Academy of Art University vs Glendale Career College: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Glendale Career College comes closer — median earnings $41,472 against a $98,390 total, vs $39,008 at Academy of Art University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Academy of Art University | Glendale Career College |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $40,613 | $49,195 |
| Total net cost | $162,452 | $98,390 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $39,008 | $41,472 |
| Median debt | $31,000 | $9,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$349,492 | -$236,150 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Academy of Art University or Glendale Career College?
Academy of Art University, at $40,613 a year after aid versus $49,195 — a gap of $8,582 a year, or $64,062 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 Glendale Career College graduates earn more?
Glendale Career College graduates report a median $41,472 ten years after entry, $2,464 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 Glendale Career College?
Glendale Career College: its completers carry a median $9,500 in federal loans versus $31,000 at Academy of Art University, a difference of $21,500. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
63% of students finish at Glendale Career College, 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.