Analysis
Southern Illinois University-Carbondale's Fine Arts program stands out dramatically in a field not known for strong earnings outcomes. At $33,285 in first-year earnings, graduates earn 35% more than the national median for studio arts programs and place in the 95th percentile nationally. Within Illinois, this program trails only Illinois State and nearly matches North Park, landing in the 80th percentile statewide—a notable achievement for a school with a 90% admission rate.
The debt picture reinforces the value: at $26,500, it's essentially in line with both state and national medians for art programs, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.80 that's manageable by any standard. The slight earnings dip to $32,550 by year four suggests graduates may start in higher-paying positions that evolve into more stable creative work, but even at that lower point, earnings remain well above typical outcomes for studio arts degrees.
For parents concerned about the notoriously difficult economics of arts education, this program offers something rare: competitive earnings that actually materialize. Your child won't be rich, but they're far less likely to face the underemployment that plagues most studio arts graduates. Among Illinois art programs, this is a defensible choice that won't leave them drowning in debt while working retail.
Where Southern Illinois University-Carbondale Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Southern Illinois University-Carbondale graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale | $33,285 | $32,550 | -2% |
| Northeastern Illinois University | $30,845 | $43,277 | +40% |
| Illinois State University | $35,967 | $42,181 | +17% |
| Western Illinois University | $26,196 | $40,303 | +54% |
| University of Illinois Chicago | $21,954 | $37,721 | +72% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (46 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale | $13,244 | $33,285 | $32,550 | $26,500 | 0.80 |
 Illinois State UniversityNormal | $16,021 | $35,967 | $42,181 | $20,125 | 0.56 |
 North Park UniversityChicago | $35,325 | $33,276 | — | — | — |
 Northeastern Illinois UniversityChicago | $12,383 | $30,845 | $43,277 | $20,319 | 0.66 |
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $28,669 | $28,363 | $21,356 | 0.74 |
 DePaul UniversityChicago | $44,460 | $27,291 | $35,009 | $26,999 | 0.99 |
| National Median | — | $24,742 | — | $25,295 | 1.02 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with fine and studio arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Craft Artists
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Gem and Diamond Workers
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At Southern Illinois University-Carbondale, approximately 37% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.
Sample Size: Based on 36 graduates with reported earnings and 42 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.