School of Visual Arts
School of Visual Arts — Earnings vs Cost (vs National Average)
Is School of Visual Arts Worth It?
At a value score of 15/100, School of Visual Arts is a below-average value relative to its cost. Graduates earn $46,459 — 14% below average — while paying $57,914/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 75% graduation rate means roughly 25% of students leave without a degree — taking on debt without the earnings boost that completion brings.
With a 93% acceptance rate, admission is essentially open — the question isn't whether you'll get in, but whether the investment will pay off.
With median debt of $27,000 representing 58% 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 Visual Arts has outcomes that justify the cost — the institution-wide numbers suggest caution.
How School of Visual Arts compares to peer for-profit colleges of similar tier nationally
Ranked #7 of 18 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 | Cambridge College of Healthcare & Technology | 39 | $21,276 | $47,792 |
| #2 | Smith Chason College | 27 | $34,367 | $58,004 |
| #3 | Rasmussen University-Florida | 21 | $21,909 | $39,080 |
| #4 | Sullivan University | 21 | $25,532 | $38,008 |
| #5 | SAE Institute of Technology-Nashville | 17 | $24,700 | $39,544 |
| #6 | Berkeley College-Woodland Park | 16 | $27,100 | $40,251 |
| #7 | School of Visual Arts | 15 | $57,914 | $46,459 |
Peer group: for-profit colleges within ±60% of School of Visual Arts's student body size and within a similar academic tier (SAT ±80, admit rate ±10pp, median earnings ±25%). 1 in NY.
Best Programs at School of Visual Arts
The highest-earning program at School of Visual Arts is Computer Software and Media Applications at $31,700/year (4 years after graduation). The lowest is Graphic Communications at $10,200/year.
Your major matters more than the school name — a Computer Software and Media Applications graduate from School of Visual Arts earns $31,700, while a Graphic Communications graduate earns $10,200. That's more than a 2× difference from the same institution. Choose your program carefully — it's the single biggest lever you control.
Debt also varies by program: Computer Software and Media Applications graduates carry $27,000 in median debt vs. $27,000 for Graphic Communications.
Return on Investment
Estimated 4-Year Cost
Based on $57,914/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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Computer Software and Media Applications | $31,700 | $31,700 | $27,000 |
| Design and Applied Arts | $27,500 | $27,500 | $27,000 |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $22,000 | $22,000 | $27,000 |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $15,400 | $15,400 | $27,000 |
| Graphic Communications | $10,200 | $10,200 | $27,000 |
Similar Colleges in NY
Quick Facts
- Institution Type
- for-profit
- Location
- New York, NY
- Student Body
- 3,244 students
- Admission Rate
- 93%
- Graduation Rate
- 75%
- Net Price (Annual)
- $57,914
- Median Earnings (10yr)
- $46,459
- Median Student Debt
- $27,000