Fine and Studio Arts at Ohio University-Southern Campus

Ohio University-Southern Campus's Fine and Studio Arts program outperforms expectations for this field. Graduates earn $29,053 in their first year—matching the 75th percentile nationally and exceeding Ohio's median for art programs by 17%. Among the state's 59 art programs, this regional campus holds its own against major universities like Ohio State and Cincinnati, with earnings that place it in the 60th percentile statewide.

The financial picture is manageable for an arts degree. At $26,000 in median debt, graduates owe slightly less than the typical art student, translating to a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89—meaning debt equals about 11 months of first-year income. While $29,000 starting salaries won't impress anyone, earnings grow to $32,660 by year four, a 12% increase that suggests graduates find their footing in the field. These numbers may reflect the realities of southern Ohio's economy, where lower living costs make these earnings more viable than they'd be in Columbus or Cleveland.

For families willing to accept that an art degree won't deliver six-figure returns, this program represents solid execution. Your child would graduate with debt levels that are reasonable relative to earning power, from a program that genuinely competes with Ohio's flagship institutions. Just understand you're choosing artistic fulfillment over financial security—but at least doing so at a campus that maximizes outcomes within those constraints.