Student Outcomes
- Graduation Rate (4-year)
- 74.4%
- Graduation Rate (6-year)
- 74.9%
- Retention Rate
- 88.1%
- Median Earnings (10 years after entry)
- $46,459
- Median Debt at Graduation
- $27,000
- Student-to-Faculty Ratio
- 8:1
- Loan Repayment Rate
- 67.0%
- Estimated Monthly Loan Payment
- $286/mo
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts. | Master | $68,499 | |
| Public Relations, Advertising, and Applied Communication. | Bachelor | $48,823 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $37,856 | $66,507 |
| Computer Software and Media Applications. | Bachelor | $37,568 | $27,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $31,567 | $27,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $24,863 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $17,489 | $26,596 |
| Graphic Communications. | Bachelor | $13,132 | $27,000 |
Outcomes Overview
SVA graduates enter competitive creative industries where building a portfolio matters more than immediate salary. The median starting salary of $23,488 reflects the reality of entry-level positions in art, design, and media. Monthly loan payments of $286 consume about 15% of typical graduate income, which is manageable compared to the national average of 10-12%. The debt-to-earnings ratio of 0.58 is reasonable for an art school. Alumni work at major agencies, museums, and entertainment companies, with earnings rising to $41,574 after five years. Many graduates freelance or start their own studios. Given SVA's strong industry connections and 85.4% employment rate, this represents an average return on investment for creative fields.