Fine Arts at California State University-Long Beach
Long Beach, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,493/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
17.9x earnings multiple (6.6x 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 | $503K | $502K | $469K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 17.9x | 17.9x | 16.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.7x | 6.6x | 6.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 34 | 34 | 31 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$28,032
Out-of-state: $75,552 (6.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,500
9.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,341
97% growth from Year 1
About California State University-Long Beach
A 47% admission rate makes California State University-Long Beach accessible to a wide range of qualified students, one of the larger campuses at 34,131 students in Long Beach, CA. With 49% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at California State University-Long Beach →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 University-Long Beach
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 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine Arts at California State University-Long Beach?
At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is California State University-Long Beach one of the best schools for Fine Arts?
Among 385 Fine Arts programs, California State University-Long Beach's #89 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Is California State University-Long Beach a good choice for Fine Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Long Beach's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →