Fine and Studio Arts at Plymouth State University

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.