The Worst Colleges for Bachelor’s Degree Payoff, Ranked

Cleveland Institute of Art is one of the older art and design schools in the country, with roots dating back to 1882. The private nonprofit college has spent more than 140 years educating artists and designers, and today it remains focused on studio-based creative training in Cleveland.

At $12,000, the 10-year payoff is technically positive, but still close to break-even. That makes sense for a school tied to art and design, where income can depend heavily on portfolio, field, location, and clients. Graduates in commercial design, illustration, animation, or product-related fields may see stronger returns later.