Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Worth It?
At a value score of 11/100, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $29,881 — 44% below average — while paying $42,454/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
The 63% graduation rate means roughly 37% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With median debt of $22,309 representing 75% 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 Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
Best Programs at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
The highest-earning program at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is Fine and Studio Arts at $18,300/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Fine and Studio Arts graduate from Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts earns $18,300, while a Fine and Studio Arts graduate earns $18,300. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Fine and Studio Arts graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Fine and Studio Arts.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $42,454/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fine and Studio Arts | $18,300 | $18,300 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in PA
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Philadelphia, PA
- Student Body
- 23 students
- Graduation Rate
- 63%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $42,454
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $29,881
- Median Student Debt
- $22,309