Fine and Studio Arts at New York University

NYU's studio arts program sits in the middle of an unusual pack—outearning 60% of New York art programs but still starting graduates at just $25,000. The real story here is the dramatic earnings jump to $49,000 by year four, nearly doubling initial income and pulling graduates well above both state and national norms. That growth trajectory suggests these artists are finding their footing in New York's competitive creative economy, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means your child's experience could vary considerably.

The $27,000 debt load is actually modest for NYU, where many programs saddle students with six figures. It's barely above the national median for art degrees, and the debt-to-earnings ratio improves substantially as incomes rise. Still, that first year at $25,000 in one of America's most expensive cities will be financially tight—expect your child to need roommates, side hustles, or parental support while building their career.

Here's the trade: NYU's 9% admission rate and elite network offer real advantages in the art world, where connections and institutional prestige matter. But Columbia's art graduates earn twice as much out of the gate, and several less selective New York programs deliver stronger immediate returns. If your child is genuinely committed to studio art and can handle a lean first year in New York, the trajectory is promising. If they're uncertain about art as a career, that initial earning period could derail their plans before the growth kicks in.