Fine and Studio Arts at Shawnee State University

The numbers here tell a difficult story: Shawnee State's Fine and Studio Arts graduates start at just $19,261—well below both the national median ($24,742) and Ohio's median ($24,912) for the program. That $28,750 in debt means graduates face nearly 1.5 years of earnings to cover their loans, a particularly challenging ratio when starting salaries barely clear the poverty line. Among Ohio's 59 schools offering this degree, this program ranks in just the 25th percentile, with top Ohio programs like Bowling Green ($31,128) and University of Cincinnati ($29,431) producing substantially higher outcomes.

The 47% earnings growth to $28,314 by year four offers some relief, but even that trajectory leaves graduates behind their peers. With 35% of students receiving Pell grants, many families here are making this investment without much financial cushion. The debt load itself is actually lower than the national median—that's the 5th percentile—but the problem isn't the amount borrowed, it's what graduates earn afterward.

If your child is passionate about studio arts and has specific career plans or connections, that context matters. But the financial reality is stark: this program produces below-average earnings in an already difficult-to-monetize field. Families should consider whether state schools with stronger track records—like Bowling Green or Cincinnati—might offer better value, or whether a less expensive community college path makes more sense for the first two years.