Fine and Studio Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University

Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
24 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,916/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 7.2x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #321 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 $472K $474K $446K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.2x 7.2x 6.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 3.0x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 24 24 22

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$77,808
-18% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
11.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,214
74% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,916/yr, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Virginia Commonwealth University land near the $25,391 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 7.2x 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 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,500 debt-to-$21,916 income ratio translates to about 12 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #321 out of 385 programs, Virginia Commonwealth University's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $21,916 to $38,214 over five years (74% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Virginia Commonwealth University

With 93% of applicants admitted, Virginia Commonwealth University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 20,797 students in Richmond, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth University →

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 Virginia Commonwealth University

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Virginia Commonwealth University's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →