Northwest College of Art & Design
Northwest College of Art & Design — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Northwest College of Art & Design Worth It?
At a value score of 23/100, Northwest College of Art & Design is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $31,167 — 42% below average — while paying $16,418/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 2.1-year payback period, most graduates recoup their total cost of attendance relatively quickly.
A 48% graduation rate is a serious red flag — fewer than 5 in 10 students finish. Those who don't graduate may still carry student debt without the higher-earning credential to show for it.
With median debt of $30,750 representing 99% 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 Northwest College of Art & Design has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
Best Programs at Northwest College of Art & Design
Program-level earnings data isn't available for Northwest College of Art & Design. When evaluating whether to attend, research outcomes for your specific major using the Department of Education's College Scorecard or ask the admissions office for placement rates.
As a general rule: STEM, nursing, accounting, and computer science programs tend to deliver the strongest ROI regardless of institution. Humanities and arts programs can still be worthwhile, but require more intentional career planning to achieve financial payoff.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $16,418/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
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Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- Tacoma, WA
- Student Body
- 139 students
- Admission Rate
- 66%
- Graduation Rate
- 48%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $16,418
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $31,167
- Median Student Debt
- $30,750