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Fine and Studio Arts at Tufts University

Medford, MA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
16
Optimistic
16
Base Case
14
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,154/yr (-32% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 1.8x earnings multiple
Ranked #377 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 $476K $478K $449K
Earnings Multiple 1.8x 1.8x 1.7x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 16 16 14

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$271,376
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$141,740
48% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,000
16.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,972
110% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $17,154/yr fall 32% below the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

At 1.8x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 6% 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 1.4x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #377 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places Tufts University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $17,154-to-$35,972 earnings arc over five years reflects a 110% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About Tufts University

Tufts University admits 10% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, serving 6,804 students in Medford, MA. Financial aid reduces the effective four-year cost to $141,740 — 48% less than the list price.

See all programs and financial aid at Tufts 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
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 385 schools offering Fine and Studio Arts →

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Columbia University in the City of New York ($51,435) University of Southern California ($50,161) Ramapo College of New Jersey ($44,529) University of Nebraska at Kearney ($40,501) Barnard College ($39,947) Empire State University ($39,946) University of Pennsylvania ($38,820) Minnesota State University-Mankato ($38,717)

Other Majors at Tufts University

Mathematics ($110,512) Computer Science ($105,659) Mechanical Engineering ($78,441) Cognitive Science ($75,672) Chemical Engineering ($75,367) Economics ($75,125) Political Science and Government ($67,713) Research and Experimental Psychology ($56,504)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Fine and Studio Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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

What does a 16/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at Tufts University?
At 16/100, 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 Tufts University?
At $24,000 in median debt, graduates carry 17 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is Tufts University a good choice for Fine and Studio Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If Tufts 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 →