At $44,154/yr net price, University of the Arts graduates earn $38,252/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $4,252/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $44,154 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $176,616 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $38,252/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$4,252/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 41.5 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 69.2% |
| 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 | $42,104/yr |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $41,675/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $43,345/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $43,590/yr |
| $110,001+ | $46,757/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas. | Master | $50,677 | $29,765 |
| Museology/Museum Studies. | Master | $36,848 | |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Master | $36,726 | |
| Design and Applied Arts. | Bachelor | $22,329 | $27,000 |
| Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry. | Bachelor | $21,964 | |
| Dance. | Bachelor | $21,613 | $27,000 |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft. | Bachelor | $21,052 | $27,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts. | Bachelor | $20,140 | $27,000 |
| Music. | Bachelor | $19,358 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts. | Bachelor | $18,771 | $27,000 |
The Risk Factor
69.2% of students at University of the Arts graduate within 6 years. A significant share of students finish, but roughly 31% do not complete their degree.
Analysis
University of the Arts delivers poor financial returns for most students, with median earnings of $38,252 ten years after graduation against a net price of $44,154 annually. Your investment will likely take decades to pay off given this earnings-to-cost ratio.
Teacher education stands out as the only financially viable path, generating $50,677 in median earnings with manageable debt of $29,765. If you plan to teach art in Philadelphia's school system, this program makes financial sense. All other majors produce concerning returns, with design and applied arts graduates earning just $22,329 despite carrying $27,000 in debt.
The school's 69% graduation rate creates additional risk since nearly one-third of students leave without completing their degree while still carrying debt. Philadelphia's arts job market cannot support the earning levels needed to justify these costs for most graduates.
Financial aid reaches only 33% of students, meaning most families pay close to full price. Merit scholarships exist but remain limited given the school's financial constraints. You should pursue this education only if you have substantial family financial support or plan to teach, as the debt-to-income ratios for other programs create long-term financial stress.
Look elsewhere if you need your degree to provide clear economic returns. The combination of high costs, low earnings, and limited aid makes University of the Arts a risky financial choice for most students seeking art education.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is University of the Arts worth the cost?
University of the Arts has poor financial returns, with graduates earning a median of $38,252 ten years after enrollment while paying $44,154 annually. Most art programs lead to starting salaries well below the cost of attendance, making this a high-risk financial investment.
What are the best paying majors at University of the Arts?
Teacher Education programs offer the highest returns at $50,677 median earnings, followed by Museology at $36,848. Fine Arts and Design programs typically lead to much lower earnings around $22,000-$36,000.
How much debt do University of the Arts graduates have?
The median debt load is $27,000, which is manageable compared to many schools. However, with most graduates earning under $40,000 annually, even this modest debt burden creates financial stress for art career paths.
Does University of the Arts have good graduation rates?
The graduation rate is 69%, meaning about one in three students who start never finish their degree. This adds to the financial risk since students may accumulate debt without earning their credential.