Increased tuition causes more strain on art, music students

Caitlin Pond wants to become a painter. However, as Pond begins her junior year as a studio art major, she wonders if her greatest interest is actually in her
best interest.

“Growing up, art was my only hobby,” Pond said. “I love doing it. Looking at it, it seemed like a clear choice for the rest of my life. But, it’s going to be hard paying off loans for college, especially when I’m going to have a hard time getting a job.”

Pond’s situation is not uncommon. More than 500 other undergraduate fine arts students are wondering the same thing: Does the financial benefit of an art major exceed the tuition cost?

The Huffington Post considered this problem in a July 28 article, “The 13 Worst-Paying College Majors: Payscale List.” Art was ranked as the No. 11 worst-paying field of study. The starting median salary was estimated at $35,300 per year, and the mid-career median pay was $52,400 per year.

In light of this research, with a quantitative glimpse at her future, Pond is merely reflecting on a shaky reality she may be forced to face.

Paul Brown, director of studio arts, acknowledged the extra fees fine arts
majors face.

“It depends on the class and the media, but for almost each class we charge a lab or materials fee,” Brown said. “This will cover a portion of the extra materials required.”

Music students pay an additional program fee of $910 each semester. Pond estimated she spends at least $100 per semester on additional supplies.

“For paint classes, you need paint, paint brushes, solvents, canvas, stretchers,” Pond said. “For drawing classes, you need paper, charcoal and pencils.”

The reality of tuition can be a stressor for students; but with the 5.5 percent tuition increase resident IU students, the burden may only have heightened.

In-state students will pay an extra $500 per year. Out-of-state students will pay an extra $1,600.

More than 80 percent of the students enrolled in music are from outside the state of Indiana, said Townsend A. Plant, director of admissions and financial aid for the Jacobs School of Music.

“Given that so many of our students are from out-of-state, more of our students will feel the impact of the larger increase,” Plant said. “We always worry that larger than expected tuition increases could jeopardize our ability to retain students, particularly those whose families are already stretched financially.”

Senior Trevor Ousey, a music education major, has paid out-of-state tuition for only being in college part time.

He said he recognizes the external price of his education, but places a greater value on his desire to eventually become a high school band director.

“I feel like some people go toward certain careers, like business or law, for status or money,” Ousey said. “But I’m doing this career because it’s my passion and it’s what I want to do.”

Brown said he believes most fine arts students also agree with Ousey.

“I think that person goes in the arts field because they have an interest or commitment to fine arts,” Brown said. “Hopefully students know the quality of education outweighs the cost.”

Ousey said he agrees with Brown on the quality of an IU education.

“That’s why I went to IU,” Ousey said. “It’s one of the best schools of music in the country, and it can carry me through these tough times.”