Fine Arts at University of Utah

Salt Lake City, UT · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
42 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
43
Optimistic
42
Base Case
37
Pessimistic
Earnings $33,081/yr (30% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 13.5x earnings multiple (4.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #16 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 5%

Program Analysis

The strong earnings potential from Utah's Fine Arts program isn't just luck; it reflects a strategic alignment with the thriving creative industries in Salt Lake City and the broader Intermountain West. Unlike many traditional fine arts programs, yours here likely benefits from strong ties to the region's burgeoning tech, gaming, and animation studios. These companies constantly seek visual artists, animators, and designers for roles that demand both artistic vision and technical proficiency. Think beyond gallery exhibitions to character design, environmental art, UI/UX for games, or motion graphics in advertising. The university's strong regional presence helps forge these pipelines. To truly maximize your outcome, actively seek out internships with local studios and tailor your portfolio to demonstrate not just your artistic talent, but also your adaptability to digital tools and collaborative project environments. This blend of artistry and practical application is what drives these outcomes.

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 $506K $505K $471K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 13.6x 13.5x 12.6x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.2x 4.2x 3.9x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 43 42 37

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$37,260
Out-of-state: $119,348 (4.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$52,688
-41% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$22,500
8.2 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$48,231
46% growth from Year 1

About University of Utah

With 87% of applicants admitted, University of Utah prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 26,041 students in Salt Lake City, UT.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Utah →

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

Fine Arts at Other Schools

Compare Fine Arts

Other Majors at University of Utah

Consider the Trade Route?

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Utah's Fine Arts program score?
This program scores 42/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why does University of Utah rank so high for Fine Arts?
The #16 ranking out of 385 programs is driven by strong financial outcomes — graduates earn well, debt is manageable relative to income, and the job market supports the field.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →