Fine and Studio Arts at Salisbury University

Salisbury's Fine and Studio Arts program faces a difficult first year—graduates earn just $20,632 initially, well below even the modest national benchmark of $24,742. That $24,239 in debt means new graduates are carrying more than a full year's salary in loans, which can feel crushing when you're trying to establish yourself in the arts.

The picture improves dramatically by year four, with earnings nearly doubling to $39,161. That's a remarkable 90% jump that outpaces the typical trajectory for arts programs. Among Maryland's 18 studio arts programs, Salisbury sits at the median for both earnings and debt—middle of the pack, with programs like Maryland-College Park earning significantly more ($32,031) but others like MICA earning less ($21,138).

Here's the reality: your child will likely struggle financially in those first few years while building their practice and professional network. The question is whether they have the financial cushion to survive that period and the determination to grow their earning power. If they need immediate post-graduation income or can't lean on family support during the lean years, this path requires serious reconsideration. If they can weather the storm, the growth trajectory suggests the degree isn't a dead end—just a slow start.