Fine and Studio Arts at Minnesota State University-Mankato

Mankato, MN · Public · Bachelor's Degree
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $38,717/yr (52% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 12.4x earnings multiple (6.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #13 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 5%

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 $467K $469K $442K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.3x 12.4x 11.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 6.2x 6.2x 5.9x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,960
Out-of-state: $75,440 (6.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$74,436
-96% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,125
8.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,457
10% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of Minnesota State University-Mankato's Fine and Studio Arts program earn $38,717/yr in their first year — 52% above the $25,391 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

The 12.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $26,125 debt-to-$38,717 income ratio translates to about 8 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #13 out of 385 programs, Minnesota State University-Mankato's Fine and Studio Arts program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

Earnings growth is modest: $38,717 to $42,457 over five years (10% gain). This field may have a lower salary ceiling than high-growth professions.

About Minnesota State University-Mankato

Minnesota State University-Mankato has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 11,325 in Mankato, MN.

See all programs and financial aid at Minnesota State University-Mankato →

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

Compare Fine and Studio Arts

Other Majors at Minnesota State University-Mankato

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

How does Minnesota State University-Mankato's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does Minnesota State University-Mankato rank so high for Fine and Studio Arts?
The #13 ranking out of 385 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →