Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 42.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 40.5%
- Retention Rate
- 67.3%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $39,008
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $31,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 15:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 35.9%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $329/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Master | $88,417 | $71,352 |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Master | $66,077 | |
| Architecture. | Master | $57,318 | |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $53,810 | |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $48,823 | |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Bachelor | $48,432 | $36,750 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $45,340 | $93,267 |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Master | $44,971 | |
| Music. | Master | $44,942 | |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | Master | $38,289 | |
| Communication and Media Studies. | Bachelor | $36,132 | |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Master | $35,823 | $113,213 |
| Graphic Communications. | Master | $34,420 | $83,224 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $33,809 | $31,500 |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $32,498 | $31,125 |
Outcomes Overview
Academy of Art graduates earn a median of $39,008 ten years after graduation, creating a debt-to-earnings ratio of 79%. Monthly loan payments of $329 consume about 10% of typical graduate income. The art and design industry notoriously pays lower starting salaries, and many graduates pursue freelance careers in animation, fashion, and digital media. Only 36% of borrowers successfully repay their loans. Alumni like VR pioneer Chris Milk and fashion designer Jeremy Scott represent success stories, but they're exceptions rather than the rule. With total costs exceeding $52,000 annually and below-average earnings outcomes, this represents a weak return on investment for most students.