Fine and Studio Arts at El Paso Community College

El Paso, TX · Public · Associate Degree

with 22,893 students enrolled in El Paso, TX.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $9,347 place El Paso Community College below the $23,525 national median for Fine and Studio Arts — worth weighing against tuition and cost of living.

The 23.7x earnings multiple means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition cost by an order of magnitude. Trade programs often deliver strong ratios, and this one is a standout.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 40% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook for Fine and Studio Arts graduates.

At #11 out of 13 programs, El Paso Community College's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $9,347 to $17,085 over five years (83% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

With 20 registered apprenticeships mapped to Fine and Studio Arts, graduates have substantial options for hands-on training paths that pay from day one.

35 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
29
Low End
35
Score
37
High End
Earnings $9,347/yr (-60% vs median)
AI-Proof Resilient (64% shielded)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$164K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
25.1x
10-year earnings ÷ tuition
Viable Career Paths
12 of 12
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)
$6,548
Out-of-state: $10,628
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$17,085
83% growth from Year 1

Top Career Paths

Top career paths for Fine and Studio 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 12 career paths with full salary data →

Fine and Studio Arts Career Guide

What can you do with a Fine and Studio Arts credential from El Paso Community College? Our career guide maps every occupation path with earnings and growth data.

Read the full Fine and Studio Arts career guide →

Compare & Explore

Fine and Studio Arts Overview

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at El Paso 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 Fine and Studio Arts at El Paso Community College?
At 35/100, the financial outlook is modest. Higher-scoring Fine and Studio Arts programs exist, though non-financial factors may justify this choice.
Is El Paso Community College a good choice for Fine and Studio Arts despite lower starting pay?
First-year earnings trail the national median, but starting salary isn't the full picture. Regional cost of living, career trajectory, and tuition cost all factor in. Check the five-year earnings data when available.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Fine and Studio Arts graduates?
The DOL recognizes 20 apprenticeship pathways related to Fine and Studio Arts. For students weighing El Paso Community College's program cost against alternatives, apprenticeships offer zero-tuition entry with paid employment from day one.
What's the AI uncertainty for Fine and Studio Arts careers?
The 40% scenario spread reflects genuine uncertainty. Some career paths within Fine and Studio Arts are more exposed than others — the aggregate score blends resistant and vulnerable roles.
What's the job market like for Fine and Studio Arts from El Paso Community College?
Job availability for Fine and Studio Arts is strong — 118,400 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For El Paso Community College graduates specifically, local market conditions in TX may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →