Fine Artsat Truman State University
Graduates earn $15,998/yr in their first year — about 37.0% below the national Fine Arts average. Base-case 10-year earnings $542K; scenarios range from $502K to $547K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at Truman State University
The data suggests a challenging financial landscape for Fine and Studio Arts graduates from Truman State, particularly compared to national averages for the field. This outcome is often influenced by several factors. Kirksville, Missouri, isn't a major hub for the commercial art, design, or entertainment industries that offer the highest salaries in these fields. Consequently, local opportunities for specialized roles like art directors or animators are limited.
While the program likely provides a strong foundational arts education, many graduates may find initial roles in smaller, regional markets, or pursue careers where creative passion outweighs immediate financial return, such as K-12 art education or community arts. To access the higher-paying career paths listed, you'll almost certainly need to proactively seek internships and employment in larger metropolitan areas with vibrant creative economies and robust recruiting pipelines. If you choose this path, actively build a strong, industry-relevant portfolio and network aggressively beyond the immediate region to connect with major employers.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to Truman State University's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Fine Arts
How Truman State University stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at Truman State University
Other highest-scoring programs offered at Truman State University, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Fine Arts offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Fine Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Fine Arts at Truman State University
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Fine Arts at Truman State University?
A score of 29/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Fine Arts. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Fine Arts at Truman State University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $27,000 against $15,998/yr starting salary means roughly 1.7 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Can you still earn well with Fine Arts from Truman State University?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.