Fine Arts at Cornell University

Ithaca, NY · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
32 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
32
Optimistic
32
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,073/yr (22% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.6x earnings multiple
Ranked #144 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

At Cornell, your Fine and Studio Arts degree carries the significant weight of an Ivy League brand, which often opens doors far beyond traditional gallery spaces. This prestige signals not just artistic talent but also a rigorous academic foundation and strong critical thinking skills, highly valued in broader creative industries. You'll find graduates leveraging their artistic acumen in roles like art direction for major advertising agencies, design leadership in tech companies, or even curatorial positions in competitive institutions, where the robust alumni network provides invaluable connections. The program likely emphasizes conceptual development alongside technical mastery, preparing you for adaptable, high-impact creative careers. To fully capitalize on this, actively seek interdisciplinary experiences and network broadly across campus.

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 $691K $674K $610K
Earnings Multiple 2.6x 2.6x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 32 32 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$264,056
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$129,348
51% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$15,500
6.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$73,168
135% growth from Year 1

About Cornell University

With just 8% of applicants admitted, Cornell University ranks among the nation's most selective schools, with a mid-sized student body of 15,935 in Ithaca, NY. After financial aid, the average student pays $129,348 over four years — 51% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at Cornell University →

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 Cornell University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Fine Arts at Cornell University?
A score of 32/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Fine Arts. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Cornell University a hidden gem for Fine Arts?
After financial aid, the average student pays $129,348 over four years — 51% below the $264,056 sticker price. That gap makes the ROI significantly better than published tuition suggests.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →