Fine and Studio Arts at State University of New York at New Paltz

The small sample size here warrants caution, but the pattern is troubling: recent graduates earn just $18,842 in their first year—less than full-time minimum wage work—and that climbs to only $25,017 by year four. Among New York's 79 fine arts programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, meaning three-quarters of comparable state programs deliver better outcomes. Compare that to Empire State University's graduates earning $39,946, and you start to see how wide the gap is even among SUNY schools.

The debt load of $23,562 isn't catastrophic by itself, but paired with sub-$20,000 starting salaries, it creates real financial strain in those critical early years. Parents should understand that their child will likely need substantial support or a second income source while establishing themselves professionally. The 33% earnings growth over four years shows some trajectory, but you're still looking at barely $25,000—well below what you'd need to independently manage this debt burden.

If your child is set on studio arts, insist on a realistic plan for how they'll supplement income in those first years. The programs at the top of New York's rankings show that institutional choice matters significantly in this field—some schools have networks and resources that translate to meaningfully better outcomes. With New Paltz landing in the bottom quarter statewide, this investment requires eyes wide open about the financial realities ahead.