Fine and Studio Arts at Bridgewater State University

Bridgewater State University's Fine Arts program manages something surprisingly rare: graduates who actually earn more than their debt, even in a field notorious for financial struggle. At $29,595 starting out and $43,219 four years later, these graduates outperform 78% of similar programs nationally and 80% within Massachusetts—where most Fine Arts majors start around $23,000. The 46% earnings growth over four years suggests graduates are successfully transitioning from entry-level creative work into more stable positions.

The $27,000 in debt sits right at the state median but well below the national average, giving graduates a manageable debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0. That's critical in a field where many programs leave students owing more than they'll make in their first year. While Bridgewater's outcomes trail the state's top performers like UMass-Boston by about $7,000, it's delivering better ROI than schools like Williams College (which likely costs far more to attend) and beating most Massachusetts programs despite its high admission rate and accessible price point.

For a Fine Arts degree, these numbers represent a realistic best-case scenario: modest debt, earnings that grow meaningfully over time, and graduates who aren't underwater financially. It won't lead to wealth, but it's one of the safer bets in this field.