Fine Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University
Richmond, VA · Public · Bachelor's Degree · Fine and Studio Arts
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
24
Optimistic
24
Base Case
22
Pessimistic
Earnings
$21,916/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk
Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market
Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI
7.2x earnings multiple (3.0x 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 | $472K | $474K | $446K |
| Earnings Multiple (In-State) | 7.2x | 7.2x | 6.8x |
| Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) | 3.0x | 3.0x | 2.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 31% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 24 | 24 | 22 |
10-Year Earnings Projection
*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.
4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$65,832
Out-of-state: $156,168 (3.0x ROI)
Median Debt at Graduation
$21,500
11.8 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$38,214
74% growth from Year 1
About Virginia Commonwealth University
With 93% of applicants admitted, Virginia Commonwealth University prioritizes broad access, one of the larger campuses at 20,797 students in Richmond, VA.
See all programs and financial aid at Virginia Commonwealth University →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 Virginia Commonwealth University
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 Virginia Commonwealth University's Fine Arts program score?
This program scores 24/100 — 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 →