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
Earnings Distribution
How University of Alabama in Huntsville graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Alabama
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Alabama (21 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Alabama in HuntsvilleHuntsville | $11,770 | $35,123 | — | $27,000 | 0.77 |
 Athens State UniversityAthens | — | $38,006 | $22,524 | — | — |
 University of Alabama at BirminghamBirmingham | $8,832 | $30,809 | $34,829 | $25,000 | 0.81 |
 Troy UniversityTroy | $9,792 | $26,917 | $38,492 | $26,000 | 0.97 |
 University of MontevalloMontevallo | $13,710 | $25,150 | $30,017 | $26,000 | 1.03 |
 The University of AlabamaTuscaloosa | $11,900 | $21,836 | $36,075 | $25,000 | 1.14 |
| National Median | — | $24,742 | — | $25,295 | 1.02 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with fine and studio arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Craft Artists
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Gem and Diamond Workers
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.