Academy of Art University vs Alabama A & M University
Side-by-side college ROI comparison from College Scorecard data
Verdict
Academy of Art University has a 100.0% graduation rate compared to Alabama A & M University at 100.0%. Average median debt: Academy of Art University at $29,980 vs Alabama A & M University at $26,128. Average first-year post-graduation earnings: $53,278 vs $60,950.
| Metric | Academy of Art University | Alabama A & M University |
|---|---|---|
| Graduation Rate | 100.0% | 100.0% |
| School Type | Private | Public |
| State | Ca | Al |
| Avg Median Debt Average median debt across all tracked majors | $29,980 | $26,128* |
| Avg 1yr Earnings Average first-year earnings across all tracked majors | $53,278 | $60,950* |
| 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 | $22,896* |
| Best Major 1yr Earnings | $95,000 | $95,000 |
Academy of Art University has a 100.0% graduation rate compared to Alabama A & M University at 100.0%. Average median debt: Academy of Art University at $29,980 vs Alabama A & M University at $26,128. Average first-year post-graduation earnings: $53,278 vs $60,950.
Explore More
Related Colleges
Avg debt $31K · $69K 1yr earnings
Avg debt $22K · $40K 1yr earnings
Avg debt $30K · $53K 1yr earnings
Avg debt $25K · $62K 1yr earnings
Avg debt $48K · $62K 1yr earnings
Avg debt $39K · $62K 1yr earnings
Completion rates run close at the two schools: 100.0% versus 100.0%. When graduation probability is comparable across both options, the decision comes down to cost and post-graduation earnings rather than degree-completion risk.
Average median debt is roughly even across Academy of Art University and Alabama A & M University. The cost side of the comparison effectively cancels out; the meaningful question becomes whether the program mix and the earnings outcomes differ enough to break the tie.
Median first-year earnings sit moderately apart at Academy of Art University and Alabama A & M University. The school with stronger earnings has a real edge for high-cost-of-living markets where the absolute dollar figure matters; the school with lower earnings can still be the better choice in markets where the cost-of-living differential more than offsets the income gap.
Academy of Art University sits in Ca and Alabama A & M University in Al. 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.