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Fine and Studio Arts at Northern Kentucky University

Highland Heights, KY · Public · Bachelor's Degree

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

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $31,448/yr (24% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)

ROI 10.3x earnings multiple (5.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #115 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 50%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Fine and Studio Arts graduates.

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$447K	$451K	$427K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.3x	10.3x	9.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	5.2x	5.2x	5.0x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	33	33	28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$43,584

Out-of-state: $85,920 (5.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$28,672

34% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$24,883

9.5 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$37,053

18% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Northern Kentucky University's Fine and Studio Arts graduates start at $31,448/yr — above the $25,391 national average, though not by a wide margin.

With a 10.3x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 4% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Fine and Studio Arts career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At $24,883 against $31,448/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #115 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places Northern Kentucky University in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The limited growth from $31,448 to $37,053 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Northern Kentucky University

A 96% acceptance rate means Northern Kentucky University is accessible to most applicants, serving 8,065 students in Highland Heights, KY. The average net cost of $28,672 over four years represents a 34% discount from published tuition.

See all programs and financial aid at Northern Kentucky 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

View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Northern Kentucky University

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 33/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at Northern Kentucky University?

At 33/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

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