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Fine Arts at Empire State University

Saratoga Springs, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
47 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
47
Optimistic
47
Base Case
41
Pessimistic
Earnings $39,946/yr (57% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 15.7x earnings multiple (6.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #5 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 1%

Program Analysis

Empire State University's Fine and Studio Arts program stands out nationally, not by chance, but likely through a deliberate curriculum that bridges traditional artistic foundations with contemporary commercial applications. Located in Saratoga Springs, a hub for arts and culture with strong ties to the greater Capital Region's creative economy, the program benefits from local internship opportunities in galleries, design firms, and performing arts organizations. Your strong earning potential here suggests the program excels at channeling artistic talent into roles like art direction and digital animation, where conceptual vision and technical skill meet industry demand. This isn't a program solely focused on the gallery wall; it prepares you for a dynamic creative career. To maximize your outcome, actively build a diverse portfolio that showcases both your artistic voice and your proficiency in marketable digital tools.

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 $478K $480K $451K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 15.7x 15.7x 14.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.8x 6.8x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 47 47 41

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$30,520
Out-of-state: $70,160 (6.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$44,588
-46% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,688
4.1 months of Year 1 earnings

About Empire State University

with a mid-sized student body of 7,046 in Saratoga Springs, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at Empire State 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

Compare this program → View all 385 schools offering Fine Arts →

Fine Arts at Other Schools

Columbia University in the City of New York ($51,435) University of Southern California ($50,161) Ramapo College of New Jersey ($44,529) University of Nebraska at Kearney ($40,501) Barnard College ($39,947) University of Pennsylvania ($38,820) Minnesota State University-Mankato ($38,717) University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh ($38,585)

Compare Fine Arts

Empire State University vs Ramapo College of New Jersey → Empire State University vs University of Nebraska at Kearney → Empire State University vs Minnesota State University-Mankato → Empire State University vs University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh →

Other Majors at Empire State University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($94,830) Physical Sciences, Other ($59,562) Business/Commerce, General ($57,225) Public Policy Analysis ($52,614) English Language and Literature/Letters, Other ($48,651) Community Organization and Advocacy ($45,544) Psychology, General ($39,188) Education, General ($39,046)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Fine Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →

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 Empire State University's Fine Arts program score?
This program scores 47/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Empire State University rank so high for Fine Arts?
The #5 ranking out of 385 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →