Philadelphia, PA · Private University
Is University of the Arts Worth It?
ROI analysis based on real earnings and cost data
Key Numbers
10-Year Earnings
$38,252
median, 10 years after enrollment
In-State Tuition
$54,290
per year
Out-of-State Tuition
$54,290
per year
Total 4-Year Cost
$217,160
tuition only (4 years)
ROI Ratio
0.70x
earnings ÷ annual tuition
Payback Period
66.8 yrs
years to recoup total cost
Graduation Rate
69.2%
6-year graduation rate
Median Debt
$27,000
at graduation
Avg Net Price
$44,154
after aid & scholarships
Earnings vs. Annual Cost
10-year median earnings compared to annual tuition
University of the Arts graduates earn $6,748 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 University of the Arts ranked by graduate earnings
55 graduates
59 graduates
20 graduates
78 graduates
71 graduates
Earnings shown are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 1-year medians.
ROI by Major at University of the Arts
All available majors ranked by graduate earnings. Your major matters as much as your school.
| Major | Earnings | ROI |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied ArtsBest ROI | $37,506 | 0.7x |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $33,100 | 0.6x |
| Music | $29,153 | 0.5x |
| Dance | $26,408 | 0.5x |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and StagecraftLowest | $23,899 | 0.4x |
Earnings are 4-year post-graduation medians where available, otherwise 5-year or 1-year. ROI = earnings ÷ annual tuition.
The Bottom Line
University of the Arts carries higher costs relative to graduate earnings, warranting careful consideration. Graduates earn $38,252 10 years after starting, $6,748 below the national median of $45,000. At the current earnings trajectory, it takes approximately 66.8 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.