Program Analysis
Graduates earn $28,494/yr, edging above the $25,525 national average for Visual and Performing Arts, General — a modest premium that suggests solid regional demand.
An earnings multiple of 4.2x means ten-year projected earnings exceed tuition, but not by a dramatic margin. Returns are positive but modest.
Some AI exposure exists in Visual and Performing Arts, General's typical career paths, with 38% of job tasks potentially affected. The pessimistic scenario still projects solid returns, with a 5% gap from the optimistic case.
Median debt of $31,000 against $28,494/yr in first-year earnings means roughly 1.1 years of salary goes to loan repayment. That's a heavy but not crushing debt load.
Ranked #39 of 59 Visual and Performing Arts, General programs, Academy of Art University falls below the median. Stronger options exist, though cost and location may compensate.
Earnings grow from $28,494 to $39,532 over five years — a 39% increase that's moderate and in line with typical career progression.