At $29,266/yr net price, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design graduates earn $33,301/yr within 10 years of enrollment.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $29,266 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $117,064 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $33,301/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | $-699/yr |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 63.8% |
| 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 | $24,506/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $24,698/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $30,147/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $31,900/yr |
| $110,001+ | $35,035/yr |
The Risk Factor
63.8% of students at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design offers poor financial returns that make it difficult to justify the cost. With median earnings of just $33,301 ten years after graduation and a net price of $29,266 per year, you'll struggle to pay off debt while building a sustainable career.
The school's 37% non-completion rate compounds the financial risk. If you don't graduate, you'll carry debt without the credential, making your situation worse than students at schools with stronger completion rates. The $27,000 median debt load becomes particularly burdensome when your expected salary barely exceeds what many graduates earned immediately after high school.
Art and design careers in Lancaster's regional market typically pay less than major metropolitan areas, limiting your earning potential after graduation. The school's specialized focus means fewer backup career options if your primary artistic path doesn't generate sufficient income.
You should consider this school only if you have substantial family financial support or receive significant merit aid that dramatically reduces your out-of-pocket costs. With less than half of students receiving aid, don't count on generous assistance. The school works best for students who can afford to treat their education as personal enrichment rather than career investment, or those planning to relocate to higher-paying markets immediately after graduation.
Look elsewhere if you need your degree to generate reliable income quickly after graduation. The combination of high costs, low earnings, and regional market limitations creates a financial profile that serves few students well from a return-on-investment perspective.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pennsylvania College of Art and Design worth the cost?
With graduates earning a median of $33,301 after 10 years and a net price of $29,266 annually, Pennsylvania College of Art and Design shows poor financial returns. The earnings barely exceed what many make without a college degree, making this investment questionable for most students.
What is the job market like for Pennsylvania College of Art and Design graduates?
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design graduates face challenging job prospects with median earnings of just $33,301 ten years after graduation. Art and design fields typically offer lower starting salaries and irregular income, which explains these below-average returns.
How much debt do Pennsylvania College of Art and Design students graduate with?
Students at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design graduate with a median debt of $27,000. While this debt load is relatively manageable, the low post-graduation earnings of $33,301 make repayment difficult and extend the payback period significantly.
What is the graduation rate at Pennsylvania College of Art and Design?
Pennsylvania College of Art and Design has a 63.80% graduation rate, meaning more than one-third of students don't finish their degree. This completion rate is concerning given the specialized nature of the programs and the financial investment required.