Fine Arts at University of North Carolina Wilmington
Wilmington, NC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
29
Optimistic
28
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings
$20,072/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
15.7x earnings multiple (5.0x 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 | $457K | $460K | $434K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 15.6x | 15.7x | 14.8x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 5.0x | 5.0x | 4.7x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 29 | 28 | 26 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$29,268
Out-of-state: $91,940 (5.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,479
13.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$34,919
74% growth from Year 1
About University of North Carolina Wilmington
University of North Carolina Wilmington has a 74% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, enrolling 14,176 students in Wilmington, NC.
See all programs and financial aid at University of North Carolina Wilmington →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 North Carolina Wilmington
Explore the Trade Alternative
Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 28/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine Arts at University of North Carolina Wilmington?
At 28/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Fine Arts degree from University of North Carolina Wilmington?
At $22,479 in median debt, graduates carry 13 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is University of North Carolina Wilmington a good choice for Fine Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of North Carolina Wilmington's tuition is significantly below average, the ROI calculation can still work — lower earnings paired with lower costs can be a reasonable trade.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →