Chicago, IL · Private University
Is School of the Art Institute of Chicago Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$40,151
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$54,530
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$54,530
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$218,120
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
0.74x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
42.3 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
64.0%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$49,822
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
School of the Art Institute of Chicago graduates earn $4,849 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago ranked by graduate earnings
432 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
The Bottom Line
School of the Art Institute of Chicago carries higher costs relative to graduate earnings, warranting careful consideration. Graduates earn $40,151 10 years after starting, $4,849 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 42.3 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.