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Fine and Studio Arts at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

La Crosse, WI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
25 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $19,407/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 11.9x earnings multiple (6.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #311 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 $456K $460K $434K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.8x 11.9x 11.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.1x 6.1x 5.8x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 25 25 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,604
Out-of-state: $74,764 (6.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$61,496
-59% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,125
11.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,538
78% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $19,407/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 11.9x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% 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 $19,125 against $19,407/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #311 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places University of Wisconsin-La Crosse in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $19,407-to-$34,538 earnings arc over five years reflects a 78% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

University of Wisconsin-La Crosse has a 73% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 9,194 students in La Crosse, WI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse →

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

Compare this program → View all 385 schools offering Fine and Studio Arts →

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Columbia University in the City of New York ($51,435) University of Southern California ($50,161) Ramapo College of New Jersey ($44,529) University of Nebraska at Kearney ($40,501) Barnard College ($39,947) Empire State University ($39,946) University of Pennsylvania ($38,820) Minnesota State University-Mankato ($38,717)

Other Majors at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse

Clinical/Medical Laboratory Science/Research and Allied Professions ($68,564) Management Information Systems and Services ($67,661) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($65,243) Accounting and Related Services ($62,450) Allied Health Diagnostic, Intervention, and Treatment Professions ($60,232) Finance and Financial Management Services ($55,965) Physics ($54,428) Microbiological Sciences and Immunology ($54,290)

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

Compare Fine and Studio Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 25/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at University of Wisconsin-La Crosse?
At 25/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is University of Wisconsin-La Crosse a good choice for Fine and Studio Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of Wisconsin-La Crosse'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 →