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Fine and Studio Arts at University of Colorado Boulder

Boulder, CO · Public · Bachelor's Degree

DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition

Optimistic

Base Case

Pessimistic

Earnings $17,501/yr (-31% vs median)

AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)

Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)

ROI 7.7x earnings multiple (3.0x out-of-state)

Ranked #323 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

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

	Optimistic No Disruption	Base Case Gradual AI	Pessimistic Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings	$508K	$507K	$473K
Earnings Multiple (In-State)	7.7x	7.7x	7.2x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State)	3.0x	3.0x	2.8x
Probability of Field Employment	41%	37%	31%
DegreeOutlook Score	24	23	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)

$65,720

Out-of-state: $167,772 (3.0x ROI)

4-Year Net Price (After Aid)

$85,920

-31% less than sticker · See by income

Median Debt at Graduation

$19,500

13.4 months of Year 1 earnings

Reported Earnings (5 Year)

$40,219

130% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $17,501 place University of Colorado Boulder below the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

A 7.7x earnings multiple over ten years puts this program in solid financial territory. Tuition is well-justified by projected earnings.

The 7% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Fine and Studio Arts career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.

At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #323 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places University of Colorado Boulder in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $17,501-to-$40,219 earnings arc over five years reflects a 130% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About University of Colorado Boulder

University of Colorado Boulder accepts 83% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving a student body of 31,578 in Boulder, CO.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Colorado Boulder →

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 and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Colorado Boulder

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at University of Colorado Boulder?

At 23/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.

What's the payoff timeline for a Fine and Studio Arts degree from University of Colorado Boulder?

At $19,500 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.

Is University of Colorado Boulder a good choice for Fine and Studio Arts despite lower starting pay?

Starting salary is one data point. If University of Colorado Boulder'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 →