)

ROI 14.7x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #120 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 50%

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	$501K	$501K	$468K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.8x	14.7x	13.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.6x	6.6x	6.2x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	34	33	30

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$33,944

Out-of-state: $75,624 (6.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,916

-68% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,000

9.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$43,608

81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $24,041/yr, roughly in line with the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 14.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Fine and Studio Arts career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $19,000 against $24,041/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #120 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places SUNY Buffalo State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $24,041-to-$43,608 earnings arc over five years reflects a 81% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About SUNY Buffalo State University

SUNY Buffalo State University accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 5,358 students in Buffalo, NY. 53% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at SUNY Buffalo State 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 SUNY Buffalo State University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at SUNY Buffalo State University?

At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

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