Academy of Art University vs Hacienda La Puente Adult Education: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Hacienda La Puente Adult Education comes closer — median earnings $39,271 against a $14,144 total, vs $39,008 at Academy of Art University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Academy of Art University | Hacienda La Puente Adult Education |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $40,613 | $3,536 |
| Total net cost | $162,452 | $14,144 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $39,008 | $39,271 |
| Median debt | $31,000 | — |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$349,492 | -$195,924 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Academy of Art University or Hacienda La Puente Adult Education?
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education, at $3,536 a year after aid versus $40,613 — a gap of $37,077 a year, or $148,308 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 Hacienda La Puente Adult Education graduates earn more?
Hacienda La Puente Adult Education graduates report a median $39,271 ten years after entry, $263 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 graduates more of its students?
77% of students finish at Hacienda La Puente Adult Education, 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.