Fine Artsat University of Kansas
Graduates earn $16,629/yr in their first year — about 35.0% below the national Fine Arts average. Base-case 10-year earnings $470K; scenarios range from $443K to $468K depending on AI disruption.
What this degree looks like at University of Kansas
The earnings data for Fine and Studio Arts at the University of Kansas reflects the inherent challenges and regional market dynamics of this field. While KU provides a robust artistic foundation, the local and regional labor markets in the Midwest offer fewer high-paying commercial art positions compared to major creative hubs on the coasts. Many graduates pursue entrepreneurial paths, work in galleries, teach, or freelance, where income stability can vary greatly. The higher-paying careers listed often require specialized technical skills (like advanced digital animation) or significant industry networking that may not be central to a traditional studio arts curriculum. To improve your financial outlook, proactively seek opportunities to integrate your artistic skills with commercial applications like graphic design, web content creation, or product visualization, and build a professional portfolio and network rigorously throughout your degree.
Three scenarios, ten years out
Each scenario is a different assumption about how AI reshapes the career paths this major feeds into. Earnings projections stack the full 10-year cumulative trajectory; scores use the same 0–100 metric as the hero, recomputed under that scenario's assumptions.
10 year projection
Year-by-year earnings under each scenario. Base case reflects BLS growth patterns applied to University of Kansas's starting earnings; optimistic and pessimistic adjust for AI's effect on each career path this major feeds into.
Common career destinations for this program's graduates, weighted by the school's specific occupation mix. Salary is BLS national median; AI risk is per-role task-exposure research.
Peer schools offering Fine Arts
How University of Kansas stacks up against other schools offering this major.
Other top programs at University of Kansas
Other highest-scoring programs offered at University of Kansas, ranked by DegreeOutlook Score.
Consider the trade route
Not sure a 4-year degree is the right path? Trade programs in Fine Arts offer shorter timelines, lower debt, and strong AI resilience for hands-on careers.
Compare Fine Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolOutlook →Frequently asked about Fine Arts at University of Kansas
How does University of Kansas's Fine Arts program score?
This program scores 23/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of Kansas Fine Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.1x suggests an extended repayment window. Whether it's 'worth it' depends on career trajectory, not just first-year pay.
Why are Fine Arts earnings lower at University of Kansas?
Lower starting pay at University of Kansas may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.