School of the Art Institute of Chicago ROI Analysis
Comprehensive ROI analysis based on tuition costs, graduate earnings, financial aid, and long-term earning potential.
ROI Summary
Total 4-Year Cost
$218,120
In-state tuition x 4
Earnings Premium
$-8,258/yr
below high school diploma avg
Break-Even Point
N/A years
After graduation
20-Year ROI
-176%
Return on investment
ROI Analysis
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago has a high tuition cost of $54,530. One year after graduation, the median earnings are $24,516. Five years after graduation, the median earnings increase to $26,742, and after ten years, the median earnings are $40,151. The median debt for graduates is $27,000, and 37% of students receive financial aid.
The debt-to-income ratio can be estimated by dividing the median debt by the one-year earnings. This results in a debt-to-income ratio of approximately 1.1.
Based on the provided data, it would take over 20 years for a graduate to earn the equivalent of their tuition cost. This calculation does not account for interest on loans or living expenses.
Generated from College Scorecard & IPEDS data
The Numbers
Annual Tuition (In-State)
$54,530
Median Debt at Graduation
$27,000
Median Earnings (5yr)
$26,742
Graduation Rate
65%
Receive Financial Aid
37%
Avg Aid Amount
N/A
Program-Level ROI
| Program | Median Earnings (5yr) | Est. 20yr ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio Arts | $39,772 | -56% |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $0 | N/A |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies | $0 | N/A |
| Design and Applied Arts | $0 | N/A |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | $0 | N/A |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $0 | N/A |
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions | $0 | N/A |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management | $0 | N/A |
| Journalism | $0 | N/A |
| Interior Architecture | $0 | N/A |
| Architecture | $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.