Fine and Studio Arts at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Edwardsville, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree
27 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
28
Optimistic
27
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $25,259/yr (-1% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 9.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #251 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 $462K $465K $438K
Earnings Multiple 8.9x 9.0x 8.5x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 27 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$51,688
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$54,784
-6% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$26,125
12.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,018
51% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $25,259/yr, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville land near the $25,391 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

A 9.0x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

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 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #251 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $25,259-to-$38,018 earnings arc over five years reflects a 51% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

With 97% of applicants admitted, Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 8,836 in Edwardsville, IL.

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

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

Other Majors at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 27/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville?
At 27/100, 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 Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville?
At $26,125 in median debt, graduates carry 12 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 →