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Fine and Studio Arts at Tennessee Technological University

Cookeville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $19,231/yr (-24% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)

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

ROI 12.2x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #292 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	$490K	$491K	$460K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	12.2x	12.2x	11.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	6.1x	6.1x	5.7x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	27	26	25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$40,336

Out-of-state: $80,464 (6.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$56,828

-41% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$13,500

8.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$39,208

104% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $19,231 per year, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Tennessee Technological University earn below the $25,391 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

With a 12.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% 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 $13,500 against $19,231/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #292 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places Tennessee Technological University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $19,231-to-$39,208 earnings arc over five years reflects a 104% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Tennessee Technological University

With 83% of applicants admitted, Tennessee Technological University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 8,495 in Cookeville, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at Tennessee Technological 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 Tennessee Technological University

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 Tennessee Technological University?

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

Is Tennessee Technological University a good choice for Fine and Studio Arts despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If Tennessee Technological University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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