Median Earnings (1yr)
$38,154
95th percentile (80th in TX)
Est. Median Debt
$26,923
Est. from national median (86 programs)
Sample Size
16
Limited data

Earnings Distribution

How Southern Methodist University graduates compare to all programs nationally

Southern Methodist University graduates earn $38k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all fine and studio arts bachelors programs nationally.

Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in Texas

Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (50 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median Debt*Debt/Earnings
Southern Methodist University$38,154$57,200$26,923*
Midwestern State University$35,589$28,546*
Texas Woman's University$35,115$42,240$26,019*0.74
Texas Tech University$34,428$39,183$27,846*0.81
The University of Texas at Austin$32,088$40,074$24,057*0.75
Sam Houston State University$30,999$35,776$31,000*1.00
National Median$24,742$25,295*1.02
* Estimated from similar programs

Other Fine and Studio Arts Programs in Texas

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Texas schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
Midwestern State University
Wichita Falls
$10,310$35,589
Texas Woman's University
Denton
$8,648$35,115$26,019
Texas Tech University
Lubbock
$11,852$34,428$27,846
The University of Texas at Austin
Austin
$11,678$32,088$24,057
Sam Houston State University
Huntsville
$9,228$30,999$31,000

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 Methodist University, approximately 12% 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 16 graduates with reported earnings and 18 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.