Fine and Studio Arts at University of Nebraska at Omaha

UNO's Fine and Studio Arts program outearns three-quarters of similar programs nationally, posting first-year earnings of $28,942—about $4,200 above the national median for arts graduates. More impressively, earnings jump 32% by year four to $38,202, suggesting graduates gain traction in creative fields or adjacent careers faster than typical arts majors. The $26,202 in median debt sits slightly above the Nebraska median for arts programs but remains manageable with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0.

Within Nebraska, this program lands at the 60th percentile—respectable but trailing University of Nebraska at Kearney's $40,501 outcomes. However, UNO's accessible admission profile (87% acceptance rate, serving a third Pell-eligible students) means it's serving a different population while still delivering above-average results. The moderate sample size suggests these numbers reflect consistent outcomes rather than outliers.

For an arts degree, this represents a relatively practical path. Starting near $29,000 isn't glamorous, but the strong earnings trajectory and controlled debt load mean graduates aren't trapped in the financial precarity that plagues many creative fields. If your student is serious about pursuing art and wants to stay in Nebraska, UNO offers a solid foundation without the financial albatross that often comes with an MFA or out-of-state private arts school.