Fine and Studio Arts at Colorado State University-Fort Collins

Fort Collins, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree
34 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
34
Optimistic
34
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings $30,143/yr (19% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 9.5x earnings multiple (3.6x out-of-state)
Ranked #91 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 25%

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 $490K $490K $460K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.5x 9.5x 8.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.6x 3.6x 3.4x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 34 34 29

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$51,584
Out-of-state: $135,004 (3.6x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,328
-58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,500
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,547
48% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Colorado State University-Fort Collins's Fine and Studio Arts graduates start at $30,143/yr — above the $25,391 national average, though not by a wide margin.

A 9.5x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 6% 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 $20,500 against $30,143/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

Colorado State University-Fort Collins ranks #91 among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs, placing it in the top 5% nationally by our financial outcomes measure.

A 48% earnings increase from $30,143 to $44,547 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Colorado State University-Fort Collins

A 90% acceptance rate means Colorado State University-Fort Collins is accessible to most applicants, with 25,148 students enrolled in Fort Collins, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at Colorado State University-Fort Collins →

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 Colorado State University-Fort Collins

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

What does a 34/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at Colorado State University-Fort Collins?
At 34/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Colorado State University-Fort Collins one of the best schools for Fine and Studio Arts?
Among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs, Colorado State University-Fort Collins's #91 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →