Analysis
A studio arts degree from UNR starts slow but builds momentum—graduates earn $24,906 initially, then see earnings jump 34% to $33,394 by year four. That growth trajectory matters more than the modest starting salary, and it compares reasonably well to the national median of $24,742 for studio arts programs. The $23,500 in typical debt is also slightly below the national average, creating a nearly 1:1 debt-to-earnings ratio that's manageable, if tight, in the early years.
The wrinkle is Nevada-specific: UNR trails UNLV (where grads earn $27,740) and sits below the state median of $26,323, landing in the 40th percentile among Nevada's admittedly limited options. For students committed to staying in-state after graduation, this gap deserves consideration, though the difference narrows as UNR graduates gain experience and their earnings climb.
For families accepting that studio arts is rarely a high-earning path, UNR offers a workable financial proposition. The debt burden won't be crushing, and the earnings growth pattern suggests graduates develop marketable skills over time. Just understand you're looking at several lean years post-graduation, and if staying in Nevada matters, UNLV's program shows stronger initial outcomes.
Where University of Nevada-Reno Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Nevada-Reno graduates compare to all programs nationally
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
| School | 1 Year | 4 Years | Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| University of Nevada-Reno | $24,906 | $33,394 | +34% |
| Williams College | $34,560 | $72,010 | +108% |
| California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo | $36,006 | $67,430 | +87% |
| Cornell University | $31,073 | $63,028 | +103% |
| University of Nevada-Las Vegas | $27,740 | $38,157 | +38% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Nevada
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Nevada (2 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Nevada-RenoReno | $8,994 | $24,906 | $33,394 | $23,500 | 0.94 |
 University of Nevada-Las VegasLas Vegas | $9,142 | $27,740 | $38,157 | $29,719 | 1.07 |
| National Median | — | $24,742 | — | $25,295 | 1.02 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with fine and studio arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Secondary School Teachers, Except Special and Career/Technical Education
Archivists
Curators
Museum Technicians and Conservators
Craft Artists
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
Jewelers and Precious Stone and Metal Workers
Gem and Diamond Workers
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 Nevada-Reno, approximately 24% 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.
Sample Size: Based on 39 graduates with reported earnings and 35 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.