At $42,168/yr net price, California College of the Arts graduates earn $49,414/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $15,414/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $42,168 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $168,672 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $49,414/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$15,414/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 10.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 58.7% |
| 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 | $32,800/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $28,423/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $42,404/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $44,139/yr |
| $110,001+ | $52,438/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $86,129 | |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Master | $77,536 | |
| Architecture. | Master | $56,776 | |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $50,231 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $39,860 | $27,000 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $35,060 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $34,467 | $51,870 |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $30,409 | $26,899 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $15,552 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
58.7% of students at California College of the Arts 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
California College of the Arts delivers poor return on investment for most students, with median earnings of $49,414 barely covering the $42,168 annual cost. The 58% graduation rate means four out of ten students leave with debt but no degree.
Design and Applied Arts majors split into winners and losers at CCA. Top earners in this field make $86,129, creating strong ROI, while others in the same program earn just $39,860 with $27,000 in debt. Architecture graduates fare better at $56,776, though some tracks within the program pay significantly less at $50,231. Arts and Entertainment Management offers solid returns at $77,536.
Your biggest financial risk at CCA is the 57% retention rate, indicating students struggle to persist through their programs. Combined with San Francisco's high living costs, many students accumulate debt without completing their degrees. The low 25% financial aid rate means most students pay close to full price.
CCA works financially if you target high-earning design specializations or arts management, can afford the full cost without borrowing heavily, and have strong commitment to finishing your degree. Students unsure about their artistic direction or needing significant financial aid should consider more affordable options with better completion rates.
Merit scholarships at CCA appear limited given the low aid percentage. Your best cost strategy involves completing the program quickly in San Francisco's expensive market and targeting the specific design concentrations with proven earning potential rather than broader arts programs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is California College of the Arts worth the high tuition cost?
The ROI depends heavily on your major. Design and Applied Arts graduates earn $86,129 annually, making the investment worthwhile, but other programs show weaker returns with 10-year median earnings of $49,414 against a $42,168 annual net price.
What programs at California College of the Arts have the best job prospects?
Design and Applied Arts leads with $86,129 median earnings, followed by Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management at $77,536. Architecture graduates earn around $50,000-$56,000, while some design tracks only reach $39,860.
How much student debt do California College of the Arts graduates typically have?
Median debt is $27,000, which is manageable compared to the school's high costs. However, with a 58.7% graduation rate, many students leave without degrees but still carry debt.
Does California College of the Arts provide good financial aid?
The $42,168 net price suggests limited aid effectiveness given the school's high sticker price. Students should carefully evaluate aid packages since the low graduation rate indicates many struggle to complete their programs.