Fine and Studio Arts at University of Houston

University of Houston's Studio Arts program stands out for its earnings trajectory rather than its starting salary. While graduates earn $26,482 in their first year—roughly matching the Texas median—they see a remarkable 54% jump to $40,901 by year four. That kind of growth is unusual for arts programs and suggests graduates are successfully building careers rather than remaining stuck in entry-level positions.

The financial picture is manageable by art school standards. At $21,845, the debt load sits well below both the national and state medians for studio arts programs, making the first-year debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.82 one of the better outcomes you'll find in this field. UH serves a predominantly working-class student body (41% receive Pell grants), so keeping debt controlled matters here more than at wealthier institutions.

The real question is whether this program can compete with Texas's elite options—SMU graduates earn $38,154 right out of the gate. But those higher initial numbers come with steeper price tags. For families prioritizing affordability and career development over prestige, UH delivers solid value: reasonable debt, steady progression, and earnings that reach respectable levels within a few years of graduation.