Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $22,837 track close to the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.6x signals a solid financial return — projected decade earnings comfortably exceed the tuition investment.
Some AI exposure exists in Fine and Studio Arts's typical career paths, with 36% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 4% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $25,169 against $22,837/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.1 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.
Ranked #316 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs, University of Akron Main Campus falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $22,837 to $32,675 over five years — a 43% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.