Is Art Center College of Design worth it?
Pasadena, CA · private-nonprofit
Verdict
Typical students pay $48,661 a year after aid, graduate with $31,000 in federal debt, and earn $53,562 six years after enrolling — an estimated monthly loan payment of $332, with a debt break-even of about 5.8 years.
Net price / year
$48,661
Admission rate
75%
Graduation rate
—
Median debt
$31,000
Earnings (6 yr)
$53,562
Earnings (10 yr)
$71,958
Est. monthly loan payment
$332
Loan-to-income ratio
58%
Debt break-even
5.8 years
How Art Center College of Design compares
Managing the debt load
A median debt above $30,000 is a meaningful monthly commitment. Income-driven repayment plans and refinancing can lower the monthly payment shown above — compare options before you commit to a standard 10-year plan.
FAQ
How much does it cost to attend Art Center College of Design?
The federal average net price after grants and scholarships is $48,661 a year. That figure reflects what a typical student actually pays after grants and scholarships, not the sticker price.
How much debt do Art Center College of Design graduates typically carry?
Students who complete a program at Art Center College of Design leave with a median federal debt of $31,000, based on the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard.
What do Art Center College of Design graduates earn?
Six years after enrolling, former students report median earnings of $53,562, drawn from federal tax records aggregated by the College Scorecard.
What is the graduation rate at Art Center College of Design?
Graduation rate data is not currently published for this school.
Is Art Center College of Design worth the debt?
Based on median debt and 6-year earnings, it would take roughly 5.8 years of 10% income allocation to pay off the typical debt load — compare that against your own expected major and career path before deciding.
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard.