Visual & Performing Arts at The University of Texas at Austin
Austin, TX · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Visual and Performing Arts, General
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)
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Visual & Performing Arts 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)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,250
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,173
45% growth from Year 1
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
Compare & Explore
Visual & Performing Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at The University of Texas at Austin
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 & Performing Arts program score?
This program scores 29/100 — on the lower end for Visual & Performing Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Visual & Performing Arts to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Visual & Performing Arts 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 & Performing Arts?
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 →