At $20,185/yr net price, Northwest College of Art & Design graduates earn $31,167/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $20,185 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $80,740 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $31,167/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-2,833/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 36.4% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $30,750 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $14,817/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $17,795/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $21,306/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $29,021/yr |
| $110,001+ | $29,127/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $23,579 | $30,734 |
The Risk Factor
36.4% of students at Northwest College of Art & Design graduate within 6 years. Fewer than half of students complete their degree. If you don't graduate, the financial investment may not pay off.
Analysis
Northwest College of Art & Design delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the investment. Your median earnings of $31,167 ten years after graduation barely exceed what many high school graduates earn, while you'll carry $30,750 in debt from a program that costs over $20,000 annually.
The school's single major grouping in Design and Applied Arts shows particularly weak earnings at $23,579 annually. This income level makes loan repayment challenging, especially when you consider that over one-third of students never finish their degree. The 36% graduation rate means substantial financial risk with no credential to show for your investment.
You face additional red flags as a for-profit institution where only about half of students receive financial aid. The 78% retention rate suggests students recognize the poor value proposition and transfer elsewhere. Your job prospects in the Tacoma-Seattle region may be limited, as the creative economy typically demands either strong portfolio work or additional credentials beyond what this program provides.
This school makes financial sense only if you have family funding that eliminates debt concerns, or if you view it as portfolio development rather than career preparation. If you need student loans or expect your degree to provide living-wage employment, you should explore community college art programs, state university art departments, or established private art schools with stronger industry connections and higher graduate earnings.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Northwest College of Art & Design worth the cost?
The numbers suggest it's risky. Graduates earn a median of $31,167 ten years after enrollment while carrying $30,750 in debt, creating a challenging financial situation for most students.
What is the ROI for Northwest College of Art & Design graduates?
The ROI is poor compared to most colleges. With annual net costs around $20,185 and post-graduation earnings of $31,167, students face years of financial strain to break even on their investment.
Do Northwest College of Art & Design programs lead to good-paying jobs?
Design and Applied Arts graduates earn around $23,579 annually, which is below the national average. The low graduation rate of 36% also indicates many students don't complete their programs.
How much student debt do Northwest College of Art & Design graduates have?
The median debt is $30,750, which represents nearly a full year's salary given typical graduate earnings. This debt-to-income ratio makes loan repayment difficult for most graduates.