Academy of Art University vs California Aeronautical University: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but California Aeronautical University comes closer — median earnings $38,361 against a $144,504 total, vs $39,008 at Academy of Art University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Academy of Art University | California Aeronautical University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $40,613 | $36,126 |
| Total net cost | $162,452 | $144,504 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $39,008 | $38,361 |
| Median debt | $31,000 | $30,705 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$349,492 | -$344,484 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Academy of Art University or California Aeronautical University?
California Aeronautical University, at $36,126 a year after aid versus $40,613 — a gap of $4,487 a year, or $17,948 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do Academy of Art University or California Aeronautical University graduates earn more?
Academy of Art University graduates report a median $39,008 ten years after entry, $647 more than the $38,361 at California Aeronautical University. Both are institution-wide medians from federal tax records, so a high-paying major at the lower school can beat the average at the higher one.
Which leaves students with less debt, Academy of Art University or California Aeronautical University?
California Aeronautical University: its completers carry a median $30,705 in federal loans versus $31,000 at Academy of Art University, a difference of $295. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
34% of students finish at Academy of Art University, against 30% at California Aeronautical University. Completion matters to the ROI arithmetic because a degree that is never finished still carries its cost and its debt, but earns none of the graduate premium above the $48,360 high-school baseline.