Valencia, CA · Private University
Is California Institute of the Arts Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$41,198
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$56,724
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$56,724
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$226,896
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
0.73x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
36.6 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
64.1%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$25,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$47,183
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
California Institute of the Arts graduates earn $3,802 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 California Institute of the Arts ranked by graduate earnings
51 graduates
49 graduates
37 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at California Institute of the Arts
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Film/Video and Photographic ArtsBest ROI | $41,552 | 0.7x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $29,196 | 0.5x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
California Institute of the Arts carries higher costs relative to graduate earnings, warranting careful consideration. Graduates earn $41,198 10 years after starting, $3,802 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 36.6 years to recover the total cost of attendance.
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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.