At $23,764/yr net price, Massachusetts College of Art and Design graduates earn $43,582/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $9,582/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $23,764 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $95,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $43,582/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$9,582/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 9.9 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.2% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,755 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,993/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $15,162/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,708/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $27,239/yr |
| $110,001+ | $31,058/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Certificate | $42,682 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $41,565 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $38,721 | $41,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $34,298 | $25,537 |
| Architecture. | Bachelor | $33,993 | |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Master | $33,993 | |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Bachelor | $32,563 | $26,250 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $26,353 | $24,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $25,932 | $25,513 |
The Risk Factor
69.2% of students at Massachusetts College of Art and Design graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Massachusetts College of Art and Design runs a hard financial trade-off: you pay public-school tuition but earn art-school wages. Ten years out, the median graduate makes about $43,600, and every listed bachelor's program lands well under that in early-career pay. This is an art and design school in Boston, and the numbers reflect a job market where creative degrees pay slowly.
Design and Applied Arts and Architecture top the earnings list, both near $34,000, and they carry the clearest path to work that funds loan payments. Fine and Studio Arts and Film/Video and Photographic Arts sit around $26,000 while still leaving you with roughly $24,000 to $25,500 in debt. That combination , low starting pay against a full debt load , is the specific risk here. You borrow the same amount whether you study design or studio art, but the design track gives you a better shot at paying it back.
The debt itself is manageable in isolation, near the federal median. The problem is early earnings that may not clear it comfortably in a design or film career. A 69% graduation rate and 84% retention mean most people finish, so the risk is less about dropping out and more about what your degree earns after.
The net price tiers reward lower-income families. Under $48,000 in family income, you pay around $15,000 a year. above $110,000, it climbs past $31,000. If your family earns over six figures, you are paying private-art-school prices for these outcomes, and the math gets tight.
This school fits you if you want design or architecture and qualify for the lower income tiers. If you want fine or studio arts and would pay full price, look hard at the earnings before you borrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Massachusetts College of Art and Design worth the cost?
MassArt graduates earn $43,582 ten years after enrollment, which is below average for college graduates. With a net price of $23,764 annually and typical debt of $25,755, the return on investment is modest but manageable for art school standards.
What programs at Massachusetts College of Art and Design have the best job prospects?
Design and Applied Arts programs offer the strongest earning potential at $42,682, followed by Teacher Education at $41,565. Fine Arts graduates typically earn less at $38,721, while Architecture majors start around $33,993.
How much debt do Massachusetts College of Art and Design graduates have?
The median debt for MassArt graduates is $25,755, which is reasonable given the school's focus on arts education. This debt level is manageable compared to many private art schools, though earnings potential remains limited in creative fields.
Does Massachusetts College of Art and Design have good financial aid?
MassArt's net price of $23,764 reflects decent financial aid for a specialized art school. However, with relatively low post-graduation earnings, students should carefully consider their program choice and career goals before borrowing.