Analysis
UW-Whitewater's Visual and Performing Arts program delivers something unusual in this field: graduates who actually earn above the national median. Starting at $28,226—higher than 73% of similar programs nationwide—students see steady growth to $34,177 by year four. That 21% earnings trajectory matters in a field where many graduates struggle to build sustainable careers.
The debt picture reinforces the value story. At $24,500, graduates owe less than both the national median ($26,083) and Wisconsin average ($26,925), with a debt-to-earnings ratio under 1.0. For context, among Wisconsin's seven arts programs, this one sits right at the state median for earnings while keeping debt below average. Students aren't paying premium tuition for middle-tier outcomes—they're getting market-rate results at a reasonable price.
The caveat is that $28,000 remains a modest starting salary by any standard, and arts careers often require additional hustle beyond the day job. But for families who've accepted that their child is committed to this path, UW-Whitewater offers better-than-average preparation without excessive financial burden. The combination of manageable debt and above-average earnings positions graduates to actually make the numbers work.
Where University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all visual and performing arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How University of Wisconsin-Whitewater 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 Wisconsin-Whitewater | $28,226 | $34,177 | +21% |
| University of Florida-Online | $30,629 | $86,575 | +183% |
| University of Florida | $30,629 | $86,575 | +183% |
| Otis College of Art and Design | $21,558 | $61,607 | +186% |
| George Mason University | $31,941 | $47,021 | +47% |
Compare to Similar Programs Nationally
Visual and Performing Arts bachelors's programs at top institutions nationally
Scroll to see more →
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 University of Wisconsin-WhitewaterWhitewater | $8,250 | $28,226 | $34,177 | $24,500 | 0.87 |
 Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia | $60,663 | $51,248 | — | $27,000 | 0.53 |
 Fordham UniversityBronx | $61,992 | $41,165 | — | $27,000 | 0.66 |
 Longwood UniversityFarmville | $15,200 | $34,812 | $40,954 | $27,250 | 0.78 |
 Siena CollegeLoudonville | $44,405 | $34,017 | — | $26,924 | 0.79 |
 George Mason UniversityFairfax | $13,815 | $31,941 | $47,021 | $25,620 | 0.80 |
| National Median | — | $25,286 | — | $26,083 | 1.03 |
Career Paths
Occupations commonly associated with visual and performing arts graduates
Art Directors
Special Effects Artists and Animators
Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary
Graphic Designers
Craft Artists
Fine Artists, Including Painters, Sculptors, and Illustrators
Artists and Related Workers, All Other
Photographers
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 Wisconsin-Whitewater, approximately 25% 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 47 graduates with reported earnings and 53 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.