Fine and Studio Arts at California State University-Sacramento

Sacramento, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,203/yr (-20% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 17.0x earnings multiple (6.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #108 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 50%

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 $520K $518K $482K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 17.1x 17.0x 15.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.7x 6.6x 6.2x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 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)
$30,408
Out-of-state: $77,928 (6.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$42,048
-38% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,173
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,739
116% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

California State University-Sacramento's Fine and Studio Arts graduates start at $20,203/yr, trailing the $25,391 national average by 20%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

With a 17.0x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $15,173 against $20,203/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #108 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places California State University-Sacramento in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $20,203-to-$43,739 earnings arc over five years reflects a 116% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About California State University-Sacramento

A 94% acceptance rate means California State University-Sacramento is accessible to most applicants, one of the larger campuses at 27,867 students in Sacramento, CA. 49% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

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

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 University-Sacramento

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at California State University-Sacramento?
At 33/100, 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-Sacramento a good choice for Fine and Studio Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If California State University-Sacramento'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 →