Fine Arts at Montclair State University
Montclair, NJ · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,934/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
8.6x earnings multiple (5.3x 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 | $511K | $509K | $475K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.6x | 8.6x | 8.0x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.3x | 5.3x | 4.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 27 | 26 | 24 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$59,064
Out-of-state: $96,504 (5.3x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,998
14.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,683
99% growth from Year 1
About Montclair State University
A 87% acceptance rate means Montclair State University is accessible to most applicants, enrolling 17,677 students in Montclair, NJ. With 44% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at Montclair 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 Montclair State University
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
What does a 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine Arts at Montclair State University?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Fine Arts degree from Montclair State University?
At $26,998 in median debt, graduates carry 15 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →