At $30,139/yr net price, Columbus College of Art & Design graduates earn $40,664/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,664/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,139 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $120,556 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,664/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,664/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 18.1 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.3% |
| 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 | $22,182/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,353/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,007/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $33,394/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,713/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | Master | $33,281 | $63,396 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $27,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $25,936 | $27,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $25,525 | $27,000 |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
61.3% of students at Columbus College of Art & Design graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Columbus College of Art & Design costs about $30,000 a year net and pays back a median of roughly $40,000 ten years later. That gap is the whole story here: you graduate with $27,000 in debt earning less than a year's tuition. This is an art school, and the financial return is weak across the board.
Every listed bachelor's program lands near the same low ceiling. Fine and Studio Arts tops the list around $26,000, and Graphic Communications sits lowest near $20,000. None of these clear the debt you take on to earn them. There is no high-paying major here to offset the low earners the way a business or engineering program might at a larger school. You are choosing between low starting salaries either way.
The specific risk is that Columbus is not a major creative-industry hub like Los Angeles or New York, so the local market for fine artists, photographers, and designers is thin. You may need to leave the region to find work that matches your degree, and even then the median earnings suggest that work pays modestly for years. A 73% retention rate and 61% graduation rate also mean a real chance you leave without the degree but keep the debt.
The net price barely drops for families under $30,000, falling only to about $22,000, and it climbs above $34,000 for families over $110,000. Financial aid does not meaningfully close the gap at any income level, so plan on paying close to full price.
This school fits you if you are committed to an art career, have low or no family cost sensitivity, or can attend cheaply through outside scholarships. If you need your degree to pay off financially, look elsewhere.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Columbus College of Art & Design worth the debt?
With graduates earning $40,664 after 10 years and median debt of $27,000, Columbus College of Art & Design offers a manageable debt-to-income ratio compared to many art schools. However, earnings vary significantly by program, with some graduates making as little as $20,140 annually.
What programs at Columbus College of Art & Design have the best ROI?
Visual and Performing Arts programs show the strongest returns at $33,281 median earnings, while Graphic Communications graduates earn the least at $20,140. Fine Arts and Design programs fall in the middle range around $25,000-26,000 annually.
How much does Columbus College of Art & Design really cost after financial aid?
The net price averages $30,139 per year after financial aid, which is relatively high for the earning potential in most art fields. Students should factor in that nearly 40% don't graduate within six years.
Do Columbus College of Art & Design graduates get jobs in their field?
The school has a 61% graduation rate, and earnings data suggests many graduates do work in creative fields, though at lower salaries than other majors. The 91% acceptance rate indicates less selective admissions, which can affect job market competitiveness.