Fine and Studio Arts at Central Washington University

Central Washington University's Fine Arts program achieves something rare: it outperforms 60% of Washington art programs while keeping debt manageable. First-year earnings of $26,123 beat both the state median ($25,947) and national average ($24,742), placing graduates ahead of peers from UW-Seattle and UW-Bothell. With debt at $25,000—roughly equal to a year's earnings—graduates start with a realistic repayment path, avoiding the crushing debt-to-income traps common in creative fields.

The 30% earnings growth to $33,899 by year four is the real story here. That trajectory puts CWU graduates within striking distance of Seattle Pacific's art program while paying significantly less upfront. For an accessible institution (90% admission rate) serving working-class students (31% on Pell grants), these outcomes show the program delivers solid career preparation beyond the stereotype of struggling artists.

The modest sample size means individual experiences will vary, and these aren't wealth-building numbers by any measure. But if your child is committed to pursuing studio art, CWU offers a path that won't saddle them with unmanageable debt while providing better-than-average earning potential for the field. It's one of the more responsible ways to chase an art degree in Washington.