Fine and Studio Arts at Fordham University

Fordham's Fine and Studio Arts program achieves something rare: it delivers top-tier outcomes in a field where most graduates struggle financially. With first-year earnings of $35,929 climbing to nearly $50,000 by year four, graduates earn 45% more than the typical New York arts program and outperform 95% of similar programs nationwide. That $49,855 four-year mark puts Fordham graduates within striking distance of Columbia's outcomes at a fraction of the cost, while leaving Syracuse and other established art schools far behind.

The $24,495 in median debt is reasonable given these earnings—a 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio means graduates can realistically manage payments while building careers in an expensive metro area. That 39% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests Fordham graduates are gaining traction professionally, likely leveraging the university's New York City connections and liberal arts foundation. For context, many art programs see earnings stagnate or decline after the first year when studio practice doesn't translate to stable income.

The moderate sample size warrants some caution, but the pattern is clear: this program delivers exceptional career preparation for arts graduates. If your child is committed to visual arts and wants the skills to actually earn a living in the field, Fordham offers one of the best returns available—particularly for families who can't justify Columbia's price tag but want Manhattan-caliber opportunities.