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Drafting & Design Technology at Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Drafting/Design Engineering Technologies/Technicians
38 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
38
Optimistic
38
Base Case
34
Pessimistic
Earnings $48,978/yr (-14% vs median)
AI Risk High (40% exposed)
Job Market Medium (16,300 openings/yr)
ROI 4.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #9 of 9 Design Engineering Technologies programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Drafting & Design Technology graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption		 Base Case
Gradual AI		 Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $527K $523K $488K
Earnings Multiple 4.7x 4.7x 4.4x
Probability of Field Employment 49% 45% 36%
DegreeOutlook Score 38 38 34

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$112,096
Median Debt at Graduation
$40,171
9.8 months of Year 1 earnings

Program Analysis

Graduates earn $48,978/yr, roughly in line with the $56,836 national median for Drafting & Design Technology. The value proposition here depends on cost, not earnings.

The 4.7x return on tuition is positive but not overwhelming. Financial outcomes depend on keeping costs close to in-state rates.

AI risk is moderate — 40% task exposure — and the 7% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

The $40,171 debt-to-$48,978 income ratio translates to about 10 months of earnings. Standard loan terms should handle this comfortably.

With only 9 programs offering Drafting & Design Technology nationally, this is a niche field. Academy of Art University ranks #9 among them.

About Academy of Art University

with a smaller student body of 4,131 in San Francisco, CA. 42% of students receive Pell Grants, indicating strong socioeconomic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at Academy of Art University →

Top Career Paths

Electrical and electronics drafters $73,720/yr
Mechanical drafters $68,510/yr
Architectural and civil drafters $64,280/yr
View all 4 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Compare this program → View all 9 schools offering Drafting & Design Technology →

Drafting & Design Technology at Other Schools

Trine University ($65,013) Trine University-Regional/Non-Traditional Campuses ($65,013) Central Michigan University ($63,862) University of Central Missouri ($60,774) Western Michigan University ($60,153) Pennsylvania College of Technology ($57,854) Murray State University ($53,085) Indiana University-Indianapolis ($36,798)

Other Majors at Academy of Art University

Computer Software and Media Applications ($45,387) Visual and Performing Arts, General ($28,494) Apparel and Textiles ($27,630) Graphic Communications ($27,481) Radio, Television, and Digital Communication ($25,425) Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($23,354) Design and Applied Arts ($20,829) Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($20,798)

Consider the Trade Route?

Compare Drafting & Design Technology trade programs on TradeSchoolWorth →

Trade programs often mean less time in school, lower student debt, and hands-on career paths that tend to be more resilient to AI disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does Academy of Art University's Drafting & Design Technology program score?
This program scores 38/100 — on the lower end for Drafting & Design Technology. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
How vulnerable is Drafting & Design Technology to AI automation?
AI won't 'replace' Drafting & Design Technology careers outright, but it is likely to reduce the number of job openings. We model 40% task exposure, which compresses field employment probability in our scenarios.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →