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Fine and Studio Arts at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,777/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.5x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #244 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 $522K $519K $483K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 8.5x 8.5x 7.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.8x 2.8x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 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)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,000
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$14,833
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,044
107% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,777/yr, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from University of California-San Diego land near the $25,391 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 8.5x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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 $14,833 against $21,777/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #244 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places University of California-San Diego in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $21,777-to-$45,044 earnings arc over five years reflects a 107% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-San Diego

A 25% acceptance rate puts University of California-San Diego in competitive admissions territory, with 33,787 students enrolled in La Jolla, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-San Diego →

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 of California-San Diego

Computer Science ($112,006) Computer Engineering ($96,256) Mathematics and Computer Science ($89,651) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($80,687) Biomathematics, Bioinformatics, and Computational Biology ($76,592) Mechanical Engineering ($69,555) Biological/Biosystems Engineering ($67,016) Civil Engineering ($65,478)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Fine and Studio Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at University of California-San Diego?
At 27/100, 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 →