Fine and Studio Arts at Texas State University

San Marcos, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $28,445/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (5.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #170 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 $464K $467K $440K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.1x 10.2x 9.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.0x 5.0x 4.7x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 31 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$45,800
Out-of-state: $92,840 (5.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$65,752
-44% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,742
10.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,521
39% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $28,445 per year, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Texas State University earn slightly above the $25,391 national median. The premium is real but not dramatic.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% 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 $24,742 against $28,445/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #170 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places Texas State University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

A 39% earnings increase from $28,445 to $39,521 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Texas State University

With 89% of applicants admitted, Texas State University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 34,547 students in San Marcos, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at Texas 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 Texas State 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 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at Texas State University?
At 31/100, 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 →