Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Massachusetts College of Art and Design — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Massachusetts College of Art and Design at a Glance
Massachusetts College of Art and Design, branded as MassArt, is a public college of visual and applied art in Boston, Massachusetts. Founded in 1873, it is one of the nation's oldest art schools, and the only publicly funded independent art school in the United States. It was the first art college in the United States to grant an artistic degree.
1873
153 years old
1,939
1,682 undergrad · 257 grad
302
Identity
Is Massachusetts College of Art and Design Worth It?
At a value score of 31/100, Massachusetts College of Art and Design is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $43,582 — 19% below average — while paying $24,100/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.2-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
The 69% graduation rate means roughly 31% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $25,755 representing 59% 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 Massachusetts College of Art and Design has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How Massachusetts College of Art and Design compares to peer public colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #63 of 99 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 | Chipola College | 100 | $1,133 | $37,378 |
| #2 | North Florida College | 100 | $804 | $33,929 |
| #3 | South Florida State College | 100 | $3,877 | $39,990 |
| #4 | Brazosport College | 100 | $4,732 | $45,910 |
| #5 | New College of Florida | 100 | $7,195 | $48,082 |
| #6 | Florida Gateway College | 97 | $5,364 | $37,894 |
| #63 | Massachusetts College of Art and Design | 31 | $24,100 | $43,582 |
Peer group: public colleges within ±60% of Massachusetts College of Art and Design's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 2 in MA.
Best Programs at Massachusetts College of Art and Design
The highest-earning program at Massachusetts College of Art and Design is Design and Applied Arts at $30,800/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Film/Video and Photographic Arts at $22,800/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Design and Applied Arts graduate from Massachusetts College of Art and Design earns $30,800, while a Film/Video and Photographic Arts graduate earns $22,800. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Design and Applied Arts graduates carry $25,800 in median debt vs. $26,000 for Film/Video and Photographic Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $24,100/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts | $30,800 | $30,800 | $25,800 |
| Teacher Education and Professional Development, Specific Subject Areas | $27,200 | $27,200 | $27,250 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $23,100 | $23,100 | $24,250 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $22,800 | $22,800 | $26,000 |
Similar Colleges in MA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- public
- Location
- Boston, MA
- Student Body
- 1,831 students
- Admission Rate
- 76%
- Graduation Rate
- 69%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $24,100
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $43,582
- Median Student Debt
- $25,755