At $12,322/yr net price, Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development graduates earn $24,505/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $12,322 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $49,288 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $24,505/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-9,495/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 24.5% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $13,316/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $10,335/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $12,720/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Master | $34,704 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $11,234 |
The Risk Factor
24.5% of students at Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
The Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development presents a challenging financial picture with median graduate earnings of just $24,505 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $12,322 annually. Your investment may struggle to pay off when most graduates earn less than many jobs requiring only a high school diploma.
Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies offers the strongest earning potential at $34,704, making it the only program that provides reasonable financial returns. Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn just $11,234, creating serious debt-to-income concerns even with the school's relatively low costs. The 24.5% graduation rate compounds these risks, meaning three out of four students leave without a degree but potentially with debt.
This school works financially for you only in specific circumstances: if you qualify for substantial federal aid as a Native American student, plan to pursue the writing program, or treat this as career development rather than your primary path to financial stability. The 58% retention rate and low aid participation suggest many students struggle academically and financially.
Your biggest risk lies in choosing art-focused programs that leave you with limited earning power in Santa Fe's constrained job market. If you need college to provide economic mobility, consider other options. If you're pursuing cultural preservation and artistic development with family financial support or clear career connections in tribal communities, the specialized programs here may justify the investment despite weak overall returns.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development worth the cost?
The school's $12,322 annual net price leads to median earnings of just $24,505 ten years after graduation, making it difficult to justify the investment for most students. Only the Rhetoric and Composition program shows decent earning potential at $34,704, while Fine Arts graduates earn just $11,234 annually.
What is the graduation rate at Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development?
The graduation rate is 24.5%, meaning three out of four students don't complete their degree. This low completion rate significantly increases the financial risk of attending.
Which programs at Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development have the best job prospects?
Rhetoric and Composition graduates earn $34,704 annually, making it the only program with reasonable earning potential. Fine Arts graduates earn just $11,234, well below the poverty line for many areas.
How much student debt do Institute of American Indian and Alaska Native Culture and Arts Development graduates typically have?
While the net price is relatively low at $12,322 per year, the extremely low graduation rate means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree. Even graduates face challenges paying back loans with median earnings of $24,505.