Analysis
Minnesota State University Moorhead's studio arts program achieves something rare: graduates earn more than 82% of fine arts programs nationally, while keeping debt below three-quarters of similar programs. At $27,000 in debt against $30,521 in first-year earnings, students face a manageable 0.88 debt-to-earnings ratio—far better than the financial strain typical in arts degrees.
The tradeoff appears in the state comparison. While Moorhead beats the Minnesota median by about $2,000 initially, it trails MSU-Mankato's $38,717 and roughly matches Saint Cloud State and nearby Concordia. Earning $33,601 by year four shows steady growth, but Mankato's program suggests stronger regional arts markets exist for those who can access them. Still, Moorhead's debt load matches the state median while delivering above-average earnings growth of 10%.
For a student committed to studio arts, this program offers a defensible path. The combination of strong national standing and controlled debt means graduates aren't starting their creative careers buried in payments. The in-state tuition advantage at a regional public university likely strengthens this calculation further. Just recognize that within Minnesota, peer programs like Mankato demonstrate higher earning potential—though possibly at different costs or program structures worth investigating.
Where Minnesota State University Moorhead Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Minnesota State University Moorhead 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | $30,521 | $33,601 | +10% |
| Saint Cloud State University | $30,051 | $45,346 | +51% |
| Concordia College at Moorhead | $29,986 | $42,321 | +41% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities | $20,192 | $37,750 | +87% |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | $38,717 | $37,298 | -4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (28 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Minnesota State University MoorheadMoorhead | $10,336 | $30,521 | $33,601 | $27,000 | 0.88 |
 Minnesota State University-MankatoMankato | $9,490 | $38,717 | $37,298 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
 Saint Cloud State UniversitySaint Cloud | $10,117 | $30,051 | $45,346 | $31,000 | 1.03 |
 Concordia College at MoorheadMoorhead | $30,020 | $29,986 | $42,321 | $27,000 | 0.90 |
 St Olaf CollegeNorthfield | $56,970 | $26,870 | — | $25,000 | 0.93 |
 University of Minnesota-DuluthDuluth | $14,318 | $25,660 | $31,772 | — | — |
| 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 Minnesota State University Moorhead, 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 34 graduates with reported earnings and 33 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.