Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $19,138/yr fall 25% below the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
At 8.9x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $26,899 debt load exceeds a year of the $19,138 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.
At #335 out of 385 programs, Kent State University at Kent's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $19,138 to $33,881 over five years (77% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.