Fine and Studio Arts at College of Charleston

College of Charleston's Fine Arts program starts low but shows something uncommon: graduates' earnings nearly double from $24,070 to $35,183 over four years. That 46% growth trajectory matters more than the modest starting salary, especially when you're looking at art degrees. Among South Carolina's 25 fine arts programs, this one outearns 60% of them and beats the state median by about $2,000—not exceptional, but solidly middle-of-the-pack within the state.

The $21,500 in typical debt is lower than both state and national medians for art programs, which helps offset that difficult first year. By year four, graduates are earning nearly $12,000 more than the state median, suggesting this program develops skills or connections that actually translate to better opportunities. That said, you're still looking at art-degree economics: even with strong growth, $35,000 at year four isn't setting anyone up for luxury.

The real question is whether your child can manage that first year financially while the career builds. If they have family support or minimal living expenses initially, the upward trajectory here is encouraging. But if they need to be financially independent immediately, that $24,000 starting point will be tough in Charleston's increasingly expensive housing market.