Fine Arts at University of South Alabama
Mobile, AL · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
28
Optimistic
28
Base Case
26
Pessimistic
Earnings
$20,527/yr (-19% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
12.7x earnings multiple (6.6x 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 | $489K | $490K | $459K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 12.6x | 12.7x | 11.9x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 6.6x | 6.6x | 6.2x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 28 | 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)
$38,704
Out-of-state: $74,608 (6.6x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$30,066
17.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,891
94% growth from Year 1
About University of South Alabama
University of South Alabama accepts 65% of applicants, balancing access with selectivity, with a mid-sized student body of 8,540 in Mobile, AL.
See all programs and financial aid at University of South Alabama →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 South Alabama
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
How does University of South Alabama's Fine Arts program score?
This program scores 28/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Do University of South Alabama Fine Arts graduates earn enough to justify the loans?
The debt-to-income ratio of 1.5x 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 South Alabama?
Lower starting pay at University of South Alabama may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →