Fine and Studio Arts at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,540/yr (-3% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.3x earnings multiple
Ranked #278 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 $450K $454K $429K
Earnings Multiple 8.3x 8.3x 7.9x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 26 26 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$54,520
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$48,808
10% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,961
12.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,717
46% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $24,540/yr, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Ferris State University land near the $25,391 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 8.3x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 5% 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 a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #278 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places Ferris State University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

A 46% earnings increase from $24,540 to $35,717 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About Ferris State University

With 81% of applicants admitted, Ferris State University prioritizes broad access, enrolling 8,087 students in Big Rapids, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at Ferris 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

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Ferris State University

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 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at Ferris State University?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Fine and Studio Arts degree from Ferris State University?
At $25,961 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →