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Visual & Performing Arts · Performing Arts Studies Rank #5 of 8

Performing Arts Studiesat Clemson University

Graduates earn $24,229/yr in their first year — about 2.0% below the national Performing Arts Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $414K; scenarios range from $399K to $405K depending on AI disruption.

Clemson, SC Public Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
19 AT RISK
19
Optimistic
15
Pessimistic
Earnings
$24,229
1-year post-graduation
ROI
2.9x
Earnings : in-state tuition
10-yr Base
$414K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
48% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Clemson University

Clemson's "Other Visual and Performing Arts" program offers a distinct, interdisciplinary path, setting it apart from more conventional arts degrees. This unique focus means your career trajectory often requires significant self-direction and entrepreneurial spirit, as established pipelines for such niche fields are less common. Graduates frequently find opportunities by blending their artistic skills with complementary areas like community engagement, digital media, or arts administration, rather than direct commercial art production.

The regional job market in South Carolina, while supportive of cultural institutions, isn't a major hub for high-paying roles in these specialized arts. Many graduates either create their own ventures, pursue further education, or relocate to larger arts centers. Given the high AI risk identified, developing a highly personalized, human-centric portfolio and combining your arts background with tech or business acumen will be crucial. Consider internships that bridge art with other sectors to broaden your post-graduation prospects.

AI Outlook Integration

Three scenarios, ten years out

Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$399K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score15/100
Earnings Multiple6.4x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$414K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score19/100
Earnings Multiple6.7x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$405K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score19/100
Earnings Multiple6.5x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Clemson University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Performing Arts Studies graduates typically work

Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.

1
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 9,000 openings/yr
$80,190/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Performing Arts Studies

How Clemson University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
University of California-San Diego
CA · Public
28
DW Score
$34K
1-yr earn
4.6x
ROI
Top score
SUNY at Purchase College
NY · Public
39
DW Score
$31K
1-yr earn
15.6x
ROI
New York University
NY · Private nonprofit
20
DW Score
$29K
1-yr earn
1.7x
ROI
Illinois State University
IL · Public
19
DW Score
$24K
1-yr earn
5.9x
ROI
Millikin University
IL · Private nonprofit
15
DW Score
$23K
1-yr earn
1.1x
ROI
Also at Clemson University

Other top programs at Clemson University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Clemson University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Performing Arts Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Performing Arts Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Performing Arts Studies at Clemson University

How does Clemson University's Performing Arts Studies program score?

This program scores 19/100 — on the lower end for Performing Arts Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.

How vulnerable is Performing Arts Studies to AI automation?

AI won't 'replace' Performing Arts Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.