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Fine and Studio Arts at SUNY College at Potsdam

Potsdam, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $22,964/yr (-10% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)

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

ROI 12.3x earnings multiple (5.7x out-of-state)

Ranked #286 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	$422K	$428K	$408K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.1x	12.3x	11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.7x	5.7x	5.5x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	26	23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$34,848

Out-of-state: $74,488 (5.7x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$57,180

-64% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$27,000

14.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$30,266

32% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $22,964/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 12.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 3% 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 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 #286 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places SUNY College at Potsdam in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 32% earnings increase from $22,964 to $30,266 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About SUNY College at Potsdam

SUNY College at Potsdam accepts 85% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 1,951 students in Potsdam, NY. Pell Grant recipients make up 43% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

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

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 College at Potsdam

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 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at SUNY College at Potsdam?

At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Fine and Studio Arts degree from SUNY College at Potsdam?

At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

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