Fine Arts at University of California-Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, CA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,106/yr (-17% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
8.0x earnings multiple (2.6x out-of-state)
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 | $460K | $463K | $437K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 7.9x | 8.0x | 7.5x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 2.5x | 2.6x | 2.4x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 24 | 24 | 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)
$58,240
Out-of-state: $181,348 (2.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
11.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$35,979
70% growth from Year 1
About University of California-Santa Cruz
University of California-Santa Cruz's 63% acceptance rate reflects moderate selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 17,812 in Santa Cruz, CA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of California-Santa Cruz →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
Compare & Explore
Fine Arts at Other Schools
Other Majors at University of California-Santa Cruz
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
How does University of California-Santa Cruz's Fine Arts program score?
This program scores 24/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Fine Arts earnings lower at University of California-Santa Cruz?
Lower starting pay at University of California-Santa Cruz may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →