Earnings Over Time

How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation

Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.

Compare to Similar Programs in California

Fine and Studio Arts masters's programs at peer institutions in California (32 total in state)

SchoolEarnings (1yr)Earnings (4yr)Median DebtDebt/Earnings
University of California-Los Angeles$63,180
California State University-Fullerton$59,860
Academy of Art University$50,953$37,322
Azusa Pacific University$49,560
University of California-Davis$42,782
California College of the Arts$24,495$47,094
National Median$32,208

Other Fine and Studio Arts Programs in California

Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools

SchoolIn-State TuitionEarnings (1yr)Debt
California State University-Fullerton
Fullerton
$7,073$59,860
Academy of Art University
San Francisco
$28,024$50,953
Azusa Pacific University
Azusa
$43,600$49,560
University of California-Davis
Davis
$15,247$42,782
California College of the Arts
San Francisco
$57,946$24,495

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 California-Los Angeles, approximately 27% 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.