Analysis
Portland State's fine arts program ranks in the bottom quarter for earnings both nationally and within Oregon, where graduates earn roughly $6,000 less annually than the state median. That earnings gap matters because the program carries $35,000 in debt—about $9,000 above what's typical for Oregon art programs and substantially higher than the national benchmark. Your child would be starting their career earning less than they owe, with first-year earnings barely above $20,000.
The 36% earnings growth to $28,000 by year four offers some hope, but even that improved figure trails what Western Oregon and George Fox art graduates earn right out of school. Given that PSU serves a high percentage of Pell students (40%), many graduates here are taking on significant debt relative to their financial starting point. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.68 means nearly two years of gross income would be needed just to cover what's borrowed.
For families who can fund this education without loans, Portland State's accessible admission and urban location might work. But if your child needs to borrow the typical $35,000, they'll face a difficult financial runway that even the strongest earnings growth doesn't fully resolve. Oregon has demonstrably better-performing art programs at similar or lower debt levels.
Where Portland State University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Portland 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Portland State University | $20,866 | $28,284 | +36% |
| Williams College | $34,560 | $72,010 | +108% |
| George Fox University | $31,401 | $46,357 | +48% |
| University of Oregon | $26,404 | $30,148 | +14% |
| Pacific Northwest College of Art | $25,906 | $26,904 | +4% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Oregon
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Oregon (14 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Portland State UniversityPortland | $11,238 | $20,866 | $28,284 | $35,125 | 1.68 |
 Western Oregon UniversityMonmouth | $11,025 | $31,917 | — | — | — |
 George Fox UniversityNewberg | $40,940 | $31,401 | $46,357 | $26,000 | 0.83 |
 University of OregonEugene | $15,669 | $26,404 | $30,148 | $24,000 | 0.91 |
 Pacific Northwest College of ArtPortland | $47,126 | $25,906 | $26,904 | $27,000 | 1.04 |
| 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 Portland State University, approximately 40% 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 77 graduates with reported earnings and 92 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.