Fine and Studio Arts at Cleveland Institute of Art

Cleveland, OH · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings $18,839/yr (-26% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #265 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs

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 $379K $389K $377K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 25

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$191,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$165,920
13% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
17.2 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

At $18,839 per year, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Cleveland Institute of Art earn below the $25,391 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 2.0x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 1% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $27,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $18,839 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #265 out of 385 programs, Cleveland Institute of Art's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

About Cleveland Institute of Art

Cleveland Institute of Art accepts 56% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, a smaller institution with 560 students in Cleveland, OH.

See all programs and financial aid at Cleveland Institute of Art →

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 Cleveland Institute of Art

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cleveland Institute of Art's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Cleveland Institute of Art Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.4x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Fine and Studio Arts earnings lower at Cleveland Institute of Art?
Lower starting pay at Cleveland Institute of Art 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 →