Performing Arts Studies at University of California-San Diego

La Jolla, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Visual and Performing Arts, Other
28 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings $34,401/yr (39% vs median)
AI Risk High (44% exposed)
Job Market Small (9,000 openings/yr)
ROI 7.5x earnings multiple (2.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #2 of 8 Visual and Performing Arts, Other programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

This "Visual and Performing Arts, Other" program at UCSD stands out not just for its unique, interdisciplinary nature, but also because of the institution's strong academic reputation and its Southern California location. Unlike more traditional arts programs, UCSD's often integrates technology, theory, and performance studies, preparing you for roles that transcend conventional artistic boundaries. Graduates frequently find opportunities in burgeoning fields like experience design, digital media production, arts administration, or even creative tech, leveraging the region's diverse economy. While the "teacher" path is valid, your specific training here can open doors to less obvious, higher-value careers. Given the high AI risk, you should actively seek out internships that emphasize the human-centric, conceptual, and project management aspects of the arts, differentiating your skills for a dynamic job market.

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $453K $457K $433K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.4x 7.5x 7.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.5x 2.5x 2.3x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 36% 28%
DegreeOutlook Score 29 28 21

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$61,060
Out-of-state: $184,168 (2.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$47,000
23% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,968
7.0 months of Year 1 earnings

About University of California-San Diego

Admission to University of California-San Diego is competitive, with 25% of applicants accepted, with 33,787 students enrolled in La Jolla, CA.

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

Top Career Paths

Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
View all 1 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Performing Arts Studies at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of California-San Diego

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

How does University of California-San Diego's Performing Arts Studies program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Performing Arts Studies. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Performing Arts Studies to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Performing Arts Studies careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 44% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Why does University of California-San Diego rank so high for Performing Arts Studies?
The #2 ranking out of 8 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →