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Visual & Performing Arts · Visual & Performing Arts Rank #40 of 59

Visual & Performing Artsat Northeastern University

Graduates earn $27,246/yr in their first year — about 7.0% above the national Visual & Performing Arts average. Base-case 10-year earnings $426K; scenarios range from $407K to $419K depending on AI disruption.

Boston, MA Private nonprofit Bachelor's Degree
DegreeOutlook Score
21 AT RISK
22
Optimistic
17
Pessimistic
Earnings
$27,246
1-year post-graduation
ROI
0.1x
Earnings : tuition
10-yr Base
$426K
Cumulative base-case earnings
AI Risk
High
40% task exposure
Program Analysis

What this degree looks like at Northeastern University

Northeastern’s Visual and Performing Arts program, though broad, distinguishes itself through its signature co-op model. This isn't just theory; you'll gain practical experience at Boston's numerous design studios, marketing agencies, tech firms seeking creative talent, or cultural institutions, building a professional network before you even graduate. This hands-on pipeline significantly shapes post-graduation trajectories, differentiating your profile in a competitive field.

While the general nature allows for exploration, the evolving landscape of generative AI presents both challenges and opportunities. To thrive, you’ll need to actively integrate new digital tools, specializing in areas where human creativity and strategic thinking remain paramount. Leverage Northeastern's brand and co-op connections to curate a portfolio that showcases adaptable skills and a forward-thinking approach to your chosen artistic or design path.

AI Outlook Integration

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.

Pessimistic
Mass Automation
$407K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score17/100
Earnings Multiple1.6x
Base Case
Moderate Integration
$426K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score21/100
Earnings Multiple1.7x
Optimistic
AI Augmentation
$419K
10-year cumulative earnings
Scenario Score22/100
Earnings Multiple1.7x
Earnings Trajectory

10 year projection

Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Northeastern University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.

Career Paths

Where Visual & Performing Arts graduates typically work

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.

1
Art directors
+4.2% 10-yr growth · 12,300 openings/yr
$111,040/yr
High
2
Special effects artists and animators
+1.6% 10-yr growth · 5,000 openings/yr
$99,800/yr
High
3
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
+1.7% 10-yr growth · 9,000 openings/yr
$80,190/yr
Moderate
4
Artists and related workers, all other
+0.8% 10-yr growth · 1,200 openings/yr
$72,760/yr
Low
5
Graphic designers
+2.1% 10-yr growth · 20,000 openings/yr
$61,300/yr
High
6
Fine artists, including painters, sculptors, and illustrators
-1.2% 10-yr growth · 2,200 openings/yr
$60,560/yr
Moderate
Source: BLS Occupational Employment & Wage Statistics, May 2024. AI exposure from OpenAI GPTs-are-GPTs and Felten AIOE research.
Compare & Explore

Peer schools offering Visual & Performing Arts

How Northeastern University stacks up against other schools offering this major.

Highest earnings
Drexel University
PA · Private nonprofit
37
DW Score
$51K
1-yr earn
1.1x
ROI
Fordham University
NY · Private nonprofit
32
DW Score
$41K
1-yr earn
0.7x
ROI
Longwood University
VA · Public
32
DW Score
$35K
1-yr earn
6.5x
ROI
Siena College
NY · Private nonprofit
27
DW Score
$34K
1-yr earn
0.9x
ROI
George Mason University
VA · Public
35
DW Score
$32K
1-yr earn
8.5x
ROI
Also at Northeastern University

Other top programs at Northeastern University

Other highest-scoring programs offered at Northeastern University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.

Consider the trade route

Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Visual & Performing Arts offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.

Compare Visual & Performing Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →
FAQ

Frequently asked about Visual & Performing Arts at Northeastern University

What does a 21/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Visual & Performing Arts at Northeastern University?

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

Should I worry about AI if I study Visual & Performing Arts at Northeastern University?

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.