Fine and Studio Arts at Michigan State University

Michigan State's studio arts program charges more but delivers less than most alternatives. With $30,875 in median debt—higher than both national and state averages—graduates earn just $19,566 in their first year, landing in the bottom 15th percentile nationally and 25th percentile among Michigan programs. That's roughly $5,000 below what studio arts graduates earn at University of Michigan and nearly $10,000 below Eastern Michigan's outcomes, both reasonable Michigan alternatives.

The 83% earnings growth by year four brings graduates to $35,728, which is encouraging trajectory. However, that initial year presents a real financial strain when loan payments begin. At nearly 1.6 times first-year earnings, the debt burden means graduates will likely need family support, multiple jobs, or income-based repayment plans to stay afloat during those crucial early career years when building a portfolio and professional network matters most.

For a family willing to invest nearly $31,000 in borrowed money for an arts degree, this represents a particularly tough value proposition. Your student could attend a program like Eastern Michigan or even U-M with likely better employment outcomes and similar or lower debt loads. If Michigan State is the clear personal fit, plan for significant financial support during that difficult first year post-graduation.