Academy of Art University vs North-West College-Pomona: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but North-West College-Pomona comes closer — median earnings $39,876 against a $123,404 total, vs $39,008 at Academy of Art University. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | Academy of Art University | North-West College-Pomona |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $40,613 | $30,851 |
| Total net cost | $162,452 | $123,404 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $39,008 | $39,876 |
| Median debt | $31,000 | $9,500 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$349,492 | -$293,084 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, Academy of Art University or North-West College-Pomona?
North-West College-Pomona, at $30,851 a year after aid versus $40,613 — a gap of $9,762 a year, or $39,048 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 North-West College-Pomona graduates earn more?
North-West College-Pomona graduates report a median $39,876 ten years after entry, $868 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 North-West College-Pomona?
North-West College-Pomona: 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?
71% of students finish at North-West College-Pomona, 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.