Fine Arts at California State Polytechnic University-Humboldt
Arcata, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,199
10.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,523
69% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Fine 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 Arts program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Fine 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 →