California Institute of the Arts
California Institute of the Arts — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is California Institute of the Arts Worth It?
At a value score of 15/100, California Institute of the Arts is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $41,198 — 23% below average — while paying $46,080/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 4.5-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 65% graduation rate means roughly 35% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $25,000 representing 61% of first-year earnings, loan repayment will be a significant burden for most graduates.
Bottom line: consider whether the specific program you're interested in at California Institute of the Arts has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How California Institute of the Arts compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #31 of 50 on value score. Peers are matched by size, median earnings, SAT, and admission rate — not just geography.
| Rank | College | Value | Net price / yr | Median earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Turtle Mountain College | 100 | $3,428 | $32,079 |
| #2 | College of Biblical Studies-Houston | 100 | $672 | $39,260 |
| #3 | Brescia University | 67 | $8,709 | $45,500 |
| #4 | Baptist University of Florida | 64 | $10,372 | $42,836 |
| #5 | Pillar College | 49 | $8,470 | $45,577 |
| #6 | Boricua College | 43 | $15,245 | $35,348 |
| #31 | California Institute of the Arts | 15 | $46,080 | $41,198 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of California Institute of the Arts's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in CA.
Best Programs at California Institute of the Arts
The highest-earning program at California Institute of the Arts is Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft at $22,300/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Music at $13,400/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduate from California Institute of the Arts earns $22,300, while a Music graduate earns $13,400. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $21,500 for Music.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $46,080/yr net price × 4 years
Earnings Premium
vs. national average of $53,787/yr
Payback Period
Time to recoup the total cost through higher earnings
10-Year Net Gain
Median earnings over 10 years minus total cost of attendance
Programs & Earnings by Major
Graduate earnings data by field of study (4 years after graduation):
| Major | Earnings (4yr) | Earnings (1yr) | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $22,300 | $22,300 | $27,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $21,500 | $21,500 | $27,000 |
| Music | $13,400 | $13,400 | $21,500 |
Similar Colleges in CA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Valencia, CA
- Student Body
- 860 students
- Admission Rate
- 32%
- Graduation Rate
- 65%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $46,080
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $41,198
- Median Student Debt
- $25,000