Fine and Studio Arts at California State University-San Bernardino

The $14,447 first-year earnings for Cal State San Bernardino's Fine Arts graduates rank in just the 10th percentile among California art programs—meaning 90% of comparable state programs produce better initial outcomes. That's a tough start, particularly when the debt load of $18,750 exceeds the entire first year's earnings by nearly 30%.

What complicates the picture is the 94% earnings jump to $28,068 by year four. That's real income growth that eventually brings graduates above both the state median ($22,129) and national median ($24,742) for art programs. Still, context matters: while this represents personal progress for graduates, they're climbing from an exceptionally low baseline. Even after four years of growth, they're earning roughly what graduates from CSU East Bay or Sonoma State make right out of the gate, and less than half what USC art graduates command.

For families considering this program, the core question is whether a nearly poverty-level income for multiple years post-graduation is manageable while carrying almost $19,000 in debt. The 57% Pell grant population suggests many students here are already economically vulnerable. Unless your child has substantial family support to cover living expenses during those lean early years, the financial strain could be severe—even with the eventual earnings recovery.