Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $22,617 track close to the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 14.5x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Fine and Studio Arts programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Fine and Studio Arts's typical career paths, with 36% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $25,239 against $22,617/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.1 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.
At #111 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs, University of Idaho scores above the median — competitive but not a standout.
Five-year earnings of $44,641 show a 97% jump from the $22,617 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.