Fine Arts Degree in Topeka, KS — Salary & ROI 2026
Fine Arts degree analysis for Topeka, KS. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$42K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$44K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
6.3 yrs
in Topeka
Cost of Living
84
index (100 = avg)
Fine Arts in Topeka, KS Overview
Topeka, Kansas (pop. 126,587) has 14 colleges offering Fine Arts programs. The local cost of living index of 84 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $1,052/month. Although national enrollment in Fine Arts has been declining, graduates with skills in Drawing and Painting remain competitive in the job market. The adjusted starting salary in Topeka is approximately $42,000.
Category
Arts & Design
Local Colleges
14
Public Tuition
$8,640/yr
Private Tuition
$44,161/yr
Room & Board
$11,239/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$13,855/yr
Unemployment
3.4%
Graduation Rate
75%
Fine Arts Salary in Topeka (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Topeka's cost of living index of 84 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Fine Arts salary: $50,000 starting, $52,000 mid-career, $65,000 senior level.Topeka adjustment factor: 0.84x based on the local cost of living index.
Fine Arts ROI Calculator for Topeka
Estimate your return on investment for a Fine Arts degree using local Topeka tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $8,640 | Private avg: $44,161
Topeka avg aid: $13,855/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$79,516
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$12,600
vs HS diploma in Topeka
ROI Payback Period
6.3 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Topeka
$4,484
Lifetime earnings premium ($84,000) minus total education cost ($79,516)
Student Loan Payoff for Fine Arts in Topeka
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Topeka for Fine Arts
Washburn University
public
$8,640/yr
$34,560 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Washburn Institute of Technology
$3,564/yr
Top Employers for Fine Arts in Topeka
Topeka offers opportunities in Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies for Fine Arts graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Topeka Hiring Sectors for Arts & Design
Design agencies
Studios
Tech companies
Advertising firms
Media companies
Common Fine Arts Job Titles
Fine Arts in Nearby Kansas Cities
Wichita, KS
$52K starting · COL 104
20 colleges
Overland Park, KS
$52K starting · COL 103
13 colleges
Kansas City, KS
$41K starting · COL 82.5
6 colleges
Olathe, KS
$48K starting · COL 96.8
6 colleges
Lawrence, KS
$54K starting · COL 108
5 colleges
Shawnee, KS
$43K starting · COL 86.5
3 colleges
Lenexa, KS
$48K starting · COL 96.2
3 colleges
Manhattan, KS
$48K starting · COL 95
6 colleges
Other Arts & Design Majors in Topeka
UX Design
$42K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Architecture
$49K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Animation & Game Design
$42K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Industrial Design
$42K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Graphic Design
$40K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Interior Design
$42K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Fashion Design
$42K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Film & Media Studies
$42K starting · 7.5 yr ROI
Fine Arts Degree in Topeka — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Fine Arts ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Topeka.