Fine and Studio Arts at Savannah College of Art and Design

SCAD's Fine Arts program starts graduates at $20,643—below both the national median ($24,742) and Georgia's median ($22,170) for this degree. That $27,000 in typical debt means graduates owe more than their first year's salary, a challenging position when entry-level arts jobs often come with irregular income and few benefits. Among Georgia's 28 art programs, this lands in the middle of the pack (40th percentile), but that's partially because the state's arts earnings overall lag behind national norms.

The earnings trajectory offers some hope: graduates see 66% income growth by year four, reaching $34,193. That puts them ahead of programs like UGA ($34,056) and closer to Kennesaw State's stronger outcomes. The question is whether families can weather those lean early years. At roughly $1,700 per month before taxes in year one, graduates will likely need roommates, side gigs, or family support while building their creative careers.

SCAD's reputation in the arts world is legitimate, and the robust sample size (100+ graduates) confirms these aren't outlier results. But that first-year salary is the reality check: this is a program where financial success depends heavily on what students do beyond the classroom—building portfolios, networking, developing commercial skills—not just earning the degree. Families comfortable supporting their graduate through a financially tight launch phase will find the program viable; those counting on immediate financial independence should reconsider.