Art Center College of Design
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$206,560
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$18,562/yr
vs high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
11.1 years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
80%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
Art Center College of Design's in-state tuition is $51,640. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $46,662. Five years after graduation, earnings increase to $53,562, and ten years after graduation, earnings reach $71,958. The median debt for students is $31,000, and 35.6% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, a graduate's first-year earnings are less than the annual tuition cost. The five-year earnings are slightly higher than the annual tuition cost. The ten-year earnings are significantly higher than the annual tuition cost.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$51,640
Median Debt at Graduation
$31,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$53,562
Graduation Rate
79%
Receive Financial Aid
36%
Avg Aid Amount
$0
Program-Level ROI
| Program | 4yr Cost | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | $206,560 | $71,547 | 254% |
| Engineering-Related Fields. | $206,560 | $0 | N/A |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | $206,560 | $32,235 | N/A |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | $206,560 | $0 | N/A |
| Graphic Communications. | $206,560 | $0 | N/A |
| Design and Applied Arts. | $206,560 | $0 | N/A |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology. | $206,560 | $0 | N/A |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | $206,560 | $0 | N/A |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | $206,560 | $0 | N/A |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | $206,560 | $0 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | $206,560 | $0 | N/A |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology. | $206,560 | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
80%
20yr ROI
127%
20yr ROI
137%
20yr ROI
78%
20yr ROI
80%
20yr ROI
Financial Aid Impact
Before Aid
After Aid (Estimated)
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.