Academy of Art University ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$112,096
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$-4,548/yr
below high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
N/A years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-181%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The Academy of Art University has an annual in-state tuition of $28,024. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $29,577. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $30,452, and ten years after graduation, the median earnings are $39,008. The median debt for students is $31,000, and 50.5% of students receive financial aid.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a debt-to-income ratio. However, the one-year post-graduation earnings are slightly higher than the annual tuition cost. The five-year earnings are also slightly higher than the initial debt amount.
The data does not provide enough information to calculate a break-even timeline.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$28,024
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$30,452
Graduation Rate
42%
Receive Financial Aid
51%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $83,281 | 761% |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians | $0 | N/A |
| Design and Applied Arts | $49,968 | 167% |
| Graphic Communications | $51,035 | 186% |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $49,593 | 160% |
| Apparel and Textiles | $0 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $37,322 | -59% |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $0 | N/A |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $0 | N/A |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $0 | N/A |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $0 | N/A |
| Music | $43,847 | 58% |
Peer Comparison
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
Frequently Asked Questions
Methodology
ROI calculations are based on data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. The earnings premium is calculated as the difference between median graduate earnings and the national average earnings for high school diploma holders ($35,000).
The 20-year ROI formula: ((Earnings Premium x 20) - Total Cost) / Total Cost x 100. Break-even point: Total Cost / Annual Earnings Premium. All figures use in-state tuition and do not account for inflation, opportunity cost, or financial aid variations.