Visual and Performing Arts at Drexel University

Drexel's Visual and Performing Arts program achieves something remarkable: first-year earnings of $51,248—more than double both the national median ($25,286) and Pennsylvania's median ($24,728) for arts graduates. This places it in the 95th percentile nationally and statewide, outearning even Moore College of Art and Design by nearly $24,000. At $27,000 in debt, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.53, meaning they could theoretically pay off loans in just over six months—an exceptionally strong position for any bachelor's program, let alone one in the arts.

The likely driver is Drexel's co-op program, which integrates paid work experience throughout undergraduate education. For arts students, this translates into real industry connections and portfolio development in Philadelphia's cultural sector, rather than the post-graduation scramble many arts majors face elsewhere. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these outcomes, though they may reflect students landing design, digital media, or arts administration roles rather than traditional gallery or performance work.

For families worried about the financial viability of an arts degree, this program flips the usual script. Your child would graduate with below-average debt for arts majors while earning double what most peers make—a combination that makes this degree financially defensible in ways most arts programs simply aren't.