Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 60.2%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 63.3%
- Retention Rate
- 83.7%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $41,174
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 11:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 57.3%
- 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 | $37,363 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
MIAD graduates enter competitive creative fields where building a portfolio often matters more than immediate salary. With median debt of $27,000 and median earnings of $41,174 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio sits at a manageable 66%. Monthly loan payments of $286 consume about 8% of typical graduate income. The 95.5% employment rate reflects strong industry connections in Milwaukee's growing design sector. Many alumni work in graphic design, industrial design, and advertising agencies where entry-level positions start lower but creative skills command higher pay over time. Given the specialized nature of art careers and reasonable debt levels, MIAD offers an average return on investment for students committed to creative professions.