Fine Arts at Portland State University
Portland, OR · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings
$20,866/yr (-18% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
10.0x earnings multiple (3.7x out-of-state)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Fine Arts graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $445K | $449K | $425K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.9x | 10.0x | 9.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.7x | 3.7x | 3.5x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 25 | 24 | 22 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$44,952
Out-of-state: $120,552 (3.7x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,296
15.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$33,420
60% growth from Year 1
About Portland State University
Portland State University has a 91% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 13,619 in Portland, OR.
See all programs and financial aid at Portland State 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
Compare & Explore
Fine Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at Portland State University
Explore the Trade Alternative
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
How does Portland State University's Fine Arts program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Portland State University Fine Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.3x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Fine Arts earnings lower at Portland State University?
Lower starting pay at Portland State University may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →