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Fine and Studio Arts at Pacific Lutheran University

Tacoma, WA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
18 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
18
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,766/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #368 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs

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 $408K $415K $398K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 18 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$203,856
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$85,480
58% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,981
10.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$27,811
17% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $23,766 track close to the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.

At 2.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 2% 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 $20,981 against $23,766/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #368 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places Pacific Lutheran University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The limited growth from $23,766 to $27,811 over five years suggests earnings in this field plateau relatively early in one's career.

About Pacific Lutheran University

Pacific Lutheran University has a 81% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, a compact campus enrolling 2,350 students in Tacoma, WA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $85,480 — 58% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Pacific Lutheran 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

Compare this program → View all 385 schools offering Fine and Studio Arts →

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Columbia University in the City of New York ($51,435) University of Southern California ($50,161) Ramapo College of New Jersey ($44,529) University of Nebraska at Kearney ($40,501) Barnard College ($39,947) Empire State University ($39,946) University of Pennsylvania ($38,820) Minnesota State University-Mankato ($38,717)

Other Majors at Pacific Lutheran University

Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($81,761) Computer and Information Sciences, General ($78,055) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas ($57,683) Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Levels and Methods ($57,624) Business Administration, Management and Operations ($52,919) Chemistry ($44,555) Economics ($43,806) Political Science and Government ($41,518)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Fine and Studio Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 18/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at Pacific Lutheran University?
At 18/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What do students actually pay for Fine and Studio Arts at Pacific Lutheran University?
The 58% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $203,856. At a net cost of $85,480, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →