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Fine and Studio Arts at University of Memphis

Memphis, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $26,451/yr (4% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)

ROI 11.6x earnings multiple (8.1x out-of-state)

Ranked #168 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 50%

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	$477K	$479K	$450K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	11.5x	11.6x	10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	8.1x	8.1x	7.6x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	31	31	27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$41,376

Out-of-state: $59,136 (8.1x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$53,012

-28% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$28,750

13.0 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$41,028

55% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $26,451/yr, roughly in line with the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

With a 11.6x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% 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 a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #168 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places University of Memphis in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $26,451-to-$41,028 earnings arc over five years reflects a 55% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Memphis

University of Memphis accepts 93% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 13,645 students in Memphis, TN.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Memphis →

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 Memphis

Explore the Trade Alternative

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

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at University of Memphis?

At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Fine and Studio Arts degree from University of Memphis?

At $28,750 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

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