Fine Arts at Montana State University
Bozeman, MT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
42
Optimistic
42
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings
$32,265/yr (27% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
15.3x earnings multiple (3.9x 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 | $493K | $493K | $462K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.3x | 15.3x | 14.3x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.9x | 3.9x | 3.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 42 | 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)
$32,332
Out-of-state: $125,348 (3.9x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,125
9.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,808
42% growth from Year 1
About Montana State University
Montana State University accepts 87% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, enrolling 14,472 students in Bozeman, MT.
See all programs and financial aid at Montana 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
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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 42/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine Arts at Montana State University?
At 42/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Montana State University one of the best schools for Fine Arts?
Among 385 Fine Arts programs, Montana State University's #14 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →