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Fine and Studio Arts at University of New Mexico-Main Campus

Albuquerque, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $19,227/yr (-24% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)

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

ROI 13.9x earnings multiple (4.3x out-of-state)

Ranked #283 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	$447K	$451K	$427K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	13.8x	13.9x	13.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.2x	4.3x	4.0x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	26	24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$32,460

Out-of-state: $105,800 (4.3x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$69,912

-115% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$20,323

12.7 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$33,069

72% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $19,227/yr fall 24% below the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 13.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% 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 #283 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places University of New Mexico-Main Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $19,227-to-$33,069 earnings arc over five years reflects a 72% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of New Mexico-Main Campus

University of New Mexico-Main Campus has a 95% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 16,686 students in Albuquerque, NM.

See all programs and financial aid at University of New Mexico-Main Campus →

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 New Mexico-Main Campus

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 does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at University of New Mexico-Main Campus?

At 26/100, 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 New Mexico-Main Campus?

At $20,323 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Is University of New Mexico-Main Campus a good choice for Fine and Studio Arts despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of New Mexico-Main Campus's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

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