Fine and Studio Arts at University of Delaware

University of Delaware's fine arts program starts graduates at just under $22,000 annually—significantly below the national median for this field—but the earnings trajectory tells a more hopeful story. Graduates see 73% income growth by year four, reaching nearly $38,000, which substantially narrows the gap with typical fine arts outcomes. In Delaware's limited market for this degree (only two schools offer it), this program sits at the median, though that benchmark isn't particularly reassuring given the starting salary.

The $25,908 debt load equals roughly 14 months of first-year earnings, which is manageable compared to many arts programs, but the real question is whether those early lean years are sustainable for your child. Fine arts careers notoriously involve cobbling together multiple income streams—freelance work, teaching gigs, retail jobs—and many graduates end up working outside their field entirely. The strong mid-career growth could reflect graduates finding their footing professionally, or it might simply mean they've pivoted to more stable work that has little to do with their studio training.

For families banking on this degree leading to a stable creative career, the numbers suggest caution. If your child is pursuing fine arts with clear supplementary skills (graphic design, arts administration, teaching certification) or substantial family financial support to weather the early years, it's more viable. Otherwise, the debt-to-earnings picture in those first years will be tight.