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Visual and Performing Arts, General at University of Houston-Downtown

Houston, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $19,527/yr (-23% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

Job Market Large (63,400 openings/yr)

ROI 13.7x earnings multiple (6.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #46 of 59 Visual and Performing Arts, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Visual and Performing Arts, General graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$417K	$424K	$405K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.5x	13.7x	13.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.9x	6.0x	5.7x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	20	20	18

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$30,832

Out-of-state: $71,152 (6.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$58,492

-90% less than sticker · See by income

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$28,279

45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $19,527/yr fall 23% below the $25,525 national median for Visual and Performing Arts, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 13.7x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Visual and Performing Arts, General programs nationally.

Some AI exposure exists in Visual and Performing Arts, General's typical career paths, with 38% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 3% gap from the optimistic case.

Ranked #46 of 59 Visual and Performing Arts, General programs, University of Houston-Downtown falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.

Earnings grow from $19,527 to $28,279 over five years — a 45% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.

About University of Houston-Downtown

University of Houston-Downtown has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 12,812 students in Houston, TX. With 52% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Houston-Downtown →

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 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Visual and Performing Arts, General at Other Schools

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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Visual and Performing Arts, General at University of Houston-Downtown?

A score of 20/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Visual and Performing Arts, General. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.

Will AI replace Visual and Performing Arts, General careers?

With 38% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $405,169 in decade earnings vs $416,698 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.

Can you still earn well with Visual and Performing Arts, General from University of Houston-Downtown?

First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.

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