Visual and Performing Arts at Siena College

Siena College's visual and performing arts program punches well above its weight, with graduates earning $34,017—the kind of first-year income that puts it near the top tier nationally and in New York state. That's 61% higher than the typical NY arts graduate and even outpaces the state's flagship arts programs by a significant margin. Only Fordham, with its Manhattan premium, beats it among New York schools.

The debt load of $26,924 is essentially average for arts programs, translating to a 0.79 debt-to-earnings ratio. That's manageable compared to the field—many arts programs leave graduates earning low $20Ks with similar debt, creating much tighter financial circumstances. Here, graduates have breathing room that's rare in this discipline. Whether that's because Siena's liberal arts foundation opens doors beyond traditional arts careers, or because the small program (under 30 graduates) is highly selective within the college, the outcome speaks for itself.

The critical caveat: these numbers come from a tiny cohort, so one hedge fund analyst who minored in theater could skew everything. Still, even if reality falls somewhat short of these figures, the gap between Siena and typical NY arts outcomes is wide enough to absorb considerable variation. For families committed to an arts degree, this represents one of the stronger financial foundations you'll find in the state.