Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 61.0%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.9%
- Retention Rate
- 75.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $37,032
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 60.7%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $27,947 | $27,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $27,476 | $27,000 |
| Rhetoric and Composition/Writing Studies. | Bachelor | $25,580 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $22,715 | $27,000 |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
KCAI graduates enter a competitive creative economy where median earnings reach $37,032 ten years after graduation. The typical monthly loan payment of $286 consumes about 9.3% of median income, which falls within manageable territory compared to many art schools. With median debt of $27,000, graduates face a debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.73, relatively reasonable for creative fields. Alumni typically pursue careers in animation studios, design agencies, illustration, and digital media companies. The 92.3% employment rate reflects strong industry connections in Kansas City's growing creative sector. While art careers often start modestly, the school's Walt Disney legacy and industry partnerships provide solid networking opportunities. This represents an average return on investment for specialized creative education.