Fine and Studio Arts at University of South Alabama

Mobile, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,527/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 12.7x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #212 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 $489K $490K $459K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.6x 12.7x 11.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.6x 6.6x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 28 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,704
Out-of-state: $74,608 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$60,568
-56% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,066
17.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,891
94% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $20,527 per year, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from University of South Alabama earn below the $25,391 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 12.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $30,066 debt load exceeds a year of the $20,527 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #212 out of 385 programs, University of South Alabama's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $20,527 to $39,891 over five years (94% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About University of South Alabama

University of South Alabama accepts 65% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 8,540 in Mobile, AL.

See all programs and financial aid at University of South Alabama →

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 South Alabama

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

How does University of South Alabama's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of South Alabama Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x 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 South Alabama?
Lower starting pay at University of South Alabama 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 →