Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $21,954 track close to the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts programs. This is a middle-of-the-road outcome on salary alone.
The earnings-to-cost ratio of 8.6x 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 $25,250 against $21,954/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.2 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.
Ranked #275 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs, University of Illinois Chicago falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Five-year earnings of $41,311 show a 88% jump from the $21,954 starting point — strong upward trajectory suggesting real career acceleration.