Fine and Studio Arts at Williams College

Williamstown, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
30
Optimistic
29
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,560/yr (36% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.2x earnings multiple
Ranked #204 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 $581K $573K $528K
Earnings Multiple 2.2x 2.2x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 29 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$259,440
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,408
77% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$11,850
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$60,801
76% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Williams College's Fine and Studio Arts program earn $34,560/yr in their first year — 36% above the $25,391 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 2.2x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 9% 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 $11,850 in median debt against $34,560 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

A #204 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places Williams College in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $34,560-to-$60,801 earnings arc over five years reflects a 76% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Williams College

Williams College admits 10% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, with a smaller student body of 2,060 in Williamstown, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $59,408 — 77% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Williams College →

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 Williams College

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

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 29/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at Williams College?
At 29/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What do students actually pay for Fine and Studio Arts at Williams College?
The 77% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $259,440. At a net cost of $59,408, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →