Fine and Studio Arts at Ferris State University

Ferris State's Fine and Studio Arts program shows surprisingly strong earnings growth—graduates nearly double their income from $24,540 in year one to $37,605 by year four. That 53% jump suggests graduates are finding their footing in creative careers after an admittedly slow start. Among Michigan's 29 arts programs, this ranks in the 60th percentile, landing ahead of larger schools like Grand Valley State and Northern Michigan, though still trailing powerhouses like U-M Ann Arbor.

The debt picture looks manageable at $27,000, which sits below the national median for arts programs and translates to a debt-to-earnings ratio just over 1:1. By year four, that debt burden shrinks to less than three-quarters of annual income—a more comfortable position than many arts graduates face. The caveat: these figures come from a small graduating class (under 30 students), meaning a few outliers could skew the results significantly.

For parents weighing this program, the trajectory matters more than the starting point. If your child can weather a lean first year or two—perhaps living at home or working a day job while building their practice—the data suggests they'll reach competitive earnings for the field. Just understand that sample size limits how confidently you can trust these specific numbers.