At $45,864/yr net price, Otis College of Art and Design graduates earn $58,152/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $24,152/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $45,864 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $183,456 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $58,152/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$24,152/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 7.6 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 60.6% |
| 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 | $40,358/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $39,688/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $43,733/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $48,011/yr |
| $110,001+ | $52,546/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $42,123 | $27,000 |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General. | Bachelor | $38,289 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $22,667 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $18,315 | $28,500 |
The Risk Factor
60.6% of students at Otis College of Art and Design graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 39% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Otis College of Art and Design delivers weak financial returns that make it a risky investment for most students. With a net price approaching $46,000 annually and median earnings of just $58,000 ten years after graduation, you're looking at a lengthy payback period that may never justify the cost.
The earnings data reveals stark differences between programs at Otis. Design and Applied Arts graduates earn $42,000 annually while carrying the same $27,000 debt load as Visual and Performing Arts graduates who make only $38,000. Fine and Studio Arts majors face the harshest reality, with some earning just $18,000 annually while still carrying nearly $30,000 in debt.
Your biggest risk here is the 60% graduation rate combined with a concerning 73% retention rate. Nearly three in ten students leave after their first year, and four in ten never graduate at all. Those who don't complete their degree still carry debt without the credential.
Only 31% of students receive financial aid, suggesting limited assistance for middle-income families who don't qualify for need-based aid but struggle with the high sticker price. This makes Otis primarily viable for wealthy families who can pay without borrowing or students who secure significant outside scholarships.
Otis makes financial sense only if you're targeting commercial design fields where the Los Angeles market offers premium opportunities, your family can afford the full cost without debt, or you have specific industry connections that justify the investment. Students interested in fine arts or those requiring substantial financial aid should consider more affordable alternatives with stronger completion rates.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Otis College of Art and Design worth the cost?
With a net price of $45,864 per year and median earnings of $58,152 ten years after graduation, Otis offers weak financial returns compared to most colleges. The high cost relative to graduate earnings makes it difficult to justify financially for many students.
What are the best paying majors at Otis College of Art and Design?
Design and Applied Arts graduates earn the most at $42,123 annually, while Fine Arts graduates average just $18,315-$22,667. Students should carefully consider that even the highest-paying programs at Otis still offer below-average salaries relative to the school's high tuition costs.
How much debt do Otis College of Art and Design graduates have?
Otis graduates carry a median debt of $27,000, which is relatively manageable compared to other private art schools. However, with most graduates earning under $43,000 annually, even this debt level can create financial strain.
Does Otis College of Art and Design have good graduation rates?
Otis has a 60.60% graduation rate, meaning about 4 in 10 students don't finish their degree. This adds significant risk to an already expensive education with limited earning potential.