Fine Arts at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Carbondale, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
33 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
33
Optimistic
33
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,285/yr (31% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 8.4x earnings multiple
Ranked #112 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 50%

Program Analysis

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Fine and Studio Arts program consistently propels graduates into financially robust careers, standing out significantly within a field often perceived as less lucrative. This success isn't accidental; it likely reflects a curriculum that effectively balances foundational artistic development with practical, in-demand skills crucial for the broader creative economy. You'll find the program likely emphasizes areas such as digital media, graphic design, or animation, alongside traditional arts, preparing you for roles in commercial art, educational institutions, or specialized creative industries. While Carbondale itself isn't a major art market, SIU's program appears adept at connecting students to regional opportunities and equipping them with portfolios that translate well into roles like art direction or postsecondary teaching. Focus on developing a specialized skill set and actively pursue internships to maximize your professional trajectory.

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 $441K $445K $423K
Earnings Multiple 8.3x 8.4x 8.0x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 33 33 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$52,976
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$64,708
-22% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,000
9.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$36,135
9% growth from Year 1

About Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Southern Illinois University-Carbondale accepts 90% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 8,116 students in Carbondale, IL.

See all programs and financial aid at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale →

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 Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Fine Arts at Southern Illinois University-Carbondale?
A score of 33/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Fine Arts. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →