Fine and Studio Arts at University of South Dakota

University of South Dakota's Fine and Studio Arts program shows modest earnings that actually outpace both national and state figures for art degrees, though the small sample size (under 30 graduates) means individual outcomes could vary significantly. First-year graduates earn $25,327, just above the national median for this field, while debt loads of $27,000 sit well below the national average. More encouraging is the earnings trajectory: graduates see 28% income growth by year four, reaching $32,441—a meaningful bump in a field where many programs show flat or declining wages.

The debt-to-earnings ratio of 1.07 is manageable compared to many arts programs, meaning graduates owe roughly one year's salary. For South Dakota, where USD ranks in the 60th percentile among the state's seven fine arts programs, this represents a middle-tier option. The university's 99% admission rate and modest academic profile suggest accessibility, though the low 18% Pell Grant rate indicates it may not be the most affordable choice for lower-income students.

If your child is committed to pursuing studio arts, this program won't leave them buried in debt, and the upward earnings trend is a positive sign. However, the absolute earnings levels mean graduates will need to budget carefully and possibly supplement income through additional work. The small cohort size also makes it hard to predict whether these results will hold consistently year to year.