Fine and Studio Arts at University of Kansas

Lawrence, KS · Public · Bachelor's Degree
23 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,629/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 10.0x earnings multiple (4.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #327 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 $468K $470K $443K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.0x 10.0x 9.5x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.0x 4.0x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 23 23 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,800
Out-of-state: $117,648 (4.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$69,460
-48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$17,500
12.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,492
107% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

University of Kansas's Fine and Studio Arts graduates start at $16,629/yr, trailing the $25,391 national average by 35%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 10.0x 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 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $17,500 debt load exceeds a year of the $16,629 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #327 out of 385 programs, University of Kansas's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $16,629 to $34,492 over five years (107% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of Kansas

A 88% acceptance rate means University of Kansas is accessible to most applicants, serving 19,857 students in Lawrence, KS.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Kansas →

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 University of Kansas

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

How does University of Kansas's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of Kansas Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Fine and Studio Arts earnings lower at University of Kansas?
Lower starting pay at University of Kansas 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 →