Analysis
George Fox University's Fine Arts program shows surprisingly strong earnings outcomes despite the small graduate sample—first-year median earnings of $31,401 place graduates in the 86th percentile nationally, well above the typical fine arts graduate who earns around $25,000. Within Oregon, it ranks in the 60th percentile and essentially ties Western Oregon University for top earnings in the state. The debt load of $26,000 is exactly Oregon's median for this program and sits comfortably in the 40th percentile nationally, meaning most comparable programs saddle students with more debt.
The real standout here is the earnings trajectory: graduates see 48% income growth between years one and four, reaching $46,357. That's exceptional momentum for an arts degree and suggests graduates are finding sustainable career paths rather than hitting the income ceiling common in creative fields. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.83 means graduates owe less than one year's starting salary—manageable by most standards.
The caveat matters, though: with fewer than 30 graduates in the dataset, a few exceptional outcomes could skew these numbers significantly. But if you're set on studying fine arts in Oregon, this program appears to deliver better-than-expected preparation for earning a living. The combination of reasonable debt and above-average early career earnings makes it one of the stronger fine arts investments in the state.
Where George Fox University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How George Fox University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| George Fox University | $31,401 | $46,357 | +48% |
| Williams College | $34,560 | $72,010 | +108% |
| University of Oregon | $26,404 | $30,148 | +14% |
| Portland State University | $20,866 | $28,284 | +36% |
| Pacific Northwest College of Art | $25,906 | $26,904 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 George Fox UniversityNewberg | $40,940 | $31,401 | $46,357 | $26,000 | 0.83 |
 Western Oregon UniversityMonmouth | $11,025 | $31,917 | — | — | — |
 University of OregonEugene | $15,669 | $26,404 | $30,148 | $24,000 | 0.91 |
 Pacific Northwest College of ArtPortland | $47,126 | $25,906 | $26,904 | $27,000 | 1.04 |
 Portland State UniversityPortland | $11,238 | $20,866 | $28,284 | $35,125 | 1.68 |
| National Median | — | $24,742 | — | $25,295 | 1.02 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with fine and studio arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Craft Artists
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Gem and Diamond Workers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At George Fox University, approximately 27% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.