At $27,514/yr net price, Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design graduates earn $41,174/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $7,174/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $27,514 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $110,056 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $41,174/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$7,174/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 15.3 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.3% |
| 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 | $23,183/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $22,634/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $23,112/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,328/yr |
| $110,001+ | $32,135/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
63.3% of students at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 37% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. Your median earnings of $41,174 ten years after graduation barely exceed what many earn with just a high school diploma, while you'll carry $27,000 in debt to get there.
The earnings gap between programs is stark and should drive your decision. Design and Applied Arts graduates earn $37,363, which at least approaches a living wage in Milwaukee's relatively affordable market. Fine and Studio Arts graduates face financial hardship with median earnings of just $20,140 while carrying the same debt load. If you're set on fine arts, this school's economics don't work.
The 63% graduation rate signals that many students never complete their degrees, leaving them with debt but no credential. Even if you do graduate, the low earnings across all programs mean you'll struggle to pay down loans quickly. Milwaukee's job market for creative professionals is limited compared to larger cities, constraining your income potential after graduation.
This school makes financial sense only if you have substantial family support that eliminates the need for loans, or if you're pursuing design fields with clear career paths in Milwaukee's manufacturing and healthcare sectors. The 83% retention rate suggests students who survive the first year tend to stay, but the ultimate financial payoff remains poor.
Look elsewhere if you need student loans to attend or if you're considering fine arts. The combination of high costs, low earnings, and limited regional opportunities creates a financial trap that could take decades to escape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design worth the high tuition cost?
The numbers suggest caution. With graduates earning a median of $41,174 ten years after enrollment and a net price of $27,514 per year, many students struggle to recoup their investment quickly.
What are the best paying majors at Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design?
Design and Applied Arts graduates earn around $37,363, while Fine and Studio Arts graduates make significantly less at $20,140. The income gap between programs is substantial and should factor heavily into program choice.
How much student debt do Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design graduates typically have?
The median debt load is $27,000, which is manageable compared to many art schools. However, given the relatively low starting salaries, even this amount can create financial strain for graduates.
Does Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design have good job placement rates?
The school has a 63% graduation rate, which is concerning for the tuition cost. Lower graduation rates often correlate with weaker career services and job placement support.