Fine and Studio Arts at Miami University-Oxford

Miami University-Oxford's fine arts program shows a striking earnings trajectory, but the small graduate sample makes it hard to know if these results are typical. While first-year earnings of $24,912 sit right at the state median, graduates jump to $40,951 by year four—a 64% increase that substantially outpaces what we typically see in this field. This suggests the program may be developing skills that take time to monetize, perhaps through building an independent practice or portfolio career. Among Ohio's 59 fine arts programs, this performance lands at the 60th percentile, though notably trails the state's top programs like Bowling Green ($31,128) where graduates earn more right out of the gate.

The $27,000 debt load is below the national median, giving graduates breathing room during those leaner early years. A debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.08 means new graduates owe about 13 months of income—manageable if you're prepared for the financial reality of that first year or two. The real question is whether your child will stick it out long enough to reach that four-year mark, when earnings more than justify the investment.

Given the small sample size, treat this as encouraging but not guaranteed. If your child is committed to a creative career and realistic about delayed earnings, the numbers point toward eventual viability. But those first couple years will likely require financial support or supplementary income.