Cost & ROI · 2026
Is Academy of Art University worth it?
Pay $40,613/yr after aid. Graduates earn a median of $39,008 ten years out — about 1.0× the annual cost. EduGradify value grade: D.
The ROI math, in 30 seconds
Benchmarks
Academy of Art University vs California avg vs national avg
How this school stacks up against the typical California college and the typical US college.
| Metric | Academy of Art University | California avg | National avg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Avg net price | ▼ $40,613 | $19,903 | $18,467 |
| Median earnings 10y | ▼ $39,008 | $55,363 | $50,834 |
| Median debt | ▼ $31,000 | $17,539 | $19,694 |
| Graduation rate | ▼ 34.3% | 54.3% | 49.9% |
| Acceptance rate | — | 66% | 72.3% |
Hidden cost
What you actually pay, by family income
Net price after grants and scholarships changes a lot depending on family income. Find your bracket.
Total cost
4-year cost projection
Estimated net price each year through graduation, assuming a typical 3% annual tuition increase.
Sticker price (without aid) would run roughly $192,144 over four years. Most students get $7,423/yr in grants and scholarships.
Debt math
Loan repayment scenarios
If you borrow the median $31,000 at a 6.5% federal rate, here's what each repayment plan looks like.
Debt-to-earnings: 79% of one year's median pay. Financial advisors recommend keeping student debt under 100% of expected first-year salary. You're below the recommended ceiling.
Lifetime impact
Lifetime earnings boost vs no degree
Over a typical 40-year career, the median Academy of Art University grad earns about -$239,680 more than a high school graduate (assuming HS median ≈ $45k/yr, BLS).
Caveat: this is a population median, not a guarantee. Actual outcomes vary widely by major, career path, and individual choices. We're showing the median to set realistic expectations.
The verdict
What the numbers say about Academy of Art University
The average student at Academy of Art University pays $40,613 a year after grants and scholarships, against a $48,036 published sticker price. That is above the CA average net price of $19,903.
Ten years after entry, graduates earn a median of $39,008 — below the CA median of $55,363. Weighed against what students actually pay, EduGradify models this as a standard return.
Typical graduates borrow about $31,000, roughly $336 a month on a standard ten-year plan — a heavy load at about 79% of one year's median earnings.
Smart alternatives
Cheaper California colleges with comparable outcomes
Same state, at least 20% lower net price, with earnings within reach of Academy of Art University.
San Mateo, CA · Public College of San Mateo A+ 
Santee, CA · Private Non-Profit San Diego Christian College A+ Frequently asked
Cost & ROI questions
What is the net price at Academy of Art University?
The average net price — what students actually pay after grants and scholarships — is $40,613 per year. That's $7,423/yr in financial aid against the $48,036 sticker price. Over four years, that adds up to roughly $162,452.
How much do Academy of Art University graduates earn?
Ten years after enrolling, Academy of Art University graduates earn a median of $39,008 per year — below the national average of $50,834. That's about 1.0× the annual net cost.
How much debt do Academy of Art University graduates take on?
Median federal loan debt at graduation is $31,000 — about $336/month on a standard 10-year repayment plan (assuming a 6.5% federal rate). 49.5% of students take federal loans.
Is Academy of Art University worth the cost?
EduGradify assigns Academy of Art University a value grade of D — top 98% on real ROI nationally. The math: pay $40,613/yr, earn $39,008/yr ten years out, ROI score of 2.40. Standard Return.
What financial aid is available at Academy of Art University?
41% of students receive federal Pell Grants (need-based federal aid). 49.5% take federal student loans. On average, students get $7,423 per year in grants and scholarships off the sticker price.
What's the difference between in-state and out-of-state tuition at Academy of Art University?
In-state tuition is $30,736 per year. Out-of-state tuition is $30,736 per year — a difference of $0/yr or $0 over four years.
How does net price change with family income at Academy of Art University?
Net price is income-adjusted — lower-income families typically pay much less. Students from families earning under $30k pay about $37,668. Students from families earning over $110k pay about $44,082. See the chart below for all five income bands.
How we calculate ROI
Every number on this page comes from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard. ROI score = (median earnings 10 years out × 10) / (avg net price × 4). The higher the ratio, the more graduates earn per dollar invested. We then percentile-rank every US college on that score to assign letter grades A+ through D. Read the full methodology →