Analysis
Lee University's Fine Arts program achieves something unusual in this field: graduates earn more than both the typical Tennessee arts graduate ($22,714) and the national median ($24,742), while carrying debt that's actually lower than most comparable programs nationwide. At $26,598 in first-year earnings against $29,750 in debt, the 1.12 debt ratio is manageable by arts program standards, and importantly, the debt burden here ranks in just the 5th percentile nationally—meaning 95% of similar programs leave students with more debt.
Within Tennessee's landscape of 25 arts programs, this performance is solid though not exceptional. Lee outpaces UT-Chattanooga and Tennessee Tech, but trails Middle Tennessee State by about $2,500 annually. Still, for a student committed to studio arts, this represents a relatively responsible path into a notoriously difficult field financially.
The significant caveat: this data comes from fewer than 30 graduates, so individual outcomes could vary considerably. But if these patterns hold, Lee offers arts training without the crushing debt that often accompanies it. For a family accepting the inherent financial challenges of an arts degree, this program at least doesn't compound them with excessive borrowing—a meaningful distinction when most fine arts programs nationwide saddle students with more debt for similar or lower earnings.
Where Lee University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Lee University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Tennessee
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Tennessee (25 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Lee UniversityCleveland | $22,690 | $26,598 | — | $29,750 | 1.12 |
 Middle Tennessee State UniversityMurfreesboro | $9,506 | $29,084 | $36,484 | $24,760 | 0.85 |
 University of MemphisMemphis | $10,344 | $26,451 | $31,494 | $28,850 | 1.09 |
 The University of Tennessee-KnoxvilleKnoxville | $13,484 | $23,661 | $32,233 | $27,000 | 1.14 |
 The University of Tennessee-ChattanoogaChattanooga | $10,144 | $21,766 | $41,212 | $25,000 | 1.15 |
 Tennessee Technological UniversityCookeville | $10,084 | $19,231 | $34,767 | $13,935 | 0.72 |
| 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 Lee 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.
Sample Size: Based on 27 graduates with reported earnings and 26 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.