Fine Arts at Appalachian State University
Boone, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings
$22,120/yr (-13% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
14.9x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Fine Arts graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $446K | $450K | $427K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 14.8x | 14.9x | 14.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.5x | 4.6x | 4.3x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 29 | 28 | 26 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,164
Out-of-state: $98,148 (4.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,267
12.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,209
55% growth from Year 1
About Appalachian State University
Appalachian State University accepts 89% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, with a mid-sized student body of 19,304 in Boone, NC.
See all programs and financial aid at Appalachian State 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
Compare & Explore
Fine Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Appalachian State University
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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Fine Arts at Appalachian State University?
A score of 28/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Fine Arts. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Fine Arts at Appalachian State University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $22,267 against $22,120/yr starting salary means roughly 1.0 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →