Fine Arts at California State University-Sacramento
Sacramento, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
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)
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 | $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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,173
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,739
116% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Fine 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 Arts at California State University-Sacramento?
At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is California State University-Sacramento a good choice for Fine 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 →