Fine Arts at University of South Dakota
Vermillion, SD · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
33
Optimistic
32
Base Case
29
Pessimistic
Earnings
$25,327/yr (-0% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
13.0x earnings multiple (9.5x 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 | $491K | $491K | $460K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 13.0x | 13.0x | 12.2x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 9.5x | 9.5x | 8.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 33 | 32 | 29 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,728
Out-of-state: $51,768 (9.5x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
12.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$42,651
68% growth from Year 1
About University of South Dakota
University of South Dakota accepts 99% of applicants — an open-access institution by design, serving 5,239 students in Vermillion, SD.
See all programs and financial aid at University of South Dakota →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
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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 is the DegreeOutlook Score for Fine Arts at University of South Dakota?
A score of 32/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Fine Arts. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Fine Arts at University of South Dakota worth the student debt?
Median debt of $27,000 against $25,327/yr starting salary means roughly 1.1 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →