Pennsylvania College of Art and 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
$125,480
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$-11,362/yr
below high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
N/A years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-281%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The annual tuition at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is $31,370. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $27,499, which is less than the tuition cost. Five years after graduation, the median earnings are $23,638, also less than the annual tuition. However, ten years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $33,301, which is greater than the annual tuition.
The median debt for graduates is $27,000. The one-year debt-to-income ratio is approximately 98%, calculated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. The five-year debt-to-income ratio is approximately 114%, calculated by dividing the median debt by the five-year earnings. The ten-year debt-to-income ratio is approximately 81%, calculated by dividing the median debt by the ten-year earnings.
Given the median debt of $27,000 and the ten-year median earnings of $33,301, it would take less than one year to pay off the debt if the graduate dedicated their entire earnings to debt repayment. However, this calculation does not account for living expenses or interest on the debt.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$31,370
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$23,638
Graduation Rate
62%
Receive Financial Aid
78%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts | $22,718 | N/A |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $0 | N/A |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $0 | N/A |
Peer Comparison
0%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
0%
20yr ROI
0%
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.