Fine and Studio Arts at Minnesota State University Moorhead
Bachelor's Degree
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
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates compare to all programs nationally
Minnesota State University Moorhead graduates earn $31k, placing them in the 82th percentile of all fine and studio arts bachelors programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in Minnesota
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Minnesota (28 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State University Moorhead | $30,521 | $33,601 | $27,000 | 0.88 |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato | $38,717 | $37,298 | $27,000 | 0.70 |
| Saint Cloud State University | $30,051 | $45,346 | $31,000 | 1.03 |
| Concordia College at Moorhead | $29,986 | $42,321 | $27,000 | 0.90 |
| St Olaf College | $26,870 | — | $25,000 | 0.93 |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth | $25,660 | $31,772 | — | — |
| National Median | $24,742 | — | $25,295 | 1.02 |
Other Fine and Studio Arts Programs in Minnesota
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Minnesota schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Minnesota State University-Mankato Mankato | $9,490 | $38,717 | $27,000 |
| Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud | $10,117 | $30,051 | $31,000 |
| Concordia College at Moorhead Moorhead | $30,020 | $29,986 | $27,000 |
| St Olaf College Northfield | $56,970 | $26,870 | $25,000 |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth | $14,318 | $25,660 | — |
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.