Performing Arts Studiesat New York University
Graduates earn $28,990/yr in their first year — about 17.0% above the national Performing Arts Studies average. Base-case 10-year earnings $628K; scenarios range from $567K to $644K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at New York University
Studying Visual and Performing Arts at NYU places you at the epicenter of the global creative industries. Your earnings potential, while above the national average for this field, reflects the highly competitive and often project-based nature of arts careers in New York City. The robust alumni network and direct access to internships and entry-level roles across advertising, media, entertainment, and gallery sectors provide a significant advantage, connecting you directly to employers in this vibrant market. However, success in these fields often prioritizes passion and networking over immediate high salaries, explaining why the initial financial score might seem modest compared to other disciplines.
The high AI risk for these careers points to the increasing automation of certain creative tasks. Roles in digital art, content creation, and even some aspects of performance support are evolving rapidly with AI tools. You'll need to cultivate adaptability and specialize in areas requiring uniquely human creativity, critical thinking, and interpersonal skills to thrive. Focus on building a diverse portfolio and strong professional connections, as your ability to navigate this dynamic landscape will be key.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to New York University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Performing Arts Studies
How New York University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at New York University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at New York University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Performing Arts Studies offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Performing Arts Studies trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Performing Arts Studies at New York University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Performing Arts Studies at New York University?
A score of 20/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Performing Arts Studies. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Will AI replace Performing Arts Studies careers?
With 44% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $566,696 in decade earnings vs $644,222 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.