Fine Arts at University of Massachusetts-Amherst
Amherst, MA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
25
Optimistic
24
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings
$18,072/yr (-29% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
7.6x earnings multiple (3.4x 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 | $534K | $530K | $492K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 7.7x | 7.6x | 7.1x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.4x | 3.4x | 3.1x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 25 | 24 | 22 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$69,428
Out-of-state: $157,172 (3.4x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,375
14.9 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$43,749
142% growth from Year 1
About University of Massachusetts-Amherst
A 58% admission rate makes University of Massachusetts-Amherst accessible to a wide range of qualified students, with 23,694 students enrolled in Amherst, MA.
See all programs and financial aid at University of Massachusetts-Amherst →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 Massachusetts-Amherst
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 Massachusetts-Amherst?
A score of 24/100 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 Massachusetts-Amherst worth the student debt?
Median debt of $22,375 against $18,072/yr starting salary means roughly 1.2 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Can you still earn well with Fine Arts from University of Massachusetts-Amherst?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →