Fine Arts at University of Iowa
Iowa City, IA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
35
Optimistic
34
Base Case
30
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,008/yr (10% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
11.4x earnings multiple (3.8x 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 | $502K | $501K | $469K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 11.4x | 11.4x | 10.7x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.8x | 3.8x | 3.6x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 35 | 34 | 30 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,856
Out-of-state: $131,708 (3.8x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,596
10.5 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$45,645
63% growth from Year 1
About University of Iowa
University of Iowa has a 85% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, serving a student body of 21,691 in Iowa City, IA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Iowa →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 Iowa
Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does University of Iowa's Fine Arts program score?
This program scores 34/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does University of Iowa rank so high for Fine Arts?
The #94 ranking out of 385 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →