Columbus, OH · Private University
Is Columbus College of Art & Design Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$40,664
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$39,650
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$39,650
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$158,600
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
1.03x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
28 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
61.3%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$30,139
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
Columbus College of Art & Design graduates earn $4,336 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 Columbus College of Art & Design ranked by graduate earnings
176 graduates
31 graduates
29 graduates
62 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at Columbus College of Art & Design
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied ArtsBest ROI | $36,454 | 0.9x |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $34,559 | 0.9x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $34,412 | 0.9x |
| Graphic CommunicationsLowest | $30,491 | 0.8x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
Columbus College of Art & Design delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $40,664 10 years after starting, $4,336 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 28 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.