Fine and Studio Arts at Art Academy of Cincinnati

The $13,252 first-year earnings figure here is startling—ranking in just the 5th percentile nationally for fine arts programs—but the small sample size (under 30 graduates) makes this number particularly unreliable. What we do know: recent graduates are earning less than half what students from comparable Ohio programs make, including those from University of Cincinnati ($29,431) and Ohio State ($29,186). Even accounting for the 144% earnings growth by year four, graduates still trail their peers at other Ohio art programs significantly.

The $27,000 debt load matches the state median and sits below the national average, which provides some relief. However, when paired with that exceptionally low first-year income, new graduates face an immediate financial crunch—owing roughly twice their annual earnings. The four-year earnings jump suggests many graduates need time to establish themselves in creative fields, but starting at barely minimum-wage level creates substantial early hardship.

For parents considering this program, the combination of highly selective admission (33% acceptance) and bottom-decile outcomes within Ohio raises questions about return on investment. While small sample sizes can skew dramatically in either direction, the consistent underperformance compared to larger state programs suggests families should examine graduate employment support and career outcomes carefully. If your child is set on art school in Cincinnati, examining why this program's graduates start so far behind their in-state peers is essential before committing.