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Boston, MA · Private University

Is Massachusetts College of Art and Design Worth It?

ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data

Average ROIRanked #3400 of 3,472 schools by ROI

Key Numbers

10-Year Earnings

$43,582

median, 10 years after enrollment

In-State Tuition

$14,960

per year

Out-of-State Tuition

$42,180

per year

Total 4-Year Cost

$168,720

tuition only (4 years)

ROI Ratio

1.03x

earnings ÷ annual tuition

Payback Period

19.7 yrs

years to recoup total cost

Graduation Rate

69.2%

6-year graduation rate

Median Debt

$25,755

at graduation

Avg Net Price

$23,764

after aid & scholarships

Earnings vs. Annual Cost

10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition

Median Earnings (10yr)$43,582
Annual Tuition$42,180
National Median Earnings$45,000

Massachusetts College of Art and Design graduates earn $1,418 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

Under $30,000$14,993/yr
$30,000 – $48,000$15,162/yr
$48,000 – $75,000$21,708/yr
$75,000 – $110,000$27,239/yr
Over $110,000$31,058/yr

Source: IPEDS net price data. Actual costs vary based on individual financial circumstances.

Highest-Earning Majors

Top programs at Massachusetts College of Art and Design ranked by graduate earnings

1
Design and Applied Arts.$45,804

257 graduates

2
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas.$39,251

17 graduates

3
Fine and Studio Arts.$33,907

122 graduates

4
Film/Video and Photographic Arts.$31,861

46 graduates

Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.

ROI by Major at Massachusetts College of Art and Design

All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.

MajorEarningsROI
Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject AreasBest ROI$54,8441.3x
Design and Applied Arts$45,8041.1x
Fine and Studio Arts$33,9070.8x
Film/Video and Photographic ArtsLowest$31,8610.8x

Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.

The Bottom Line

Massachusetts College of Art and Design delivers returns in line with the national college average. Graduates earn $43,582 10 years after starting, $1,418 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 19.7 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.