#16: Laguna College of Art and Design
10-Year Avg. Payoff: $2,000
Laguna College of Art and Design was founded in 1961 as the Laguna Beach School of Art, rooted in a coastal community long known for artists, galleries, and creative culture. Today, the nonprofit college focuses on art and design fields, with programs tied to drawing, painting, animation, game art, and visual communication.

The $2,000 payoff means the school is just barely above break-even after 10 years. Art and design careers can take time to build, especially when graduates start with internships, freelance work, or portfolio-building jobs. The long-term payoff rises much higher, suggesting some alumni may gain ground later.
