Fine and Studio Arts at East Tennessee State University

The small sample size here demands caution, but the trajectory tells a story worth understanding. East Tennessee State's fine arts graduates start at just $16,696—landing in the bottom 5% nationally and putting them below Tennessee's already modest median of $22,714. That $23,875 in debt isn't terrible for an art degree, but it's still 143% of first-year income, meaning graduates face significant financial pressure right out of the gate.

Here's what redeems this picture: earnings more than double by year four, reaching $29,485. That's actually competitive with some of the state's better-performing programs and crosses into the national 75th percentile range. Whether this reflects graduates building freelance careers, moving into commercial art roles, or simply needing time to find their footing, the pattern suggests patience might pay off. Still, those initial years will be tough—$16,696 barely covers basic expenses in most markets, let alone leaves room for substantial debt payments.

For a family considering this program, the key question is whether your student can weather three to four years of near-poverty wages while carrying $24,000 in debt. If they have family support, low living expenses, or can cobble together multiple income streams while building their art career, the long-term outcomes aren't catastrophic. But this isn't a path to financial security—it's a bet that passion and persistence will eventually generate livable income.