Program Analysis
First-year earnings of $28,291 at Western Kentucky University come in 11% above the national median of $25,391 for Fine and Studio Arts programs.
At 9.6x the cost of in-state tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.
AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 4% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.
The $27,000 debt-to-$28,291 income ratio translates to about 11 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.
At #203 out of 385 programs, Western Kentucky University's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.
The five-year earnings trajectory from $28,291 to $34,236 shows 21% growth, reflecting steady but unremarkable salary progression.