Analysis
University of North Texas's Fine and Studio Arts program shows promising momentum that sets it apart from typical arts programs. While graduates start at $27,067—above both national and Texas medians for fine arts—the real story is the 42% earnings growth by year four, reaching $38,299. This positions UNT graduates competitively with top Texas programs like SMU and Texas Tech by the four-year mark.
The debt picture is manageable at $24,000, creating a reasonable debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.89 that's better than many arts programs nationally. Among Texas fine arts programs, UNT ranks in the 60th percentile for earnings while keeping debt slightly below the state median. The program's robust sample size of 100+ graduates provides confidence in these outcomes.
For an accessible state university (72% admission rate), these results are particularly noteworthy. UNT graduates appear to build valuable skills and connections that translate into meaningful career progression in the arts—a field notorious for stagnant early wages. While arts careers inherently carry income uncertainty, this program demonstrates that graduates can achieve respectable financial trajectories without crushing debt loads.
Where University of North Texas Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of North Texas 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 North Texas | $27,067 | $38,299 | +41% |
| Southern Methodist University | $38,154 | $57,200 | +50% |
| University of Houston-Clear Lake | $25,274 | $48,711 | +93% |
| Texas Woman's University | $35,115 | $42,240 | +20% |
| The University of Texas at Arlington | $25,156 | $41,880 | +66% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Texas
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Texas (50 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of North TexasDenton | $11,164 | $27,067 | $38,299 | $24,000 | 0.89 |
 Southern Methodist UniversityDallas | $64,460 | $38,154 | $57,200 | — | — |
 Midwestern State UniversityWichita Falls | $10,310 | $35,589 | $28,546 | — | — |
 Texas Woman's UniversityDenton | $8,648 | $35,115 | $42,240 | $26,019 | 0.74 |
 Texas Tech UniversityLubbock | $11,852 | $34,428 | $39,183 | $27,846 | 0.81 |
 The University of Texas at AustinAustin | $11,678 | $32,088 | $40,074 | $24,057 | 0.75 |
| 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 North Texas, approximately 36% 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 332 graduates with reported earnings and 327 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.