Program Analysis
Graduates earn $23,102/yr, roughly in line with the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The 13.3x 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 $19,500 debt-to-$23,102 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
Ranked #174 out of 385 programs, Western Washington University's Fine and Studio Arts offering sits in the upper half but doesn't break into the top tier.
Earnings growth from $23,102 to $41,889 over five years (81% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.