Fine Arts at University of California-Los Angeles

Los Angeles, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings $21,220/yr (-16% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 9.6x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)
Ranked #216 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs

Program Analysis

You're looking at a program from a globally recognized institution, and that prestige can open many doors. However, Fine and Studio Arts outcomes are often highly individualized, especially in a competitive hub like Los Angeles. Your career path might include gallery work, arts administration, independent art practice, or contributing to the vast entertainment industry in roles like animation or art direction. Many graduates pursue entrepreneurial routes, where income builds uniquely over time and isn't always reflected in initial W-2 salary data. The strength here lies in UCLA's reputation and its connections within the L.A. art scene. To maximize your potential, actively leverage these networks through internships and collaborations, focusing on developing a unique niche or complementary skills that bridge your artistic talent with specific industry needs.

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Fine Arts graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $533K $529K $492K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 9.7x 9.6x 8.9x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 3.0x 3.0x 2.8x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 28 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)
$54,988
Out-of-state: $178,096 (3.0x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$56,052
-2% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$13,977
7.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,122
117% growth from Year 1

About University of California-Los Angeles

Only 9% of applicants gain admission to University of California-Los Angeles, reflecting elite selectivity, with 33,040 students enrolled in Los Angeles, CA.

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

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 Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-Los Angeles

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 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine Arts at University of California-Los Angeles?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is University of California-Los Angeles a good choice for Fine Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of California-Los Angeles'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 →