Fine and Studio Arts at Texas Tech University

Texas Tech's Fine Arts program outperforms nearly every comparable program in Texas, placing in the 80th percentile statewide with first-year earnings of $34,428—almost $8,000 above the Texas median and roughly $10,000 above the national average. Among the state's 50 Fine Arts programs, only a handful of schools match this outcome, putting Texas Tech ahead of UT Austin and most peer institutions. The "premium price" label refers to slightly higher debt ($27,846 vs. $25,028 state median), but that extra $2,800 in loans translates to significantly stronger earning power.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.81 means graduates owe less than their first-year salary—a favorable position for any arts program. More encouraging is the 14% earnings growth to $39,183 by year four, suggesting graduates find sustainable career paths rather than hitting immediate ceilings. This trajectory matters in a field where many programs leave graduates struggling to monetize their degrees.

For families worried about the viability of an arts degree, this program demonstrates it's possible to pursue creative work without financial catastrophe. Texas Tech manages to deliver outcomes that rank in the 95th percentile nationally while keeping debt manageable. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) provides reasonable confidence in these figures. If your student is committed to studio arts, this program offers a better financial foundation than most alternatives.