Head-to-Head Analysis
This analysis was generated using Azimuth's proprietary framework. Our data model transforms federal education data into actionable insights. Learn about founder Daniel Rogers, explore our research methodology, or see how we think about this data.
Updated January 2026 • Cleveland, OH & Pittsburgh, PA
Choosing between Cleveland Institute Of Art and La Roche University means choosing between two very different educational missions. Cleveland Institute Of Art is one of the country's dedicated fine arts colleges, with 81% of graduates earning degrees in visual and performing arts.
La Roche University in Pittsburgh takes a broader approach, anchored in business, health professions, and allied sciences. These aren't competing versions of the same school — they're different paths entirely.
The data reveals that those different paths produce notably different earnings outcomes, and at different price points.
Median Student Debt at Graduation
$27,000
federal loans
$25,000
federal loans
Median Parent PLUS Loans
$60,640
borrowed by parents
$27,867
borrowed by parents
Cleveland Institute Of Art concentrates almost entirely on arts fields, with 81% of graduates earning degrees in Visual & Performing Arts. Its largest programs include Design and Applied Arts (65 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (25), Graphic Communications (16), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (11), and Medical Illustration and Informatics (8).
La Roche University has a more diversified mix: 33% Business, 6% Arts, 5% Education. La Roche's largest programs include Management Sciences and Quantitative Methods (48 graduates), Psychology (23), Allied Health Diagnostic and Treatment Professions (20), and Marketing (17).
This program composition shapes career trajectories and, on average, earnings potential over time.
For students prioritizing financial outcomes and affordability, La Roche University delivers higher median earnings at $8,414/year less in net price, with a far more manageable debt burden for both students and parents. The GPS affordability gap is significant: La Roche graduates typically face payments that are challenging but workable, while Cleveland Institute Of Art graduates will likely require income-driven repayment at the median.
Cleveland Institute Of Art is the clear choice for students committed to a professional arts career — its specialized curriculum in design, illustration, and studio arts has no equivalent at La Roche, and for the right student, that focus is irreplaceable. But students considering CIA should enter with clear eyes about the financial realities: higher annual costs, substantially higher parent borrowing, and earnings that reflect the variable nature of arts careers.
The data points to La Roche as the stronger financial value — but the right choice ultimately depends on whether an arts-specific education is your goal.
Key Takeaway
The numbers favor La Roche, but the best school depends on your goals, values, and career aspirations.
This comparison was generated using Azimuth's proprietary ROI framework, developed by founder Daniel Rogers. Our methodology transforms federal education data into actionable insights for families.
This comparison uses Azimuth's proprietary ROI model based on U.S. Dept. of Education data. View Full Methodology.
This content is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as financial, investment, or professional advice. Consult a qualified advisor before making any financial decisions.
College Azimuth is a private research initiative and is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of Education or Federal Student Aid.
