Visual and Performing Arts, General at The University of Texas at Austin

Austin, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree
29 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
29
Base Case
24
Pessimistic
Earnings $29,707/yr (16% vs median)
AI Risk High (38% exposed)
Job Market Large (63,400 openings/yr)
ROI 10.4x earnings multiple (2.8x out-of-state)
Ranked #15 of 59 Visual and Performing Arts, General programs Top 25%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Visual and Performing Arts, General graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $483K $484K $454K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 10.3x 10.4x 9.7x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.8x 2.8x 2.7x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 30%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 29 24

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$46,712
Out-of-state: $171,112 (2.8x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$78,712
-69% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,250
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,173
45% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $29,707/yr, edging above the $25,525 national average for Visual and Performing Arts, General — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.

The 10.4x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. By pure financial math, this is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 6% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $21,250 debt-to-$29,707 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

Ranked #15 out of 59 programs, The University of Texas at Austin's Visual and Performing Arts, General program lands in the top 5% — a strong signal of graduate success.

The five-year earnings trajectory from $29,707 to $43,173 shows 45% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.

About The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Texas at Austin admits 29% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with 42,100 students enrolled in Austin, TX.

See all programs and financial aid at The University of Texas at Austin →

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 8 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Visual and Performing Arts, General at Other Schools

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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

How does The University of Texas at Austin's Visual and Performing Arts, General program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Visual and Performing Arts, General. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Visual and Performing Arts, General to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Visual and Performing Arts, General careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 38% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does The University of Texas at Austin rank so high for Visual and Performing Arts, General?
The #15 ranking out of 59 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →