At $34,298/yr net price, American Academy of Art College graduates earn $34,324/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $324/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $34,298 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $137,192 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $34,324/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$324/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 423.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 45.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $27,000 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $31,011/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $31,834/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $33,296/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $34,820/yr |
| $110,001+ | $43,705/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $23,719 | $30,125 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $19,866 |
The Risk Factor
45.0% of students at American Academy of Art College 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
American Academy of Art College delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to recommend for most students. Your median earnings ten years after graduation will be $34,324, barely covering the annual net price of $34,298 you'll pay while enrolled.
Both major program tracks at this Chicago art school show weak earning potential. Design and Applied Arts graduates earn just $23,719 annually while carrying $30,125 in debt, creating an immediate financial squeeze. Fine and Studio Arts performs even worse at $19,866 in median earnings. These low salaries make loan repayment challenging in an expensive city like Chicago.
The school's 45% graduation rate and 50% retention rate signal that many students leave without completing their degrees, often while still owing money. This creates the worst possible outcome where you face education debt without the credential to help pay it back.
You should only consider this school if you have substantial family financial support that eliminates borrowing needs, or if you view the degree as personal enrichment rather than career preparation. The economics simply don't work for students depending on future art career earnings to justify the investment.
For prospective art students seeking better financial outcomes, community college art programs or state universities with strong art departments typically offer similar training at much lower costs. The specialized nature of this for-profit institution comes with a premium that the job market for art graduates cannot support.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is American Academy of Art College worth the cost?
With a net price of $34,298 per year and median earnings of $34,324 ten years after graduation, the financial return is minimal. The low graduation rate of 45% adds significant risk to this investment.
What is the average salary after graduating from American Academy of Art College?
Graduates earn a median of $34,324 ten years after completing their degree. This means your annual earnings will roughly equal what you pay for one year of attendance.
Which programs at American Academy of Art College have the best job prospects?
Design and Applied Arts graduates earn around $23,719 annually, while Fine and Studio Arts graduates make about $19,866. Both figures are well below the national average and may not justify the school's cost.
How much debt do American Academy of Art College students typically have?
The median debt load is $27,000, which is manageable compared to the school's high tuition. However, the low earning potential makes even this modest debt burden challenging to repay.