Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $24,699 track close to the $25,525 national median for Visual and Performing Arts, General programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 9.5x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Visual and Performing Arts, General's typical career paths, with 38% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 5% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $25,874 against $24,699/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.0 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.
Ranked #37 of 59 Visual and Performing Arts, General programs, Salem State University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $24,699 to $35,940 over five years — a 46% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.