Visual & Performing Arts at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

New York, NY · Public · Associate Degree · Visual and Performing Arts, General

with a mid-sized student body of 16,850 in New York, NY.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $9,376 place CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College below the $24,281 national median for Visual & Performing Arts — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

At 9.5x the cost of tuition, the ten-year earnings outlook represents a strong return. Not exceptional, but meaningfully positive.

AI risk is moderate — 38% task exposure — and the 0% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Visual & Performing Arts graduates.

With only 9 programs offering Visual & Performing Arts nationally, this is a niche field. CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College ranks #9 among them.

With 5 registered apprenticeships mapped to Visual & Performing Arts, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

27 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
24
Low End
27
Score
29
High End
Earnings $9,376/yr (-61% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (62% shielded)
Job Market Large (63,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$98K
1.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
9.5x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
8 of 8
Occupations with strong AI resilience

Projected 10-Year Earnings

Based on actual graduate salary data and Bureau of Labor Statistics growth projections.

Program Tuition (In-State)
$10,340
Out-of-state: $16,100
Reported Earnings (4 Year)
$24,310
159% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Visual & Performing Arts graduates by median salary.

Career Path Median Salary Growth AI-ProofAI
Art directors $111,040 +4.2% 50%
Special effects artists and animators $99,800 +1.6% 48%
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190 +1.7% 56%
Art directors
$111,040
+4.2% growth 50% AI-proof
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800
+1.6% growth 48% AI-proof
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190
+1.7% growth 56% AI-proof

View all 8 career paths with full salary data →

Visual & Performing Arts Career Guide

Explore what Visual & Performing Arts graduates do, from entry-level roles to long-term career paths across 9 programs nationwide.

Read the full Visual & Performing Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Visual & Performing Arts Overview

Visual & Performing Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College

Explore the Degree Alternative

Not sure if a trade program or four-year degree fits better? Compare both paths.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the TradeSchoolOutlook Score for Visual & Performing Arts at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College?
At 27/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Visual & Performing Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
How vulnerable is Visual & Performing Arts to AI automation?
AI won't eliminate Visual & Performing Arts careers, but it may reshape them. At CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College, a score of 27/100 already accounts for the 38% task exposure — the ROI calculation factors in reduced employment probability.
Why are Visual & Performing Arts earnings lower at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College?
Lower starting pay at CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Can I learn Visual & Performing Arts through an apprenticeship instead of CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College?
There are 5 registered apprenticeships connected to Visual & Performing Arts occupations, such as Graphic Designer and Illustrator (Profess & Kin). The earn-while-you-learn model means no tuition debt and immediate income, though the training period is typically longer.
Will Visual & Performing Arts graduates from CUNY Borough of Manhattan Community College find jobs?
The career paths mapped to Visual & Performing Arts have roughly 63,400 combined annual openings nationally, making this a large job market. Demand is driven by consistent replacement demand and industry growth.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →