Analysis
Plymouth State's Studio Arts program charges a premium—about $1,700 more in debt than the national median—but delivers earnings that justify it. Graduates earn 23% more than the typical fine arts bachelor's holder nationwide, placing this program in the 82nd percentile nationally. That's meaningful in a field where the national median is just $24,742. The $27,000 debt load translates to a 0.89 debt-to-earnings ratio, notably better than many arts programs manage.
Within New Hampshire, the picture is more modest. This program sits at the 60th percentile statewide and roughly matches both the state median and what nearby Dartmouth graduates earn. Keene State edges slightly ahead. Still, the 18% earnings growth from year one to year four suggests graduates are gaining traction rather than stalling, which is encouraging for an arts degree.
For parents considering this path: if your child is committed to studio arts, Plymouth State offers better-than-average outcomes in a notoriously challenging field. The debt is manageable relative to starting salary, and earnings trend upward. Just understand that even the strong performers in this major—and this is one—start in the low $30,000s. This works if art is the genuine passion, but it's not a program that offers financial safety nets if plans change.
Where Plymouth State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Plymouth State University graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plymouth State University | $30,491 | $35,860 | +18% |
| Williams College | $34,560 | $72,010 | +108% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $36,006 | $67,430 | +87% |
| Cornell University | $31,073 | $63,028 | +103% |
| Southern Methodist University | $38,154 | $57,200 | +50% |
Compare to Similar Programs in New Hampshire
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in New Hampshire (9 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Plymouth State UniversityPlymouth | $14,558 | $30,491 | $35,860 | $27,000 | 0.89 |
 Keene State CollegeKeene | $14,710 | $31,390 | — | $27,000 | 0.86 |
 Dartmouth CollegeHanover | $65,739 | $30,246 | — | $13,663 | 0.45 |
| National Median | — | $24,742 | — | $25,295 | 1.02 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with fine and studio arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Craft Artists
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Gem and Diamond Workers
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 Plymouth State University, approximately 26% 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 42 graduates with reported earnings and 46 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.