Fine and Studio Arts at American Academy of Art College

Chicago, IL · Private for-profit · Bachelor's Degree
16 /100
DegreeOutlook Score (Base Case)
17
Optimistic
16
Base Case
15
Pessimistic
Earnings $17,654/yr (-30% vs median)
AI Risk Moderate (36% exposed)
Job Market Very Large (118,400 openings/yr)
ROI 2.7x earnings multiple
Ranked #376 of 385 Fine and Studio Arts programs

How AI Changes the Outlook

Three scenarios based on how aggressively AI disrupts the career paths available to Fine and Studio Arts graduates.

Optimistic
No Disruption
Base Case
Gradual AI
Pessimistic
Aggressive AI
10-Year Earnings $427K $433K $412K
Earnings Multiple 2.7x 2.7x 2.6x
Probability of Field Employment 41% 37% 31%
DegreeOutlook Score 17 16 15

10-Year Earnings Projection

*Year 1 uses actual reported earnings. Scenarios diverge as AI impact compounds over time.

4-Year Tuition (Sticker)
$158,040
Reported Earnings (5 Year)
$29,195
65% growth from Year 1

Program Analysis

At $17,654 per year, Fine and Studio Arts graduates from American Academy of Art College earn below the $25,391 national average. Lower costs or geographic factors may offset the earnings gap.

An earnings multiple of 2.7x means the program roughly breaks even in financial terms over ten years. Non-financial factors need to justify the investment.

AI risk is moderate — 36% task exposure — and the 3% scenario spread suggests disruption would dent but not destroy the earnings outlook.

At #376 out of 385 programs, American Academy of Art College's financial outcomes for Fine and Studio Arts trail the majority of peers. The value case depends on other factors.

Earnings growth from $17,654 to $29,195 over five years (65% increase) indicates that graduates in this field see meaningful salary progression.

About American Academy of Art College

a smaller institution with 90 students in Chicago, IL. Pell Grant recipients make up 63% of the student body — a marker of economic diversity.

See all programs and financial aid at American Academy of Art College →

Top Career Paths

Art directors $111,040/yr
Special effects artists and animators $99,800/yr
Art, drama, and music teachers, postsecondary $80,190/yr
View all 12 career paths with salary ranges and AI risk →

Compare & Explore

Fine and Studio Arts at Other Schools

Other Majors at American Academy of Art College

Explore the Trade Alternative

Not every career requires a four-year degree. Trade programs in related fields can offer competitive salaries with a fraction of the student loan burden.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does American Academy of Art College's Fine and Studio Arts program score?
This program scores 16/100 — on the lower end for Fine and Studio Arts. Prospective students should carefully weigh costs against likely earnings.
Why are Fine and Studio Arts earnings lower at American Academy of Art College?
Lower starting pay at American Academy of Art College may reflect local labor market conditions rather than program quality. Many graduates see convergence with national averages within 3-5 years.
Scores use College Scorecard earnings, BLS employment projections, and AI task-exposure research. See full methodology →