Fine and Studio Arts at University of Mary Washington

The $24,000 starting salary here translates to barely $11.50 per hour—roughly what someone earns managing a retail store without a degree. While 61% earnings growth sounds promising, that fourth-year figure of $38,627 still leaves graduates earning less than many entry-level business majors make right out of school. The debt load of $23,250 is nearly equal to that first year's salary, creating a tight financial squeeze during those crucial early career years when many art graduates are cobbling together freelance gigs and part-time work.

Within Virginia, this program sits below the state median and trails considerably behind the stronger art programs at Virginia Tech ($36,927) and JMU ($33,501). Even UVA's fine arts program, despite that institution's prestige, shows similar modest outcomes at $23,372. The small sample size here—fewer than 30 graduates in the data—means these numbers could shift significantly year to year, but the overall pattern mirrors what we see across most studio arts programs nationwide.

If your child is committed to fine arts, understand that financial comfort won't come quickly or easily. The degree itself won't generate income—building a sustainable career requires hustle, business savvy, and often a side job for years. Make sure they graduate with minimal debt (this $23,250 is manageable but still requires discipline to pay off) and have realistic expectations about their twenties being financially lean.