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Fine and Studio Arts at West Virginia University

Morgantown, WV · Public · Bachelor's Degree
30 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case) — assumes in-state tuition
30
Optimistic
30
Base Case
27
Pessimistic
Earnings $23,043/yr (-9% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 12.8x earnings multiple (4.5x out-of-state)
Ranked #194 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs Top 50%

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 $493K $493K $462K
Earnings Multiple (In-State) 12.8x 12.8x 12.0x
Earnings Multiple (Out-of-State) 4.5x 4.5x 4.2x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 30 30 27

10-Year Earnings Projection

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

4-Year Tuition, In-State (Sticker)
$38,592
Out-of-state: $109,440 (4.5x ROI)
4-Year Net Price (After Aid)
$51,988
-35% less than sticker · See by income
Median Debt at Graduation
$23,242
12.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$41,799
81% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

West Virginia University's Fine and Studio Arts program produces graduates earning $23,043/yr — within striking distance of the $25,391 national average for this field.

With a 12.8x return on in-state tuition over ten years, the financial case for this program is compelling by virtually any measure.

The 6% 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 a 1.0x debt-to-first-year-earnings ratio, loan repayment extends well beyond graduation. Financial aid and income-driven plans become important considerations.

A #194 ranking among 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs places West Virginia University in the lower half. Price, proximity, and personal fit become the stronger arguments.

The $23,043-to-$41,799 earnings arc over five years reflects a 81% gain — well above average career growth for recent graduates.

About West Virginia University

A 86% acceptance rate means West Virginia University is accessible to most applicants, serving 17,705 students in Morgantown, WV.

See all programs and financial aid at West Virginia 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
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) University of Southern California ($50,161) 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)

Other Majors at West Virginia University

Mining and Mineral Engineering ($85,897) Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering ($79,662) Computer Engineering ($76,314) Industrial Engineering ($75,606) Computer Science ($74,159) Aerospace, Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering ($72,210) Mechanical Engineering ($71,504) Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing ($71,298)

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 30/100 DegreeOutlook Score mean for Fine and Studio Arts at West Virginia University?
At 30/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
What's the payoff timeline for a Fine and Studio Arts degree from West Virginia University?
At $23,242 in median debt, graduates carry 12 months of starting salary in loans. Income-driven repayment plans may be relevant for many borrowers.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →