Fine and Studio Arts at California State University-East Bay

Hayward, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
49 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
50
Optimistic
49
Base Case
44
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,220/yr (31% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 19.1x earnings multiple (7.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 1%

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 $544K $540K $500K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 19.3x 19.1x 17.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 7.2x 7.1x 6.6x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 50 49 44

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,220
Out-of-state: $75,740 (7.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$45,104
-60% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,625
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$54,563
64% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of California State University-East Bay's Fine and Studio Arts program earn $33,220/yr in their first year — 31% above the $25,391 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

With a 19.1x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 8% 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 $16,625 against $33,220/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs nationally, California State University-East Bay ranks #2 — elite territory by any measure of graduate financial outcomes.

The $33,220-to-$54,563 earnings arc over five years reflects a 64% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-East Bay

California State University-East Bay has a 97% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving 10,422 students in Hayward, CA. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at California State University-East Bay →

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

Compare Fine and Studio Arts

Other Majors at California State University-East Bay

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

What does a 49/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at California State University-East Bay?
At 49/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is California State University-East Bay one of the best schools for Fine and Studio Arts?
Among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs, California State University-East Bay's #2 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →