Median Earnings (1yr)
$22,840
35th percentile (40th in MI)
Est. Median Debt
$27,250
Est. from MI median (9 programs)
Sample Size
21
Limited data

Earnings Distribution

How Oakland University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Oakland University graduates earn $23k, placing them in the 35th 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 Michigan

Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Michigan (29 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Oakland University$22,840$34,353$27,250*
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor$31,367$49,529$19,319*0.62
Eastern Michigan University$28,890$37,093$27,250*0.94
Saginaw Valley State University$28,289$23,773*
Ferris State University$24,540$37,605$27,000*1.10
Grand Valley State University$24,135$31,984$27,000*1.12
National Median$24,742$25,295*1.02
* Estimated from similar programs

Other Fine and Studio Arts Programs in Michigan

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Michigan schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Ann Arbor
$17,228$31,367$19,319
Eastern Michigan University
Ypsilanti
$15,510$28,890$27,250
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center
$12,240$28,289
Ferris State University
Big Rapids
$13,630$24,540$27,000
Grand Valley State University
Allendale
$14,628$24,135$27,000

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 Oakland University, approximately 30% 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 21 graduates with reported earnings and 15 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.