Fine and Studio Arts at Ramapo College of New Jersey

Ramapo College's fine arts program reports earnings that seem remarkable—nearly double both New Jersey and national medians for the major—but the tiny sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could easily shift with a few different outcomes. That statistical caution aside, this data suggests a program that may be preparing graduates for stable employment in ways most fine arts programs don't.

The debt picture is completely reasonable at about $25,000, especially given those first-year earnings create a manageable 0.56 debt-to-income ratio. However, the earnings trajectory tells an unusual story: graduates actually earn less four years out than they do immediately after graduation. This could reflect the nature of arts careers—perhaps initial gallery positions or design roles give way to freelance work or career pivots. Among New Jersey's 24 fine arts programs, this still ranks at the very top despite that decline.

If your child is committed to studying fine arts, Ramapo appears safer than most options, at least based on this limited snapshot. The combination of moderate debt and starting earnings that exceed most peers creates a foundation that many arts graduates don't get. Just remember these numbers represent a very small group, so they're more suggestive than definitive—and the earnings pattern indicates this isn't a traditional "get a job and climb the ladder" field.