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Fine and Studio Arts at University of Southern California

Los Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit · Bachelor's Degree
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
32
Pessimistic
Earnings $50,161/yr (98% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.0x earnings multiple
Ranked #39 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 10%

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Fine and Studio Arts graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $552K $546K $506K
Earnings Multiple 2.0x 2.0x 1.9x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 32

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$272,948
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$127,708
53% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,750
4.7 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$61,391
22% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

Graduates of University of Southern California's Fine and Studio Arts program earn $50,161/yr in their first year — 98% above the $25,391 national median, a strong market signal for this institution.

At 2.0x tuition cost, the financial math is tight. Decade earnings don't dramatically exceed what you paid, making school choice and aid packages critical.

The 8% 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 $19,750 in median debt against $50,161 in first-year earnings, graduates can expect to clear their loan balance in under six months of full earnings.

At #39 of 385 programs, this Fine and Studio Arts program outperforms the majority of its peers. The top 10% ranking reflects consistently above-average outcomes.

A 22% earnings increase from $50,161 to $61,391 over five years is solid — not a moonshot, but evidence of normal career advancement.

About University of Southern California

University of Southern California admits 10% of applicants — among the most selective institutions in the country, one of the larger campuses at 20,817 students in Los Angeles, CA. After financial aid, the average student pays $127,708 over four years — 53% below sticker price.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Southern California →

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
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 385 schools offering Fine and Studio Arts →

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Columbia University in the City of New York ($51,435) Ramapo College of New Jersey ($44,529) University of Nebraska at Kearney ($40,501) Barnard College ($39,947) Empire State University ($39,946) University of Pennsylvania ($38,820) Minnesota State University-Mankato ($38,717) University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh ($38,585)

Other Majors at University of Southern California

Computer Science ($137,284) Computer Software and Media Applications ($103,071) Real Estate ($98,763) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($89,684) Industrial Engineering ($87,807) Civil Engineering ($85,262) Mechanical Engineering ($83,356) Biomedical/Medical Engineering ($80,508)

Explore the Trade Alternative

Compare Fine and Studio Arts trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

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 38/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at University of Southern California?
At 38/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What do students actually pay for Fine and Studio Arts at University of Southern California?
The 53% gap between sticker price and net cost means most students pay far less than $272,948. At a net cost of $127,708, the earnings multiple improves substantially.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →