Academy of Art University vs Carrington College-San Jose: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Carrington College-San Jose comes closer — median earnings $39,633 against a $145,864 total, vs $39,008 at Academy of Art University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Academy of Art University | Carrington College-San Jose |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $40,613 | $36,466 |
| Total net cost | $162,452 | $145,864 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $39,008 | $39,633 |
| Median debt | $31,000 | $11,537 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$349,492 | -$320,404 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Academy of Art University or Carrington College-San Jose?
Carrington College-San Jose, at $36,466 a year after aid versus $40,613 — a gap of $4,147 a year, or $16,588 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 Carrington College-San Jose graduates earn more?
Carrington College-San Jose graduates report a median $39,633 ten years after entry, $625 more than the $39,008 at Academy of Art 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 Carrington College-San Jose?
Carrington College-San Jose: its completers carry a median $11,537 in federal loans versus $31,000 at Academy of Art University, a difference of $19,463. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
60% of students finish at Carrington College-San Jose, against 34% at Academy of Art 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.