Liberal Arts and Sciences, General Studies and Humanities at Cleveland Institute of Art

A Bachelor's degree in Liberal Arts from Cleveland Institute of Art—better known as an art school—lands in an unusual middle ground. Similar programs across Ohio suggest first-year earnings around $40,600, which actually matches the state median and sits above the national benchmark of $36,300. The estimated $27,600 in debt produces a manageable 0.68 debt-to-earnings ratio, meaning graduates would owe roughly eight months of their first year's income.

The real question is whether a general studies degree from a specialized art institution offers the same value as programs at comprehensive universities like Ohio State ($43,400) or Xavier ($47,100). Cleveland Institute of Art enrolls a significant number of Pell-eligible students (38%), suggesting a mission to serve diverse learners, but the school's focused arts environment may not provide the same breadth of career services or employer connections for non-arts careers that general studies graduates typically need.

For families considering this path, understand you're paying art school tuition for a degree that doesn't necessarily leverage the institution's core strengths. If your child is truly interested in liberal arts rather than visual arts, comparable programs at Ohio's public universities likely offer better value and more relevant networks. If they're at CIA for the arts, they should major in the arts.