San Francisco, CA · Private University
Is Academy of Art University Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$39,008
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$28,024
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$28,024
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$112,096
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.39x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
28 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
40.5%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$31,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$39,778
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Academy of Art University graduates earn $5,992 less than the national median of workers with any education level.
What You'd Actually Pay
Average net price after grants and scholarships, by family income
Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.
Highest-Earning Majors
Top programs at Academy of Art University ranked by graduate earnings
136 graduates
94 graduates
77 graduates
77 graduates
85 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Academy of Art University
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
Your major matters more than your school
At Academy of Art University, the gap between the highest-earning major (Computer Software and Media Applications: $72,792) and the lowest (Radio, Television, and Digital Communication: $25,425) is $47,367/yr, bigger than the difference between many schools.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Software and Media ApplicationsBest ROI | $72,792 | 2.6x |
| Graphic Communications | $51,035 | 1.8x |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians(1yr data) | $48,978 | 1.8x |
| Design and Applied Arts | $46,476 | 1.7x |
| Visual and Performing Arts, General | $39,532 | 1.4x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $34,418 | 1.2x |
| Apparel and Textiles(1yr data) | $27,630 | 1.0x |
| Radio, Television, and Digital CommunicationLowest(1yr data) | $25,425 | 0.9x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Academy of Art University delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $39,008 10 years after starting, $5,992 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 28 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
Ready to apply to Academy of Art University?
See your odds of admission based on your GPA and test scores.
Earnings data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. Tuition data from IPEDS. ROI calculations are for informational purposes only and reflect median outcomes.