Program Analysis
Starting salaries of $20,072/yr fall 21% below the $25,391 national median for Fine and Studio Arts. The financial case depends heavily on whether tuition compensates.
With a 15.7x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.
The 5% difference between AI scenarios reflects partial automation exposure. Some Fine and Studio Arts career paths face displacement, but others in the field are more insulated.
At a 1.1x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.
A #235 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places University of North Carolina Wilmington in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.
The $20,072-to-$34,919 earnings arc over five years reflects a 74% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.