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 Louisiana

Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Louisiana (18 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
Northwestern State University of Louisiana$31,400
Nicholls State University$33,877$27,500$20,9660.62
McNeese State University$31,226$20,618$23,6150.76
Southeastern Louisiana University$23,405$31,266$24,2501.04
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College$23,348$33,681$21,5000.92
University of Louisiana at Lafayette$23,150$30,006$26,0001.12
National Median$24,742$25,2951.02

Other Fine and Studio Arts Programs in Louisiana

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Louisiana schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Nicholls State University
Thibodaux
$8,173$33,877$20,966
McNeese State University
Lake Charles
$8,460$31,226$23,615
Southeastern Louisiana University
Hammond
$8,373$23,405$24,250
Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College
Baton Rouge
$11,954$23,348$21,500
University of Louisiana at Lafayette
Lafayette
$10,418$23,150$26,000

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 Northwestern State University of Louisiana, approximately 35% 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.