Fine and Studio Arts at Keystone College

La Plume, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
21 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
22
Optimistic
21
Base Case
20
Pessimistic
Earnings $16,392/yr (-35% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 6.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #356 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 $488K $488K $458K
Earnings Multiple 6.8x 6.8x 6.4x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 22 21 20

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$71,400
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,844
-20% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$29,819
21.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,865
125% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Keystone College's Fine and Studio Arts graduates start at $16,392/yr, trailing the $25,391 national average by 35%. The program's value hinges on affordability.

At 6.8x 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 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $29,819 debt load exceeds a year of the $16,392 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #356 out of 385 programs, Keystone College's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $16,392 to $36,865 over five years (125% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Keystone College

A 80% acceptance rate means Keystone College is accessible to most applicants, a compact campus enrolling 870 students in La Plume, PA. With 45% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.

See all programs and financial aid at Keystone College →

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 Keystone College

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

How does Keystone College's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Keystone College Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.8x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Fine and Studio Arts earnings lower at Keystone College?
Lower starting pay at Keystone College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →