At $34,725/yr net price, Montserrat College of Art graduates earn $33,022/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $34,725 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $138,900 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,022/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-978/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 61.5% |
| 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 | $30,337/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $25,745/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $38,246/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $39,867/yr |
| $110,001+ | $36,684/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $21,964 | $27,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $21,899 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
61.5% of students at Montserrat College of Art graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Montserrat College of Art delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment for most students. With median earnings of $33,022 ten years after graduation against a net price of $34,725 annually, you're paying more for one year than you'll earn in your first decade out of school.
The earnings data reveals why art school economics are particularly brutal here. Fine and Studio Arts graduates earn just $21,964 annually while carrying $27,000 in debt, creating a debt-to-income ratio that will strain your budget for years. Design and Applied Arts performs marginally better but still produces earnings below $22,000, making loan payments challenging on entry-level creative salaries in the Boston metro area.
The 61.5% graduation rate compounds the financial risk. Nearly four in ten students leave without completing their degree, often still carrying debt but lacking the credential that might justify the investment. The 75% retention rate suggests many students recognize the financial reality after their first year.
This school makes financial sense only if you have substantial family support that eliminates borrowing needs, or if you're pursuing art as a supplement to other income sources. The low percentage receiving aid (32.77%) suggests limited merit scholarship opportunities to offset costs.
You should look elsewhere if you need your degree to generate sufficient income for loan repayment and living expenses. The regional creative job market around Boston offers opportunities, but not at salary levels that justify this price point for most graduates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Montserrat College of Art worth the cost?
With graduates earning $33,022 ten years after enrollment against a net price of $34,725 per year, the financial return is poor. The annual earnings barely cover one year of college costs, making this a high-risk investment for most students.
Do Montserrat College of Art graduates struggle with student loan debt?
Yes, the typical graduate debt of $27,000 is problematic given the low earning potential. With median salaries around $33,000, graduates may struggle to manage loan payments while covering basic living expenses.
Which programs at Montserrat College of Art have the best job prospects?
Both Fine Arts and Design programs show similarly low earning potential, with graduates making around $22,000 annually. Neither program offers strong financial prospects compared to the cost of attendance.
How does Montserrat College of Art's graduation rate affect its value?
The 61.5% graduation rate means nearly 4 in 10 students don't finish their degree. This adds significant risk since non-graduates typically face even worse financial outcomes while still carrying debt.