At $49,822/yr net price, School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates earn $40,151/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $6,151/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $49,822 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $199,288 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $40,151/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$6,151/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 32.4 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 64.0% |
| 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 | $43,080/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $45,357/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $48,571/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $52,086/yr |
| $110,001+ | $55,898/yr |
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 |
The Risk Factor
64.0% of students at School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 36% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
The numbers here are hard. You pay a net price near $50,000 a year, yet median earnings ten years out sit at $40,151. That gap means the degree costs more per year than most graduates earn annually a decade after leaving, and that math does not favor you.
The only bachelor-level program with listed earnings is Fine and Studio Arts, and it reports $22,192 a year with $27,000 in debt. That is a low return against the price you pay. An art degree from here can still fit your goals, but you should walk in knowing the starting income is well below what the sticker cost would suggest.
The financial risk is concentrated and specific. You take on a median $27,000 in debt against early-career pay in the low twenties for studio arts, so repayment eats a large share of income. The 64% graduation rate means about a third of you leave without the degree, still owing money and without the credential to show for it. The Chicago art market is competitive, and freelance and gallery income is uneven.
The net price barely drops for lower incomes. If your family earns under $30,000, you still pay about $43,080. if you earn over $110,000, you pay $55,898. That flat structure means low-income families carry a heavier burden relative to what they can afford, and the aid does not close the gap the way it does at some schools.
This school fits you if you are committed to an art career, have outside funding or low debt tolerance, and value the training over the paycheck. If you need the degree to pay for itself quickly, look elsewhere. The earnings data does not support borrowing heavily to attend.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is School of the Art Institute of Chicago worth the cost?
With graduates earning $40,151 annually after a $49,822 yearly investment, School of the Art Institute of Chicago shows poor return on investment. Most fine arts graduates earn around $22,000, making it difficult to justify the high tuition costs.
What are the best paying programs at School of the Art Institute of Chicago?
Rehabilitation and Therapeutic Professions leads with $38,829 average earnings, followed by Teacher Education at $35,600. Fine and Studio Arts programs, which make up most enrollments, average only $22,000 annually.
How much debt do School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates have?
The median debt is $27,000, which is manageable compared to many private schools. However, with fine arts graduates earning around $22,000 annually, even this moderate debt creates financial strain.
Does School of the Art Institute of Chicago have good graduation rates?
The 64% graduation rate is concerning for such an expensive school. Over one-third of students leave without completing their degree, meaning they face debt without the credential to show for it.