Fine and Studio Arts at Radford University

Radford, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
27
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,308/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 9.7x earnings multiple (4.7x out-of-state)
Ranked #270 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 $476K $477K $449K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.7x 9.7x 9.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.7x 4.7x 4.5x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 27 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$49,144
Out-of-state: $100,740 (4.7x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$66,560
-35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
12.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,440
69% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $23,308/yr, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Radford University land near the $25,391 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

At 9.7x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $25,000 debt load exceeds a year of the $23,308 starting salary, suggesting a multi-year repayment window before graduates break even financially.

At #270 out of 385 programs, Radford University's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $23,308 to $39,440 over five years (69% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About Radford University

With 91% of applicants admitted, Radford University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 5,609 in Radford, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at Radford 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 Radford 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 Radford University's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 27/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do Radford University Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →