At $39,778/yr net price, Academy of Art University graduates earn $39,008/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $5,008/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $39,778 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $159,112 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $39,008/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$5,008/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 31.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 40.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $31,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $37,962/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $37,492/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $40,285/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $44,633/yr |
| $110,001+ | $41,099/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
40.5% of students at Academy of Art University graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Academy of Art University is a weak financial bet for most of its students. You pay nearly $40,000 a year net, and ten years after enrolling the typical graduate earns about the same amount annually. Paying a year of tuition to reach a wage that matches it is a bad trade, especially in San Francisco, where that income does not stretch far.
The programs split sharply. Architecture is the one bright spot, and public relations and computer software applications clear the school's overall median by a wide margin. Design and applied arts, one of the school's signature fields, pays the least of the programs listed while carrying debt north of $31,000. Communication and media studies lands near the bottom too. If you enroll here for a design or communications degree, expect earnings that trail what you borrowed to get them.
Two risks stand out. Only 40.5% of students graduate, and just 67% return after the first year, so there is a real chance you pay tuition without finishing. And computer software graduates leave with the highest debt of any program here, over $36,000, even though it is one of the better-paying majors.
The net price tiers are unusual: families earning under $48,000 pay slightly less than middle- and upper-income families, who face $41,000 to $44,000 a year. There is little price break for anyone. Even the lowest-income bracket pays nearly $38,000 a year.
This school makes financial sense if you are committed to architecture or a technical media path and confident you will finish. If you want a design degree or you are unsure about completing, the combination of high cost, low graduation odds, and flat earnings makes this a hard purchase to justify.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Academy of Art University worth the cost?
Academy of Art University's ROI is generally poor, with graduates earning $39,008 ten years after graduation while paying nearly $40,000 annually. Only computer software and media applications programs show strong earnings potential at $88,417, making most other programs financially risky.
What are the highest paying programs at Academy of Art University?
Computer software and media applications graduates earn $88,417 annually, the only program that clearly justifies the cost. Public relations and advertising programs earn $48,823-$66,077, while architecture graduates make $53,810-$57,318.
How much debt do Academy of Art University graduates typically have?
Graduates typically carry $31,000 in debt with a 40% graduation rate. Given that most programs lead to salaries barely above the annual tuition cost, this debt load creates significant financial strain for most students.
Should I attend Academy of Art University for graphic design or art programs?
The school's core art and design programs show poor financial returns compared to the $39,778 annual cost. Unless you're pursuing computer software applications, you'll likely struggle to repay loans with typical graduate salaries around $39,000.