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
The numbers at Montserrat College of Art are hard. You pay $34,725 a year in net price, and the median graduate earns $33,022 ten years out. That gap means the sticker cost of a single year nearly matches a full year of post-graduation income. For a private art college, this is a weak financial return by any straightforward reading.
Both listed bachelor's programs, Fine and Studio Arts and Design and Applied Arts, report early-career earnings under $22,000 a year. Neither pays more than the other in any way that helps you choose. These are fine-art degrees in a region built around Boston's higher-wage tech, finance, and healthcare economy, so your degree does not point you toward the jobs that pay well nearby. You would be competing for creative work that rarely clears $25,000 early on while living in one of the more expensive parts of the country.
The debt side is the sharpest risk. You carry a median $27,000 in loans against those low earnings, and about a quarter of students do not return after the first year. If you leave without finishing, you keep the debt and lose the credential.
The income tiers add a twist worth watching. If your family earns under $48,000, you pay less than families in the $48,000 to $110,000 range, who actually pay the most here. Middle-income families get the worst deal at this school and should compare offers elsewhere closely.
Montserrat fits you if art is the point and money is not the measure, and you have a plan to fund the debt without leaning on your salary. If you need a degree that pays back your loans within a few years, look elsewhere.
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.