Fine and Studio Arts at University at Buffalo

Buffalo, NY · Public · Bachelor's Degree
31 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
31
Optimistic
31
Base Case
28
Pessimistic
Earnings $24,370/yr (-4% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 11.7x earnings multiple (4.1x out-of-state)
Ranked #165 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 50%

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 $504K $503K $470K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 11.7x 11.7x 10.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.1x 4.1x 3.8x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 31 31 28

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,128
Out-of-state: $122,288 (4.1x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$81,880
-90% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$16,056
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$44,195
81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $24,370/yr, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from University at Buffalo land near the $25,391 national average — neither a standout nor a red flag.

With a 11.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 7% 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 $16,056 against $24,370/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #165 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places University at Buffalo in the middle-to-upper range. Solid, not exceptional.

The $24,370-to-$44,195 earnings arc over five years reflects a 81% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University at Buffalo

University at Buffalo accepts 69% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, serving a student body of 20,284 in Buffalo, NY.

See all programs and financial aid at University at Buffalo →

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

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at University at Buffalo

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 31/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at University at Buffalo?
At 31/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →