Analysis
Utah Tech's Fine and Studio Arts program starts slowly but shows impressive momentum, with earnings jumping 42% to reach $33,327 by year four. However, it's that first year that creates the challenge: new graduates earn just $23,524—well below Utah's state median of $33,316 for arts programs. Among Utah's eight fine arts programs, this ranks in just the 25th percentile, trailing schools like BYU and Utah State by roughly $10,000.
The $25,000 in typical debt sits right at the national median for arts programs but exceeds Utah's state average. Combined with those low initial earnings, graduates face a year of tight budgets before things improve. The strong earnings growth is encouraging—by year four, graduates nearly match the state median—but that financial squeeze in the early years matters for loan payments and basic living expenses.
For students committed to fine arts, this program eventually delivers competitive outcomes, but they should plan for a lean first year out of school. Families should weigh whether the initial earnings gap justifies staying in-state versus attending a program where graduates start stronger. The moderate sample size suggests these patterns are reasonably reliable, though individual outcomes will vary based on the specific arts discipline and career path pursued.
Where Utah Tech University Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Utah Tech University 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Utah Tech University | $23,524 | $33,327 | +42% |
| Williams College | $34,560 | $72,010 | +108% |
| University of Utah | $33,081 | $47,300 | +43% |
| Brigham Young University | $34,241 | $36,204 | +6% |
| Utah State University | $33,552 | $31,040 | -7% |
Compare to Similar Programs in Utah
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Utah (8 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Utah Tech UniversitySaint George | $6,074 | $23,524 | $33,327 | $25,000 | 1.06 |
 Brigham Young UniversityProvo | $6,496 | $34,241 | $36,204 | $16,656 | 0.49 |
 Utah State UniversityLogan | $9,228 | $33,552 | $31,040 | $17,500 | 0.52 |
 University of UtahSalt Lake City | $9,315 | $33,081 | $47,300 | $23,506 | 0.71 |
| 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 Utah Tech University, approximately 22% 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 40 graduates with reported earnings and 29 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.