Fine and Studio Arts at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,052/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 14.6x earnings multiple (5.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #217 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 $457K $461K $435K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 14.5x 14.6x 13.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 5.8x 5.8x 5.5x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 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)
$31,652
Out-of-state: $79,172 (5.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,668
-66% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,199
10.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,523
69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $21,052 per year, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt earn below the $25,391 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

The 14.6x 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 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $18,199 debt-to-$21,052 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

At #217 out of 385 programs, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $21,052 to $35,523 over five years (69% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

With 99% of applicants admitted, California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt prioritizes broad access, serving 5,491 students in Arcata, CA. With 46% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt →

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 California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Fine and Studio Arts earnings lower at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt?
Lower starting pay at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →