Academy of Art University vs Adelphi University
Side-by-side college ROI comparison from College Scorecard data
Verdict
Academy of Art University has a 100.0% graduation rate compared to Adelphi University at 100.0%. Average median debt: Academy of Art University at $29,980 vs Adelphi University at $26,967. Average first-year post-graduation earnings: $53,278 vs $57,350.
| Metric | Academy of Art University | Adelphi University |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| School Type | Private | Private |
| State | Ca | Ny |
| Avg Median Debt Average median debt across all tracked majors | $29,980 | $26,967* |
| Avg 1yr Earnings Average first-year earnings across all tracked majors | $53,278 | $57,350* |
| Majors Tracked | 18 | 20 |
| Best ROI Major | Computer Software and Media Applications (94/100) | Computer and Information Sciences (95/100)* |
| Best Major Debt | $25,483 | $22,865* |
| Best Major 1yr Earnings | $95,000 | $95,000 |
Academy of Art University has a 100.0% graduation rate compared to Adelphi University at 100.0%. Average median debt: Academy of Art University at $29,980 vs Adelphi University at $26,967. Average first-year post-graduation earnings: $53,278 vs $57,350.
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Academy of Art University and Adelphi University graduate students at similar rates — 100.0% and 100.0% respectively. With completion rates comparable, the comparison reduces to cost, earnings, and program mix; the institutional-effect-on-completion question essentially nets out.
Debt loads run similar between the two schools — averages of $26,967 and $29,980 respectively. With debt comparable, the financial decision essentially reduces to the earnings side: which degree, from which school, produces the better post-graduation income trajectory.
Earnings outcomes track closely — Academy of Art University and Adelphi University graduates report similar first-year wages. The school decision in cases like this is usually decided on non-financial axes (program quality, geography, fit) since the ROI math runs close enough to be inside the noise.
Academy of Art University sits in Ca and Adelphi University in Ny. The geographic spread matters for cost (in-state vs. out-of-state tuition typically diverges sharply at public schools) and for post-graduation labor market (most schools place students primarily into regional employers). Cross-state comparisons should account for the residency-cost differential at any public option and the labor-market trajectory each campus connects students to.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, 2026.