Ashford University vs Academy of Art University
Torn between these two? Here's how they stack up on what actually matters - what you'll pay, what graduates earn, and which one gives you the better return - all on U.S. Department of Education data.
Data: 2024-25 College Scorecard release
ROI Score Comparison
The Financial Comparison
On the numbers, Academy of Art University comes out ahead: 10/100 to 6/100, a 4-point edge over Ashford University. That gap comes from real differences in what each one costs, what its graduates earn, and the debt they leave with.
Start with what you'd actually pay. After aid, Ashford University runs $31,266 a year against $40,613 at Academy of Art University - $9,347 more a year, or about $37,388 across four years.
Then look at what that buys. Ten years after enrollment, Academy of Art University graduates earn a median $39,008 against $35,404 at Ashford University. The cost earns itself back in 656.1 years at Ashford University and 75.5 years at Academy of Art University.
Finally, the debt you'd carry out. Graduates leave Academy of Art University owing a median $31,000 versus $31,250 at Ashford University. Their debt-to-earnings ratios are 0.92 and 0.94 - and the rule of thumb is to keep that under 1.0, meaning debt no bigger than a first year's pay.
Head-to-Head Numbers
| Metric | Ashford University | Academy of Art University |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | ||
| In-State Tuition | $11,960 | $30,736 |
| Out-of-State Tuition | $11,960 | $30,736 |
| Net Price (avg) | $31,266 | $40,613 |
| Total 4-Year Cost | $125,064 | $162,452 |
| Outcomes | ||
| Median Earnings (6yr) | $34,000 | $32,800 |
| Median Earnings (10yr) | $35,404 | $39,008 |
| Graduation Rate | 10.7% | 34.3% |
| Payback Period | 656.1 yr | 75.5 yr |
| Debt | ||
| Median Debt | $31,250 | $31,000 |
| Monthly Payment | $331 | $329 |
| Debt-to-Earnings | 0.92 | 0.94 |
| 3yr Repayment Rate | 42.1% | 55.6% |
| 5yr Repayment Rate | 29.3% | 38.2% |
| Admissions | ||
| Acceptance Rate | N/A | N/A |
| Enrollment | 20,152 | 3,587 |
Net Price by Family Income
Average annual net price after grants and scholarships, by household income bracket.
| Family Income | Ashford University | Academy of Art Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| $0-$30,000 | $31,009 | $37,668 |
| $30,001-$48,000 | $31,862 | $36,340 |
| $48,001-$75,000 | $33,319 | $43,874 |
| $75,001-$110,000 | $32,953 | $43,953 |
| $110,001+ | $33,593 | $44,082 |
ROI Sub-Score Breakdown
| Component | Ashford University | Academy of Art Unive... |
|---|---|---|
| Earnings Premium (30%) | 7 | 9 |
| Payback Period (25%) | 7 | 10 |
| Debt / Earnings (20%) | 8 | 7 |
| Completion Rate (15%) | 1 | 15 |
| Repayment Rate (10%) | 4 | 13 |
| Overall ROI Score | 6 | 10 |
The Verdict
It's close. Academy of Art University edges out Ashford University by 4 points (10 vs 6), but that's slim enough that your major and your own aid offers will decide this more than the ROI score does. Run your actual numbers in the calculator below before you call it.
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The ROI calculator lets you plug in your financial aid, intended major, and living situation for a tailored comparison.
Ashford University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Academy of Art University
Poor Value - Full profile and breakdown
Data from the U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard, as of 2024-2025. Earnings are measured 6 and 10 years after enrollment. Net prices reflect average aid for first-time, full-time students.See full methodology.