Program Analysis
At $21,773/yr, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Western Michigan University land near the $25,391 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.
At 6.6x 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 2% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $21,773 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #301 out of 385 programs, Western Michigan University's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.