WhatGradsMake
Bachelor's-5% vs national median901 grads tracked

Visual and Performing Arts at Western Illinois University

Ranked 183rd of 376 bachelor's programs in Visual and Performing Arts by 5-year earnings.

Median · 1 year out
$31,388
middle 50%: $23,349 – $40,493
Median · 5 years out
$46,116
middle 50%: $33,391 – $57,224
Median · 10 years out
$54,779
middle 50%: $40,528 – $71,838

Salary trajectory

Median earnings vs the national median for Visual and Performing Arts (bachelor's) graduates.

This program (median)National median, same major & degreeMiddle 50% of graduates

Graduates of Western Illinois University's bachelor's program in Visual and Performing Arts earn a median $31,388 one year after graduating, rising to $54,779 by year ten. Five years out, earnings run 5% below the national median of $48,719 for this field, ranking 183rd of 376 reporting programs.

Source: U.S. Census Bureau PSEO, release V4.13.0 2025Q4. Earnings are for graduates working in covered states; figures are medians in nominal dollars.

Will the degree pay for itself?

Drag the sliders — payback uses this program's actual salary curve.

Assumes a 6.5% APR loan and this program's median salary trajectory (interpolated between years 1, 5 and 10).

Paid off in
9.3 yrs
≈ $11,165 total interest

Same major at other universities

Virginia State University
$46,249 · 5 yrs out
Ohio University
$46,240 · 5 yrs out
University of Central Oklahoma
$46,227 · 5 yrs out
University of Minnesota Morris
$46,223 · 5 yrs out
University of Wisconsin - Stevens Point
$46,198 · 5 yrs out
Norfolk State University
$46,131 · 5 yrs out
Worcester State University
$46,093 · 5 yrs out
University of Missouri - Saint Louis
$46,055 · 5 yrs out
Kennesaw State University
$46,032 · 5 yrs out
Bridgewater College
$46,024 · 5 yrs out
Metropolitan State University
$45,999 · 5 yrs out
University of Wisconsin - Parkside
$45,979 · 5 yrs out

Other majors at Western Illinois University

Education (Doctorate)
$163,593 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Master's)
$107,538 · 5 yrs out
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians (Master's)
$98,269 · 5 yrs out
Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting and Related Protective Services (Master's)
$97,417 · 5 yrs out
Physical Sciences (Master's)
$97,160 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Bachelor's)
$97,133 · 5 yrs out
Engineering, General (Bachelor's)
$96,422 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Master's)
$84,414 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's)
$82,090 · 5 yrs out
Construction Management (Bachelor's)
$82,014 · 5 yrs out
Engineering Technologies/Technicians, General (Bachelor's)
$81,320 · 5 yrs out
Engineering/Engineering-Related Technologies/Technicians (Bachelor's)
$80,729 · 5 yrs out

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