Fine Arts at Keystone College

La Plume, PA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
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

Program Analysis

Keystone's Fine and Studio Arts program provides a strong foundation in creative expression, but its financial outcomes reflect the realities of regional labor markets and the broader art world. La Plume isn't a major creative hub, so local demand for high-paying commercial art director or animation roles is limited. Many graduates find themselves navigating a competitive landscape, often balancing their artistic practice with other forms of income, especially if they remain in the area. This program likely emphasizes traditional studio disciplines, which, while enriching, don't always translate directly into the highest-paying industry jobs without additional specialized training or a concerted effort to build a commercial portfolio. To maximize your career prospects, actively seek out internships in graphic design, marketing, or digital media during your studies. Focus on developing skills that bridge fine art with commercial application, and be prepared to relocate to a larger metropolitan area with a more robust creative economy after graduation.

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 $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

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 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 Arts program score?
This program scores 21/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Keystone College Fine 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 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 →