Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 65.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 64.0%
- Retention Rate
- 82.4%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $40,151
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 10:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 61.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions. | Master | $38,829 | $69,198 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $35,600 | $50,834 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $22,192 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $22,055 | $69,783 |
Outcomes Overview
SAIC graduates face a challenging financial reality despite strong employment prospects. The 84.5% employment rate shows decent job placement, but median earnings of $40,151 ten years out create a tough debt-to-earnings ratio of 67%. Monthly loan payments of $286 consume about 9% of typical graduate income. Art careers traditionally offer lower starting salaries, and SAIC alumni often enter fields like graphic design, gallery work, freelance art, or creative agencies where passion projects compete with paying work. The school's strong museum connection and notable alumni like Walt Disney demonstrate long-term potential. However, with total costs exceeding $73,000 and modest early-career earnings, this represents a weak return on investment for most students.