Fine and Studio Arts at University of Oregon

University of Oregon's Fine Arts program delivers exactly what you'd expect from a mid-tier state school arts degree—neither a standout nor a disaster. At $26,404 in first-year earnings, graduates match the Oregon median precisely and sit comfortably above the national benchmark of $24,742. The 60th percentile ranking means this program outperforms most arts programs nationwide, though it trails Western Oregon and George Fox by about $5,000 annually.

The debt picture is manageable for an arts degree. At $24,000, it's slightly below both state and national medians, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0—meaning graduates owe less than one year's salary. That's about as good as it gets in studio arts. The 14% earnings growth to $30,148 by year four is solid, suggesting graduates find their footing in Oregon's creative economy.

The practical reality: your child will likely earn around $30,000 within a few years of graduation, which is tight but workable if they're committed to an arts career. This program won't open doors that more selective schools might, but it won't saddle them with crushing debt either. If they're choosing between Oregon and Pacific Northwest College of Art, the outcomes are nearly identical. If they can get into Western Oregon, that extra $5,000 annually adds up.