Fine Arts at Tennessee Technological University
Cookeville, TN · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
25
Pessimistic
Earnings
$19,231/yr (-24% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
12.2x earnings multiple (6.1x 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 | $490K | $491K | $460K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.2x | 12.2x | 11.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.1x | 6.1x | 5.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 27 | 26 | 25 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$40,336
Out-of-state: $80,464 (6.1x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,500
8.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,208
104% growth from Year 1
About Tennessee Technological University
With 83% of applicants admitted, Tennessee Technological University prioritizes broad access, with a mid-sized student body of 8,495 in Cookeville, TN.
See all programs and financial aid at Tennessee Technological 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 Tennessee Technological University
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 26/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine Arts at Tennessee Technological University?
At 26/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is Tennessee Technological University a good choice for Fine Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Tennessee Technological University's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →