Fine Arts at Ferris State University

Big Rapids, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)

Optimistic

Base Case

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

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	$450K	$454K	$429K
Earnings Multiple	8.3x	8.3x	7.9x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	26	26	23

*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

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

Art directors $111,040/yr

Special effects artists and animators $99,800/yr

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr

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.

What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine Arts at Ferris State University?

At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Fine 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 →