Fine and Studio Arts at University of South Carolina Aiken

Starting at under $20,000 a year makes this program a hard sell, even by fine arts standards. While graduates see 50% earnings growth by year four—reaching nearly $30,000—that still leaves them in the bottom fifth nationally for studio arts programs. The debt load of $23,567 isn't enormous, but with first-year earnings this low, it translates to more than a full year's salary, creating real financial pressure right when graduates are trying to establish themselves creatively and professionally.

Within South Carolina, the picture looks marginally better—this program lands at the 40th percentile statewide—but that's largely because fine arts earnings are depressed across the state. The top program at USC-Upstate pays 76% more in first-year earnings. Even USC's main Columbia campus shows 38% higher starting salaries for the same degree.

The small sample size (under 30 graduates) means these numbers could shift considerably year to year, so they're more directional than definitive. But the broader pattern is clear: studio arts graduates from USC Aiken face an uphill financial battle early on. Families should treat this as a degree that requires either additional financial support, a backup income plan, or acceptance that the first several years post-graduation will be financially lean.