Visual & Performing Arts at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Milwaukee, WI · Public · Certificate · Visual and Performing Arts, General

University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee has a 88% acceptance rate, making it broadly accessible, with a mid-sized student body of 16,762 in Milwaukee, WI.

Program Analysis

First-year earnings of $34,346 put University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Visual & Performing Arts program 41% above the national median of $24,281 — one of the higher-earning programs in this field.

The 56.8x 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 exposure is significant at 38% of job tasks, producing a 40% spread between best and worst-case decade earnings. The field isn't immune to disruption.

The $24,528 debt-to-$34,346 income ratio translates to about 9 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

With only 9 programs offering Visual & Performing Arts nationally, this is a niche field. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee ranks #1 among them.

Earnings growth from $34,346 to $58,504 over five years (70% increase) indicates that graduates in this trade see meaningful salary progression.

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

53 /100
TradeSchoolOutlook Score
45
Low End
53
Score
56
High End
Earnings $34,346/yr (41% vs median)
AI-Proof Moderate (62% shielded)
Job Market Large (63,400 openings/yr)

Earnings Overview

Projected 10-Year Earnings
$603K
12.0% annual growth
Earnings Multiple (In-State)
60.2x
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)
$10,020
Out-of-state: $22,020
Median Debt at Graduation
$24,528
8.6 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$58,504
70% 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 University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Explore the Degree Alternative

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

Frequently Asked Questions

How does University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Visual & Performing Arts program score?
A score of 53/100 puts this program in competitive territory — solid outcomes, though not at the top of the Visual & Performing Arts field.
What's the AI risk for Visual & Performing Arts graduates from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee?
Our scenarios model 38% of Visual & Performing Arts tasks as AI-exposed. That doesn't mean job loss — it means role evolution. University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's 53/100 score weights this risk into the overall assessment.
What makes University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee's Visual & Performing Arts program stand out?
Ranked #1 of 9 programs nationally, University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee lands in the top 25%. The ranking reflects a combination of graduate earnings, return on investment, and job market alignment.
What apprenticeship pathways exist for Visual & Performing Arts graduates?
Yes — 5 registered apprenticeship programs are mapped to Visual & Performing Arts career paths, including Graphic Designer. Apprenticeships offer paid on-the-job training as an alternative or complement to a program at University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.
How many job openings are there for Visual & Performing Arts graduates?
Job availability for Visual & Performing Arts is strong — 63,400 positions open annually across the mapped career paths. For University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee graduates specifically, local market conditions in WI may shift the picture.
Data from College Scorecard, BLS, and AI resilience research. Methodology & sources →