Visual & Performing Arts at Lesley University

Cambridge, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Visual and Performing Arts, General
17 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
18
Optimistic
17
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $20,600/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Large (63,400 openings/yr)
ROI 3.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #56 of 59 Visual and Performing Arts, General programs

Program Analysis

Studying a general Visual and Performing Arts degree at Lesley, particularly in the competitive Greater Boston market, often presents a challenging path to immediate financial success. This broad curriculum, while fostering artistic exploration, may not provide the specialized, in-demand technical or commercial skills that employers increasingly seek. The region’s vibrant arts scene demands exceptional, highly specific portfolios and extensive industry networking for entry-level roles, which a general degree might not cultivate sufficiently. Furthermore, the field's growing susceptibility to evolving AI tools means general creative roles without a unique, specialized human touch are becoming harder to monetize. You'll find that success often hinges on developing a niche, building an entrepreneurial mindset, or combining your artistic skills with strong business or technical competencies. Therefore, ensure you're actively building a highly specialized portfolio and networking relentlessly from day one.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Visual & Performing Arts graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $388K $398K $384K
Earnings Multiple 3.0x 3.0x 2.9x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 18 17 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$131,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,220
3% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,625
11.4 months of Year 1 earnings

About Lesley University

A 94% acceptance rate means Lesley University is accessible to most applicants, with a smaller student body of 1,252 in Cambridge, MA.

See all programs and financial aid at Lesley 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 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Visual & Performing Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Lesley University

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 17/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Visual & Performing Arts at Lesley University?
At 17/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Visual & Performing Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Should I worry about AI if I study Visual & Performing Arts at Lesley University?
The 38% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.
Is Lesley University a good choice for Visual & Performing Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Lesley University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →