Fine Arts at Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Boston, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
23
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,461/yr (-15% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
7.6x earnings multiple (2.7x out-of-state)
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 | $451K | $455K | $430K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 7.5x | 7.6x | 7.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 2.7x | 2.7x | 2.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 24 | 23 | 21 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,840
Out-of-state: $168,720 (2.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,513
14.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,716
62% growth from Year 1
About Massachusetts College of Art and Design
With 77% of applicants admitted, Massachusetts College of Art and Design prioritizes broad access, a smaller institution with 1,812 students in Boston, MA.
See all programs and financial aid at Massachusetts College of Art and Design →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
Compare & Explore
Fine Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Consider the Trade Route?
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Massachusetts College of Art and Design's Fine Arts program score?
This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Massachusetts College of Art and Design Fine Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.2x 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 Massachusetts College of Art and Design?
Lower starting pay at Massachusetts College of Art and Design 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 →