At $45,450/yr net price, Savannah College of Art and Design graduates earn $45,954/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $11,954/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $45,450 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $181,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,954/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$11,954/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 15.2 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 70.5% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $25,148 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $41,693/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $42,451/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $45,149/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $47,652/yr |
| $110,001+ | $47,565/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer/Information Technology Administration and Management. | Master | $75,518 | $47,833 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Master | $56,544 | $65,832 |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology. | Master | $53,894 | $76,406 |
| Apparel and Textiles. | Master | $46,087 | $56,138 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $44,858 | $82,741 |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication. | Bachelor | $44,817 | $24,506 |
| Historic Preservation and Conservation. | Master | $44,468 | |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology. | Bachelor | $39,369 | $24,500 |
| Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management. | Master | $38,721 | $48,856 |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services. | Bachelor | $35,060 |
The Risk Factor
70.5% of students at Savannah College of Art and Design graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 30% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
Savannah College of Art and Design delivers weak financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $45,954 barely covering the $45,450 annual net price. Your debt-to-income ratio will likely strain your budget for years after graduation.
Computer and information technology administration stands out as the only program with strong earning potential at $75,518, though you'll carry $47,833 in debt. Radio and television production offers decent returns at $56,544, but the $65,832 debt load creates financial pressure. Most other art and design programs trap you in poor financial outcomes, particularly design and applied arts where $82,741 in debt far exceeds the $44,858 median salary.
The school's biggest financial risk lies in its program mix. You're paying private school prices for degrees that typically generate modest incomes in saturated creative markets. Savannah's regional job market offers limited high-paying opportunities for most art graduates, forcing many to relocate to expensive coastal cities where higher salaries get eaten by living costs.
SCAD makes financial sense only if you're pursuing technology-related programs or have substantial family financial support. The 18.54% financial aid rate means most students pay close to full price, making this school financially dangerous for middle-class families relying on loans.
If you're determined to attend, focus on programs with measurable career outcomes like technology administration or consider the school's online options to reduce housing costs. Otherwise, look at public art schools or universities with strong art programs where you can graduate with significantly less debt for similar career prospects.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Savannah College of Art and Design worth the high tuition costs?
SCAD's $45,450 annual net price is steep compared to typical graduate earnings of $45,954 after 10 years. Only computer technology and media programs show strong salary potential, while most design majors earn less than the cost of attendance.
Which programs at Savannah College of Art and Design have the best ROI?
Computer/Information Technology Administration leads with $75,518 median earnings, followed by Radio/TV/Digital Communication at $56,544. Traditional art and design programs typically earn $44,000-46,000, making loan repayment challenging.
How much student debt do Savannah College of Art and Design graduates typically have?
SCAD graduates carry a median debt of $25,148, which is manageable for tech program graduates but represents a significant burden for art majors earning in the mid-40s. Many students borrow much more than the median amount.
Does Savannah College of Art and Design provide good financial aid?
With a net price of $45,450 after aid, SCAD remains expensive for most families. The 70.5% graduation rate means nearly 30% of students don't complete their degrees, often while carrying debt.