Fine and Studio Arts at School of the Art Institute of Chicago

Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
19 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
19
Optimistic
19
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,984/yr (-6% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.1x earnings multiple
Ranked #360 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 $458K $461K $436K
Earnings Multiple 2.1x 2.1x 2.0x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 19 19 16

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$218,120
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$199,288
9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
13.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,916
54% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $23,984/yr, roughly in line with the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

At 2.1x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 5% 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 a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #360 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places School of the Art Institute of Chicago in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $23,984-to-$36,916 earnings arc over five years reflects a 54% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About School of the Art Institute of Chicago

School of the Art Institute of Chicago accepts 76% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a smaller institution with 2,762 students in Chicago, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at School of the Art Institute of Chicago →

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

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

What does a 19/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
At 19/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Fine and Studio Arts degree from School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
At $27,000 in median debt, graduates carry 14 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →