WhatGradsMake
Doctoral (Research)+2% vs national median385 grads tracked

Visual and Performing Arts at University of Michigan

Ranked 12th of 35 doctoral (research) programs in Visual and Performing Arts by 5-year earnings.

Median · 1 year out
$56,533
middle 50%: $38,763 – $71,728
Median · 5 years out
$69,710
middle 50%: $50,628 – $84,786
Median · 10 years out
$79,113
middle 50%: $61,602 – $99,470

Salary trajectory

Median earnings vs the national median for Visual and Performing Arts (doctoral (research)) graduates.

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

Graduates of University of Michigan's doctoral (research) program in Visual and Performing Arts earn a median $56,533 one year after graduating, rising to $79,113 by year ten. Five years out, earnings run 2% above the national median of $68,571 for this field, ranking 12th of 35 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
5.7 yrs
≈ $6,213 total interest

Same major at other universities

University of Cincinnati
$72,871 · 5 yrs out
Pennsylvania State University (The)
$72,585 · 5 yrs out
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
$72,585 · 5 yrs out
Indiana University - Bloomington
$71,136 · 5 yrs out
Virginia Commonwealth University
$71,115 · 5 yrs out
Arizona State University
$70,108 · 5 yrs out
University of Arizona (The)
$69,441 · 5 yrs out
University of Texas at Austin
$69,096 · 5 yrs out
University of Georgia
$68,838 · 5 yrs out
University of North Texas
$68,571 · 5 yrs out
Ohio State University (The)
$68,495 · 5 yrs out
Texas Tech University
$68,424 · 5 yrs out

Other majors at University of Michigan

Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Doctorate)
$240,526 · 5 yrs out
Legal Professions and Studies (Doctorate)
$205,113 · 5 yrs out
Law (Doctorate)
$205,113 · 5 yrs out
Business, Management, Marketing, and Related Support Services (Master's)
$193,286 · 5 yrs out
Dentistry (Doctorate)
$162,338 · 5 yrs out
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (Doctorate)
$151,020 · 5 yrs out
Engineering (Doctorate)
$148,552 · 5 yrs out
Health Professions and Related Programs (Doctorate)
$144,865 · 5 yrs out
Mathematics and Statistics (Master's)
$139,695 · 5 yrs out
Public Administration and Social Service Professions (Doctorate)
$137,588 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences, General (Bachelor's)
$137,498 · 5 yrs out
Computer and Information Sciences and Support Services (Bachelor's)
$137,470 · 5 yrs out

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