School of the Art Institute of Chicago vs Chicago State University: which has better ROI?
Neither clears its cost on institution-wide earnings, but Chicago State University comes closer — median earnings $42,778 against a $49,340 total, vs $40,151 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. (Scorecard, 2026 · our math.)
| Measure | School of the Art Institute of Chicago | Chicago State University |
|---|---|---|
| Net price / yr | $49,790 | $12,335 |
| Total net cost | $199,160 | $49,340 |
| Median earnings, 10 yrs | $40,151 | $42,778 |
| Median debt | $27,000 | $30,625 |
| Payback | — | — |
| 20-year net return | -$363,340 | -$160,980 |
College Scorecard (2026), institution-level · payback and returns are our math. Figures blend all majors.
Which is cheaper, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Chicago State University?
Chicago State University, at $12,335 a year after aid versus $49,790 — a gap of $37,455 a year, or $149,820 across the full degree. These are net prices after grants and scholarships, not sticker prices, so they reflect what an aided student pays.
Do School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Chicago State University graduates earn more?
Chicago State University graduates report a median $42,778 ten years after entry, $2,627 more than the $40,151 at School of the Art Institute of Chicago. 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, School of the Art Institute of Chicago or Chicago State University?
School of the Art Institute of Chicago: its completers carry a median $27,000 in federal loans versus $30,625 at Chicago State University, a difference of $3,625. The figure counts students who finished; it excludes private loans and anyone who left before graduating.
Which graduates more of its students?
67% of students finish at School of the Art Institute of Chicago, against 15% at Chicago State 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.