Fine Arts at University of Illinois Chicago
Chicago, IL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
26
Optimistic
26
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,954/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
8.6x earnings multiple (4.2x 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 | $493K | $493K | $462K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 8.6x | 8.6x | 8.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.2x | 4.2x | 3.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 26 | 26 | 23 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$57,352
Out-of-state: $117,440 (4.2x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$25,250
13.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,311
88% growth from Year 1
About University of Illinois Chicago
University of Illinois Chicago has a 78% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with 21,814 students enrolled in Chicago, IL. With 50% of students on Pell Grants, the campus draws from a broad economic spectrum.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Illinois Chicago →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 Illinois Chicago
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
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Fine Arts at University of Illinois Chicago?
A score of 26/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Fine Arts. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Fine Arts at University of Illinois Chicago worth the student debt?
Median debt of $25,250 against $21,954/yr starting salary means roughly 1.2 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →