Fine Arts at Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
25
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings
$19,566/yr (-23% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
8.1x earnings multiple (3.0x 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 | $518K | $516K | $480K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.1x | 8.1x | 7.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.0x | 3.0x | 2.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 25 | 25 | 23 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$63,952
Out-of-state: $173,488 (3.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,875
17.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,016
120% growth from Year 1
About Michigan State University
Michigan State University accepts 84% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, one of the larger campuses at 40,243 students in East Lansing, MI.
See all programs and financial aid at Michigan State 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
Compare & Explore
Fine Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Michigan State University
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 Michigan State University's Fine Arts program score?
This program scores 25/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Michigan State University Fine Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.4x 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 Michigan State University?
Lower starting pay at Michigan State University 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 →