School of the Art Institute of Chicago
School of the Art Institute of Chicago — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is School of the Art Institute of Chicago Worth It?
At a value score of 13/100, School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $40,151 — 25% below average — while paying $49,790/year. Consider alternatives with better earnings-to-cost ratios.
With a 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 $27,000 representing 67% 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 School of the Art Institute of Chicago has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How School of the Art Institute of Chicago compares to peer private nonprofit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #53 of 57 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 | Uta Mesivta of Kiryas Joel | 100 | $4,156 | $31,853 |
| #2 | Bob Jones University | 45 | $16,641 | $44,354 |
| #3 | Grace College and Theological Seminary | 40 | $19,932 | $45,411 |
| #4 | Evangel University | 40 | $18,669 | $46,573 |
| #5 | Gardner-Webb University | 40 | $17,674 | $48,039 |
| #6 | Trevecca Nazarene University | 40 | $16,813 | $49,378 |
| #53 | School of the Art Institute of Chicago | 13 | $49,790 | $40,151 |
Peer group: private nonprofit colleges within ±60% of School of the Art Institute of Chicago's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in IL.
Best Programs at School of the Art Institute of Chicago
The highest-earning program at School of the Art Institute of Chicago is Fine and Studio Arts at $20,000/year (4 years after graduation).
Your major matters more than the school name — a Fine and Studio Arts graduate from School of the Art Institute of Chicago earns $20,000, while a Fine and Studio Arts graduate earns $20,000. 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 $49,790/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 | $20,000 | $20,000 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in IL
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- private
- Location
- Chicago, IL
- Student Body
- 2,805 students
- Admission Rate
- 77%
- Graduation Rate
- 65%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $49,790
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $40,151
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000