Fine Arts at School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Chicago, IL · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
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
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 | $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
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
13.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,916
54% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Fine 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 Arts at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
At 19/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Fine 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 →