Art Center College of Design ROI Analysis
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
above 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 after ten years, earnings are $71,958. The median debt for graduates is $31,000, and 35.6% of students receive financial aid.
Based on the provided data, it is not possible to calculate a precise debt-to-income ratio or break-even timeline. However, the data indicates that the initial earnings after graduation are less than the annual tuition cost. The earnings increase over time, potentially leading to a positive return on investment in the long term.
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
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts | $71,547 | 254% |
| Engineering-Related Fields | $0 | N/A |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $32,235 | N/A |
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians | $0 | N/A |
| Graphic Communications | $0 | N/A |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | $0 | N/A |
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $0 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $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)
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.