Fine Arts at University of South Carolina Aiken
Aiken, SC · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
23
Optimistic
23
Base Case
21
Pessimistic
Earnings
$19,963/yr (-21% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
9.8x 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 | $416K | $422K | $404K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 9.7x | 9.8x | 9.4x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 4.9x | 5.0x | 4.8x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 23 | 23 | 21 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$43,040
Out-of-state: $84,872 (5.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$20,552
12.4 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$28,243
41% growth from Year 1
About University of South Carolina Aiken
University of South Carolina Aiken accepts 80% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, a compact campus enrolling 2,805 students in Aiken, SC.
See all programs and financial aid at University of South Carolina Aiken →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 Carolina Aiken
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 23/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine Arts at University of South Carolina Aiken?
At 23/100, 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 South Carolina Aiken?
At $20,552 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Is University of South Carolina Aiken a good choice for Fine Arts despite lower starting pay?
Starting salary is one data point. If University of South Carolina Aiken'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 →