Fine and Studio Arts at Augusta University

Augusta University's Fine Arts program produces earnings that fall significantly below both state and national benchmarks. At $16,943 one year after graduation, graduates earn roughly $5,200 less than the typical Georgia fine arts graduate and nearly $8,000 below the national median. Among Georgia programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile—meaning three-quarters of comparable state programs produce better outcomes. The gap with top-performing Georgia programs like Kennesaw State ($35,846) and UGA ($34,056) is particularly stark, suggesting substantial variation in how these programs position graduates for early-career success.

The modest debt load of $27,741 offers little comfort when paired with first-year earnings barely above minimum wage. While this debt level sits near national norms for fine arts programs, the debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.64 means graduates owe nearly double what they earn in their first year—a challenging financial position in any field. For context, many financial advisors recommend keeping total educational debt below annual starting salary.

The small sample size here (under 30 graduates) warrants serious caution—these numbers could shift dramatically with more data. However, if you're considering this program, the current picture suggests exploring alternatives within Georgia's public university system that show consistently stronger outcomes, or ensuring your student has a clear plan for how this degree connects to viable career paths beyond the immediate post-graduation period.