Visual & Performing Arts at New Mexico State University-Main Campus
Las Cruces, NM · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Visual and Performing Arts, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
22
Optimistic
21
Base Case
19
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)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Visual & Performing Arts 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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$28,500
18.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,364
86% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Visual & Performing Arts 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 & Performing Arts at New Mexico State University-Main Campus?
At 21/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Visual & Performing Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Visual & Performing Arts 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 & Performing Arts 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 & Performing Arts 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 →