At $50,209/yr net price, Art Center College of Design graduates earn $71,958/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $37,958/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $50,209 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $200,836 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $71,958/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$37,958/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 5.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 82.6% |
| 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 | $42,545/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $40,905/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $46,301/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $52,165/yr |
| $110,001+ | $60,976/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies/Technicians. | Bachelor | $81,702 | $50,250 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $50,856 | $31,000 |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $37,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $20,824 | $28,750 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $20,140 | |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Master | $11,851 |
The Risk Factor
82.6% of students at Art Center College of Design graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Art Center College of Design delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $71,958 barely justifying the $50,209 annual cost. The school's specialized art focus creates a stark divide between programs that pay and programs that don't.
Mechanical Engineering Related Technologies stands as the clear financial winner with $81,702 median earnings, though even this program saddles graduates with $50,250 in debt. Design and Applied Arts graduates earn $50,856 with $31,000 debt, making it the only other program with reasonable prospects. Everything else falls off a cliff financially.
Film and Fine Arts majors face particularly brutal economics, earning just over $20,000 annually while carrying substantial debt loads. These programs essentially guarantee financial struggle after graduation. Graphic Communications sits uncomfortably in the middle with $38,289 earnings against $37,000 debt.
Art Center works financially only if you can secure admission to mechanical engineering or design programs and have family support to minimize borrowing. The 24.5% aid rate means most students pay close to sticker price, making this school financially viable primarily for wealthy families or students with strong talent in high-earning creative fields.
You should look elsewhere if you're considering film, fine arts, or any program outside the top two earners, especially if you need to borrow significantly. The Los Angeles creative market offers opportunities but not enough to justify Art Center's costs for most graduates. This school represents a luxury purchase more than a sound investment for the majority of students.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Art Center College of Design worth the high tuition cost?
Art Center's $50,209 annual net price leads to mixed financial outcomes depending on your major. Engineering-related programs show strong returns at $81,702 median earnings, while fine arts graduates earn just $20,140 ten years out.
What is the job market like for Art Center College of Design graduates?
Career prospects vary dramatically by program at Art Center. Design and applied arts graduates earn around $50,856, but film and fine arts majors face challenging job markets with earnings in the low $20,000s.
How much debt do Art Center College of Design students typically graduate with?
Art Center students graduate with $31,000 in median debt, which is manageable for engineering graduates but creates financial strain for fine arts majors earning $20,000-$21,000 annually.
Which programs at Art Center College of Design have the best return on investment?
Mechanical engineering and related technology programs offer the strongest ROI at Art Center, with graduates earning $81,702 median salary. Fine arts and film programs show poor financial returns relative to the school's high costs.