Fine Arts at California State University-San Bernardino

San Bernardino, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $14,447/yr (-43% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 16.3x earnings multiple (6.4x out-of-state)
Ranked #243 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs

Program Analysis

The earnings data for Fine and Studio Arts at Cal State San Bernardino highlights a common reality for graduates from regional public university art programs. While the program offers a solid foundation in artistic expression, it often emphasizes personal development over direct vocational training for high-paying roles. Graduates frequently enter a competitive landscape, often pursuing freelance work, local gallery representation, or roles in smaller creative enterprises within the Inland Empire, which lacks the extensive art market and industry density of nearby Los Angeles. Securing positions like art director or animator typically requires significant networking, specialized portfolio development, and often further training beyond a general studio arts degree. To maximize your prospects, actively seek out internships and build a portfolio focused on specific, in-demand commercial art or design skills while you study.

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 $502K $501K $469K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 16.4x 16.3x 15.3x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.4x 6.4x 6.0x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,700
Out-of-state: $78,220 (6.4x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$23,672
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,469
12.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,910
155% growth from Year 1

About California State University-San Bernardino

California State University-San Bernardino has a 98% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 15,771 in San Bernardino, CA. Pell Grant recipients make up 57% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

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

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 Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at California State University-San Bernardino

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

How does California State University-San Bernardino's Fine Arts program score?
This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do California State University-San Bernardino Fine Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Fine Arts earnings lower at California State University-San Bernardino?
Lower starting pay at California State University-San Bernardino may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →