Program Analysis
Graduates earn $21,792/yr, roughly in line with the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.7x 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 6% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $16,681 represents roughly 9 months of the $21,792 starting salary — a manageable burden by most borrower standards.
Ranked #273 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs, University of California-Riverside falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $41,498 show a 90% jump from the $21,792 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.