Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $20,809/yr fall 18% below the $25,525 national median for Visual & Performing Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
An earnings multiple of 1.5x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.
AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $20,809 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #58 out of 59 programs, Bennington College's financial outcomes for Visual & Performing Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.