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Fine and Studio Arts at University at Albany

Albany, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,116/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 9.5x earnings multiple (3.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #285 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 $385K $395K $381K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.3x 9.5x 9.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.3x 3.4x 3.3x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$41,632
Out-of-state: $115,992 (3.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$73,944
-78% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,625
11.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$40,531
101% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University at Albany's Fine and Studio Arts graduates start at $20,116/yr, trailing the $25,391 national average by 21%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 9.5x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $19,625 debt-to-$20,116 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #285 out of 385 programs, University at Albany's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About University at Albany

University at Albany's 70% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, enrolling 12,100 students in Albany, NY. With 42% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Albany →

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

Compare this program → View all 385 schools offering Fine and Studio Arts →

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Columbia University in the City of New York ($51,435) University of Southern California ($50,161) Ramapo College of New Jersey ($44,529) University of Nebraska at Kearney ($40,501) Barnard College ($39,947) Empire State University ($39,946) University of Pennsylvania ($38,820) Minnesota State University-Mankato ($38,717)

Other Majors at University at Albany

Applied Mathematics ($65,604) Accounting and Related Services ($55,124) Mathematics and Statistics, Other ($51,917) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($49,759) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($48,605) Chemistry ($48,276) Mathematics ($45,744) Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management ($45,637)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Fine and Studio Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University at Albany's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Fine and Studio Arts earnings lower at University at Albany?
Lower starting pay at University at Albany may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →