The Worst Colleges for Bachelor’s Degree Payoff, Ranked

The University of the Arts had deep roots in Philadelphia’s creative education scene, with a history connected to older art, design, music, theater, and performance institutions. For decades, it served students pursuing creative fields in one of the country’s most historically rich arts cities.

The -$57,000 payoff shows how difficult the first decade could be for graduates entering artistic careers. Creative work often starts with low-paying jobs, freelance projects, or unstable performance opportunities. Since the university later closed, this number now works best as part of the school’s historical financial snapshot.