Academy of Art University
Ca · Private · 100% graduation rate
Academy of Art University is a private university in Ca with a 100% graduation rate. We track 18 majors with debt-to-earnings ROI analysis. The highest-ROI major is Computer Software and Media Applications (grade A), with median debt of $25K and year-5 earnings of $147K. Data comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard and NCES IPEDS.
ROI by Major
Debt and earnings data sourced from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. ROI grades compare median student debt at graduation to earnings 1 and 5 years after completion, adjusted for NCES IPEDS graduation rates.
| Major | Median Debt | Year 1 Earnings | Year 5 Earnings | ROI Grade | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $25K | $95K | $147K | A | STRONG BUY |
| Computer Programming | $25K | $95K | $147K | A | STRONG BUY |
| Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies | $30K | $65K | $92K | A | STRONG BUY |
| Specialized Sales, Merchandising and Marketing Operations | $30K | $65K | $89K | B | BUY |
| Landscape Architecture | $30K | $58K | $78K | B | BUY |
| Graphic Communications | $30K | $48K | $65K | B | BUY |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies | $30K | $48K | $65K | B | BUY |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $30K | $52K | $69K | C | BUY |
| Journalism | $30K | $52K | $69K | C | BUY |
| Educational/Instructional Media Design | $30K | $45K | $60K | C | BUY |
| Design and Applied Arts | $31K | $42K | $57K | C | BUY |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $31K | $42K | $57K | C | BUY |
| Apparel and Textiles | $30K | $42K | $57K | C | BUY |
| Visual and Performing Arts | $31K | $42K | $57K | C | BUY |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $31K | $42K | $57K | C | BUY |
| Music | $31K | $42K | $57K | C | BUY |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $31K | $42K | $57K | C | BUY |
| Family and Consumer Sciences/Human Sciences Business Services | $30K | $42K | $57K | C | BUY |
Similar Schools in Ca
How Academy of Art University Compares
Academy of Art University graduates carry a median debt of $30K across tracked majors, which is $3K more than the private universities average of $27K. Year-1 earnings average $53K, about $3K below peers of the same type. Within Ca, the per-major debt average is $26K, so this school sits $4K above the state median. Its composite ROI score of 68 is 3 points below the private universities baseline (71). Graduation rate of 100% is a primary ROI driver, since it determines how many students actually reach the earnings levels listed. Across the full site (2202 schools), the debt average is $26K.
Frequently Asked Questions
It depends on your major. The highest-ROI major at Academy of Art University earns a grade of A, with median debt of $25K and year-5 earnings of $147K. Compare debt-to-earnings ratios across majors before deciding.
Academy of Art University has a 100% graduation rate. A higher graduation rate generally correlates with better student support and outcomes, which can impact your return on investment.
Median debt varies significantly by major at Academy of Art University. For example, Computer Software and Media Applications graduates have median debt of $25K. Review the ROI by Major table above for a full breakdown.
The top-earning major is Computer Software and Media Applications with median year-5 earnings of $147K. We rank each major by its debt-to-earnings ROI score to help you compare options.
Explore College ROI Data
ROI scores are calculated by comparing median debt at graduation to median earnings 1 and 5 years after completion, weighted by graduation rate. Grades range from A (strong return) to F (poor return).