Fine and Studio Arts at California College of the Arts
Master's Degree
Earnings Distribution
How California College of the Arts graduates compare to all programs nationally
California College of the Arts graduates earn $24k, placing them in the 16th percentile of all fine and studio arts masters programs nationally.
Earnings Over Time
How earnings evolve from 1 year to 4 years after graduation
Earnings trajectories vary significantly. Some programs show strong early returns that plateau; others start lower but accelerate. Consider where you want to be at year 4, not just year 1.
Compare to Similar Programs in California
Fine and Studio Arts masters's programs at peer institutions in California (32 total in state)
| School | Earnings (1yr) | Earnings (4yr) | Median Debt | Debt/Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| California College of the Arts | $24,495 | $47,094 | — | — |
| California State University-Fullerton | $59,860 | — | — | — |
| Academy of Art University | $50,953 | $37,322 | — | — |
| Azusa Pacific University | $49,560 | — | — | — |
| University of California-Davis | $42,782 | — | — | — |
| University of California-Irvine | $23,267 | — | — | — |
| National Median | $32,208 | — | — | — |
Other Fine and Studio Arts Programs in California
Compare tuition, earnings, and debt across California schools
| School | In-State Tuition | Earnings (1yr) | Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| California State University-Fullerton Fullerton | $7,073 | $59,860 | — |
| Academy of Art University San Francisco | $28,024 | $50,953 | — |
| Azusa Pacific University Azusa | $43,600 | $49,560 | — |
| University of California-Davis Davis | $15,247 | $42,782 | — |
| University of California-Irvine Irvine | $14,237 | $23,267 | — |
About This Data
Source: U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (October 2025 release)
Population: Graduates who received federal financial aid (Title IV grants or loans). At California College of the Arts, approximately 25% of students receive Pell grants. Students who did not receive federal aid are not included in these figures.
Earnings: Median earnings from IRS W-2 data for graduates who are employed and not enrolled in further education, measured 1 year after completion. Earnings are pre-tax and include wages, salaries, and self-employment income.
Debt: Median cumulative federal loan debt at graduation. Does not include private loans or Parent PLUS loans borrowed on behalf of students.