Savannah College of Art and Design
Savannah, Georgia · Private Nonprofit · 83.0% acceptance rate
ROI Score: 26/100 · Poor Value
Savannah College of Art and Design
Poor ValueQuick Numbers
| In-state tuition + fees | $41,630/yr |
| Out-of-state tuition + fees | $41,630/yr |
| Average net price | $49,430/yr |
| Total 4-year cost (net) | $197,720 |
| Median earnings (10yr post-entry) | $45,954 |
| Median earnings (6yr post-entry) | $32,700 |
| Median debt at graduation | $25,148 |
| Estimated monthly loan payment | $267 |
| Estimated payback period | 30.8 years |
| 6-year graduation rate | 69.4% |
| Undergraduate enrollment | 15,243 |
Data as of 2024-2025. Source: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education).
Net Price by Family Income
What families actually pay after grants and scholarships, by income bracket.
| Family Income | Avg Net Price/Year |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $44,858 |
| $30,001 - $48,000 | $45,198 |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $48,668 |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $51,558 |
| $110,001+ | $52,147 |
Earnings by Major
Top 10 most popular majors at Savannah College of Art and Design with available earnings data.
| Major | Median Earnings | Grade |
|---|---|---|
| Design and Applied Arts | $45,923 | F |
| Graphic Communications | $43,058 | F |
| Film/Video and Photographic Arts | $41,651 | F |
| Radio, Television, and Digital Communication | $64,076 | C |
| Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft | $35,177 | F |
| Fine and Studio Arts | $41,153 | F |
| Apparel and Textiles | $55,925 | D |
| Architectural Sciences and Technology | $64,052 | C+ |
| Human Computer Interaction | $113,397 | B+ |
| Audiovisual Communications Technologies/Technicians | $26,064 | F |
Earnings reflect median 4-year post-completion (or 1-year where 4-year unavailable). Grades based on debt-to-earnings ratio.
The Full Financial Picture
The sticker price at Savannah College of Art and Design is $41,630/year. But sticker price isn't what most students pay. After grants, scholarships, and financial aid, the average student pays a net price of $49,430/year, or roughly $197,720 over four years.
That net price varies significantly by family income. The lowest-income families (under $30,000/year) pay an average of $44,858/year, while families earning over $110,000 pay $52,147/year.
The median graduate leaves with $25,148 in federal loan debt, translating to an estimated monthly payment of $267 on a standard 10-year repayment plan. Against median earnings of $45,954 ten years out, the debt-to-earnings ratio is 0.77 - within the recommended range but worth monitoring.
How Graduates Do
Earnings
Loan Repayment
| Metric | This School | Nat'l Avg |
|---|---|---|
| 1-year repayment | 61.5% | 52.0% |
| 3-year repayment | 65.3% | 62.0% |
| 5-year repayment | 60.6% | 68.0% |
| 7-year repayment | 63.8% | 72.0% |
Completion Rate
Admissions Snapshot
| Acceptance rate | 83.0% |
| SAT Math (25th-75th) | 490-610 |
| SAT Reading (25th-75th) | 540-660 |
| ACT Composite (25th-75th) | 21-28 |
| Enrollment | 15,243 |
| Pell Grant recipients | 18.8% |
| Avg faculty salary (monthly) | $10,950 |
Compared to Similar Schools
Peer institutions matched by type, size, and selectivity.
| School | ROI | Net Price | 10yr Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Savannah College of Art and Design (this school) | 26 | $49,430 | $45,954 |
| Agnes Scott College | 45 | $24,754 | $56,274 |
| Saint Leo University | 30 | $21,293 | $48,364 |
| Columbia College | 25 | $22,715 | $45,378 |
| Clark Atlanta University | 14 | $37,702 | $42,712 |
| Universidad Ana G. Mendez-Gurabo Campus | 12 | $7,051 | $26,223 |
The Verdict: The Numbers Don't Add Up
The financial data raises serious concerns about Savannah College of Art and Design. With a net cost of $49,430 per year and median graduate earnings of only $45,954 ten years out, the payback period stretches to 30.8 years. For most students, the financial return does not justify the cost.
Key strengths include a 69.4% graduation rate. However, the data also shows weak earnings relative to cost and high debt relative to what graduates earn and concerning loan repayment rates and a long payback period.
Median debt of $25,148 against $45,954 in earnings is reasonable, though major choice matters significantly. Students in higher-earning programs will see better returns.
Rankings & Links
Guides & Tools
Data: College Scorecard API (U.S. Department of Education)
Vintage: 2024-2025 · Last updated: 2026-03-25
Earnings reflect median outcomes for all federal financial aid recipients. Individual results vary by major, effort, and career path.