Analysis
Wheaton College's Fine and Studio Arts program produces graduates earning roughly $23,200 their first year—well below both the Illinois state median ($26,204) and national average ($24,742). Among Illinois art programs, this lands at the 40th percentile, meaning six out of ten comparable programs deliver better outcomes. The gap is substantial: top Illinois programs like Illinois State and SIU-Carbondale produce graduates earning 50% more right out of the gate.
The debt load of $23,281 nearly matches first-year earnings, creating a 1:1 ratio that makes loan repayment challenging on an entry-level arts salary. While this debt level sits slightly below state and national medians for art degrees, it offers little comfort when paired with below-average earnings. For context, some Illinois peers manage similar or lower debt while delivering significantly higher earnings.
The critical caveat: this data reflects fewer than 30 graduates, so these numbers could shift dramatically year to year. Still, the pattern is concerning—graduates are entering a notoriously difficult field with both below-median earnings and substantial debt. Parents should ask pointed questions about career placement support and whether their student has realistic plans for supplementing early-career income. This isn't the worst arts program outcome, but Illinois offers demonstrably stronger options at similar or lower cost.
Where Wheaton College Stands
Earnings vs. debt across all fine and studio arts bachelors's programs nationally
Earnings Distribution
How Wheaton College graduates compare to all programs nationally
Compare to Similar Programs in Illinois
Fine and Studio Arts bachelors's programs at peer institutions in Illinois (46 total in state)
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| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wheaton CollegeWheaton | $43,930 | $23,202 | — | $23,281 | 1.00 |
 Illinois State UniversityNormal | $16,021 | $35,967 | $42,181 | $20,125 | 0.56 |
 Southern Illinois University-CarbondaleCarbondale | $13,244 | $33,285 | $32,550 | $26,500 | 0.80 |
 North Park UniversityChicago | $35,325 | $33,276 | — | — | — |
 Northeastern Illinois UniversityChicago | $12,383 | $30,845 | $43,277 | $20,319 | 0.66 |
 University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign | $16,004 | $28,669 | $28,363 | $21,356 | 0.74 |
| 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 Wheaton College, approximately 20% 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 18 graduates with reported earnings and 22 graduates with debt data. Small samples may not be representative.