Program Analysis
University of California-Santa Cruz's Fine and Studio Arts graduates start at $21,106/yr, trailing the $25,391 national average by 17%. The program's value hinges on affordability.
At 8.0x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 5% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $19,500 debt-to-$21,106 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #312 out of 385 programs, University of California-Santa Cruz's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
Earnings growth from $21,106 to $35,979 over five years (70% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.