Visual & Performing Arts at Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree · Visual and Performing Arts, General
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
21
Optimistic
21
Base Case
16
Pessimistic
Earnings
$28,494/yr (12% vs median)
AI Risk
High (38% exposed)
Job Market
Large (63,400 openings/yr)
ROI
4.2x earnings multiple
How AI Changes the Outlook
Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Visual & Performing Arts graduates.
| Optimistic No Disruption |
Base Case Gradual AI |
Pessimistic Aggressive AI |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| 10-Year Earnings | $464K | $467K | $440K |
| Earnings Multiple | 4.1x | 4.2x | 3.9x |
| Probability of Field Employment | 41% | 37% | 30% |
| DegreeOutlook Score | 21 | 21 | 16 |
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
$31,000
13.1 months of Year 1 earnings
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$39,532
39% growth from Year 1
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
Art directors
$111,040/yr
Special effects artists and animators
$99,800/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary
$80,190/yr
Compare & Explore
Visual & Performing Arts at Other Schools
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Is a Trade Program a Better Fit?
For students who prefer applied learning, trade programs can deliver strong earnings with significantly less debt and shorter time to employment.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the DegreeOutlook Score for Visual & Performing Arts at Academy of Art University?
A score of 21/100 indicates below-average financial outcomes for Visual & Performing Arts. Earnings, ROI, or AI risk factors are pulling the score down.
Is Visual & Performing Arts at Academy of Art University worth the student debt?
Median debt of $31,000 against $28,494/yr starting salary means roughly 1.1 years of earnings go to repayment. That's above average — financial aid and loan terms matter here.
Will AI replace Visual & Performing Arts careers?
With 38% of typical job tasks exposed to AI, this is one of the higher-risk fields. Our pessimistic scenario projects $440,361 in decade earnings vs $464,350 in the optimistic case — a meaningful gap.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research.
See full methodology →