Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $30,982 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $123,928 |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 57.1% |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $27,275/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $30,346/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $31,089/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $32,145/yr |
| $110,001+ | $34,980/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $16,786 |
The Risk Factor
57.1% of students at Paier College graduate within 6 years. More than half of students finish, but the dropout rate is a real factor in whether this investment pays off.
Analysis
Paier College delivers poor financial returns that make it difficult to recommend from an ROI perspective. With graduates in the school's primary Design and Applied Arts program earning just $16,786 annually, you face serious challenges paying back loans on a $30,982 yearly net price.
The graduation rate of 57% means nearly half of students leave without a degree while still carrying debt. The 64% retention rate signals many students quickly realize the financial reality doesn't work. Design and applied arts fields typically require building clientele and portfolio work over time, but starting salaries this low create immediate financial stress.
You should seriously consider state schools with stronger art programs or community college alternatives that cost significantly less. If you're committed to private art education, research schools where graduates earn at least $25,000-30,000 starting out. The debt-to-income ratio at Paier College puts you at high risk of default.
The school works financially only if you have substantial family support, plan to treat this as supplemental training rather than primary career preparation, or can secure significant merit aid. Even then, the low graduation rate suggests academic or institutional challenges beyond just cost concerns.
For-profit art schools face particular scrutiny from employers and transfer credit limitations if you need to change schools. Community college art programs often provide similar training at a fraction of the cost, with better transfer options to four-year institutions later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Paier College worth the cost for art students?
Paier College costs $30,982 annually but graduates in Design and Applied Arts earn a median of only $16,786. This creates a challenging debt-to-income ratio that makes financial recovery difficult for most students.
What is the graduation rate at Paier College?
Only 57% of students graduate from Paier College. The low completion rate combined with high costs means many students accumulate debt without earning a degree.
Does Paier College offer good financial aid?
Even after financial aid, students pay an average net price of $30,982 per year. The school's 95% acceptance rate suggests limited merit-based aid opportunities.
What jobs do Paier College graduates get?
Most graduates work in design and applied arts fields with median earnings of $16,786. These entry-level creative positions typically offer limited salary growth potential compared to the debt burden.