Fine Arts at San Diego State University
San Diego, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
32
Optimistic
31
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings
$23,186/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
14.7x earnings multiple (6.0x 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 | $486K | $487K | $457K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 14.7x | 14.7x | 13.8x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.0x | 6.0x | 5.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 32 | 31 | 29 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$33,160
Out-of-state: $80,680 (6.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$10,299
5.3 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$40,935
77% growth from Year 1
About San Diego State University
A 34% acceptance rate puts San Diego State University in competitive admissions territory, with 33,654 students enrolled in San Diego, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at San Diego 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 San Diego 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 San Diego State University's Fine Arts program score?
This program scores 31/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →