Fine and Studio Arts at The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga

UTC's Fine and Studio Arts program starts with a significant challenge—graduates earn just $21,766 in their first year, putting them in the bottom quarter nationally and below Tennessee's already modest median of $22,714. But here's what sets this program apart: earnings nearly double to $41,212 by year four, one of the strongest growth trajectories you'll see in arts programs. With debt of $25,000, the initial 1.15 debt-to-earnings ratio looks manageable compared to many arts programs, though that first year will be financially tight.

The key question is whether your child can weather those early years. At 40th percentile within Tennessee, this isn't the state's strongest arts program—Middle Tennessee State and several others consistently produce higher-earning graduates. But the dramatic income growth suggests UTC graduates are finding their footing in creative careers, freelance work, or related fields that take time to build. That pattern is common in studio arts, but not all programs show this kind of improvement.

If your child is serious about a studio arts career and can manage lean early years (likely through roommates, side work, or parental support), UTC's program shows promise for those who persist. But if financial independence right after graduation is essential, consider the stronger-performing Tennessee programs that start graduates at higher salaries.