Fine Arts at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Ann Arbor, MI · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
36 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
37
Optimistic
36
Base Case
31
Pessimistic
Earnings $31,367/yr (24% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 7.7x earnings multiple (2.3x out-of-state)
Ranked #60 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 25%

Program Analysis

Your Fine and Studio Arts degree from Michigan benefits from the university's overall prestige and robust alumni network, which can open doors far beyond regional creative markets. While Ann Arbor itself isn't a primary art hub, U-M graduates often leverage their rigorous training and strong portfolios to land roles in major creative centers like Chicago, New York, or Los Angeles. The program likely emphasizes versatile skills, positioning you for well-compensated roles in advertising, digital media, animation, or even arts administration, rather than solely traditional gallery art. This broad applicability, coupled with the U-M brand, helps explain the strong career outcomes. Focus on building a diverse portfolio that showcases both your artistic vision and your ability to meet commercial demands.

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 $532K $528K $491K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 7.7x 7.7x 7.1x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.3x 2.3x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 37 36 31

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$68,912
Out-of-state: $232,288 (2.3x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$59,328
14% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$18,767
7.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$51,802
65% growth from Year 1

About University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor admits 18% of applicants, placing it among selective institutions, with 33,488 students enrolled in Ann Arbor, MI.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor →

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
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Fine Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

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

What does a 36/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine Arts at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor?
At 36/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is University of Michigan-Ann Arbor one of the best schools for Fine Arts?
Among 385 Fine Arts programs, University of Michigan-Ann Arbor's #60 position reflects consistently above-average results across earnings, ROI, and employment probability.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →