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Visual and Performing Arts, General at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

Las Cruces, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $18,470/yr (-28% vs median)

AI Risk High (38% exposed)

Job Market Large (63,400 openings/yr)

ROI 14.2x earnings multiple (4.6x out-of-state)

Ranked #41 of 59 Visual and Performing Arts, General programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Visual and Performing Arts, General graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$459K	$462K	$436K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	14.1x	14.2x	13.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	4.5x	4.6x	4.3x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	30%
DegreeOutlook Score	22	21	19

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$32,588

Out-of-state: $101,084 (4.6x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$26,988

17% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$28,500

18.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$34,364

86% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $18,470/yr fall 28% below the $25,525 national median for Visual and Performing Arts, General. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 14.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Visual and Performing Arts, General career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.5x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #41 ranking among 59 Visual and Performing Arts, General programs places New Mexico State University-Main Campus in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $18,470-to-$34,364 earnings arc over five years reflects a 86% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About New Mexico State University-Main Campus

New Mexico State University-Main Campus has a 76% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 11,561 in Las Cruces, NM. Pell Grant recipients make up 40% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at New Mexico State University-Main Campus →

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 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Visual and Performing Arts, General at Other Schools

Other Majors at New Mexico State University-Main Campus

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 21/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Visual and Performing Arts, General at New Mexico State University-Main Campus?

At 21/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Visual and Performing Arts, General programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Visual and Performing Arts, General degree from New Mexico State University-Main Campus?

At $28,500 in median debt, graduates carry 19 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Should I worry about AI if I study Visual and Performing Arts, General at New Mexico State University-Main Campus?

The 38% AI task exposure score is above average. Our model shows this affecting job availability more than salaries — graduates may face stiffer competition for fewer positions.

Is New Mexico State University-Main Campus a good choice for Visual and Performing Arts, General despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If New Mexico State University-Main Campus's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.

Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →