Fine and Studio Arts at University of Alabama in Huntsville
Bachelor's Degree
Analysis
UAH's Studio Arts program delivers something rare: fine arts graduates earning more than nursing majors at many schools. At $35,123 in first-year earnings, graduates here significantly outpace both the state median ($25,150) and the national median ($24,742) for arts programs. This program ranks in the 95th percentile nationally—meaning only 5% of studio arts programs in the country produce better-earning graduates. Even within Alabama, where only Athens State edges ahead, UAH ranks in the 80th percentile.
The $27,000 debt load sits right at the national median for arts degrees, but here's the crucial difference: the debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.77 means graduates owe less than one year's salary. Most fine arts programs leave students owing more than they'll earn in their first year. The moderate sample size (30-100 graduates) suggests this isn't a fluke from tracking just a handful of successful outliers.
Huntsville's thriving aerospace and tech economy likely plays a role here—companies need designers, technical illustrators, and creative professionals, not just engineers. For parents worried about the viability of an arts degree, this program offers unusually strong economic grounding. Your child won't get rich, but they'll enter a field they love with manageable debt and earnings that actually support independent living.
Where University of Alabama in Huntsville Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts bachelors's programs nationally
Programs in the upper-left quadrant (high earnings, low debt) offer the best value. Programs in the lower-right quadrant warrant careful consideration.
Earnings Distribution
How University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates compare to all programs nationally
University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates earn $35k, placing them in the 95th percentile of all fine and studio arts bachelors programs nationally.
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (21 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| University of Alabama in Huntsville | $35,123 | — | $27,000 | 0.77 |
| Athens State University | $38,006 | $22,524 | — | — |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham | $30,809 | $34,829 | $25,000 | 0.81 |
| Troy University | $26,917 | $38,492 | $26,000 | 0.97 |
| University of Montevallo | $25,150 | $30,017 | $26,000 | 1.03 |
| The University of Alabama | $21,836 | $36,075 | $25,000 | 1.14 |
| National Median | $24,742 | — | $25,295 | 1.02 |
Other Fine and Studio Arts Programs in Alabama
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across Alabama schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Athens State University Athens | — | $38,006 | — |
| University of Alabama at Birmingham Birmingham | $8,832 | $30,809 | $25,000 |
| Troy University Troy | $9,792 | $26,917 | $26,000 |
| University of Montevallo Montevallo | $13,710 | $25,150 | $26,000 |
| The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa | $11,900 | $21,836 | $25,000 |
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 University of Alabama in Huntsville, approximately 23% 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 31 graduates with reported earnings and 28 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.