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Fine and Studio Arts at University of California-Irvine

Irvine, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $16,989/yr (-33% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)

ROI 10.2x earnings multiple (3.2x out-of-state)

Ranked #215 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	$592K	$583K	$536K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	10.4x	10.2x	9.4x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.3x	3.2x	3.0x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	29	28	26

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)

$56,948

Out-of-state: $180,056 (3.2x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$51,360

10% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$15,700

11.1 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$48,982

188% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Starting salaries of $16,989/yr fall 33% below the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.

With a 10.2x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 9% 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 $15,700 against $16,989/yr in earnings, the debt burden is moderate. Most graduates should manage repayment without extended financial strain.

A #215 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places University of California-Irvine in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $16,989-to-$48,982 earnings arc over five years reflects a 188% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of California-Irvine

University of California-Irvine admits 26% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with 29,494 students enrolled in Irvine, CA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Irvine →

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 of California-Irvine

Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?

For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at University of California-Irvine?

At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

Is University of California-Irvine a good choice for Fine and Studio Arts despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Irvine'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 →