Fine Arts at University of Virginia-Main Campus

Charlottesville, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
26 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
27
Optimistic
26
Base Case
23
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,372/yr (-8% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 6.2x earnings multiple (2.2x out-of-state)
Ranked #293 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs

Program Analysis

A Fine and Studio Arts degree from a selective institution like UVA offers a distinct experience. While the immediate financial outcomes might reflect the broader realities of a creative field where initial salaries can vary widely, your education here emphasizes critical thinking, conceptual development, and a rigorous liberal arts foundation. This means you're not just trained in technique, but in how to innovate, contextualize your work, and articulate its value – skills highly prized across many industries. Graduates often leverage this interdisciplinary background in diverse roles beyond traditional art studios, from UX/UI design and marketing to gallery management or art education. The strength of the UVA network can be invaluable for connecting with alumni in creative industries nationally. To maximize your potential, actively seek internships throughout your program and build a robust, professional portfolio showcasing your unique vision and adaptability.

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 $524K $521K $485K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 6.2x 6.2x 5.8x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 2.3x 2.2x 2.1x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 27 26 23

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$83,944
Out-of-state: $232,056 (2.2x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$91,524
-9% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$19,500
10.0 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$46,334
98% growth from Year 1

About University of Virginia-Main Campus

University of Virginia-Main Campus accepts 17% of applicants — selective, though not ultra-competitive, serving 17,315 students in Charlottesville, VA.

See all programs and financial aid at University of Virginia-Main Campus →

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

Other Majors at University of Virginia-Main Campus

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 Virginia-Main Campus's Fine Arts program score?
This program scores 26/100 — on the lower end for Fine Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →