Program Analysis
Graduates earn $25,359/yr, roughly in line with the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
Every dollar of in-state tuition returns an estimated 17.9x in decade earnings — an exceptional ratio that places this among the highest-ROI Fine and Studio Arts programs nationally.
Some AI exposure exists in Fine and Studio Arts's typical career paths, with 36% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 7% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $14,042 represents roughly 7 months of the $25,359 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #38 of 385 programs, California State University-Northridge's Fine and Studio Arts program falls in the top 10%, outperforming most peers on financial outcomes.
Five-year earnings of $45,572 show a 80% jump from the $25,359 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.