2026 Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Schools
Looking for the best-value Fine And Studio Arts programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1469 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Fine And Studio Arts Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Columbia College Chicago this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $34,088. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $42,195 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Columbia College Chicago profile
Out of the 1469 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #2 spot. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
A rank of #3 makes West Texas A And M University one of the best values in the United States. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, with out-of-state students paying around $10,996. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $22,333. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
A rank of #4 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $16,656. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $16,656 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Goucher College came in at #5 on this year's best-value Fine And Studio Arts ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $53,350. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $25,406. Median earnings reach $53,023 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Goucher College
Hood College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $24,703. Hood College alumni report median earnings of $57,089 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,703 median debt. Hood College admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Hood College
Youngstown State University came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Youngstown State University admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Youngstown State University profile
University Of Nebraska At Kearney ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,564, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. Graduates carry a median of $16,101 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,105. That is a strong return on a $16,101 median debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Lindenwood University placed #9 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Lindenwood University has an acceptance rate of 57%. Get the full Lindenwood University report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $27,280. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Ferris State University placed #11 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Ferris State University
Illinois State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $20,125. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $20,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Illinois State University report
Liberty University placed #13 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $27,414 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Liberty University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
University Of South Dakota ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. University Of South Dakota Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about University Of South Dakota
Texas A And M University Commerce placed #16 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Located in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,026 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $23,796. Texas A And M University Commerce alumni report median earnings of $50,296 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas A And M University Commerce admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full Texas A And M University Commerce report
Fort Hays State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,923, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,937 in student loans. Fort Hays State University alumni report median earnings of $48,928 a decade after entry. Set against $22,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Fort Hays State University
Azusa Pacific University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Azusa, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,458. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $24,495. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,677. Set against $24,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Azusa Pacific University
University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,460. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $27,520. University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne alumni report median earnings of $55,362 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,520 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Set in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $21,500. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Eastern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,989. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Eastern Illinois University
Texas Womans University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,019 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
Northern Illinois University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,781 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Northern Illinois University report
Towson University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Towson, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Towson University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $17,978 in debt. Median earnings reach $64,390 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,978 median debt. Towson University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Towson University
Mississippi College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,500. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $25,510. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Mississippi College has an acceptance rate of 29%. More on Mississippi College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Fine And Studio Arts Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
San Jose State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. San Jose State University alumni report median earnings of $78,988 a decade after entry. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. More on San Jose State University
Texas Tech University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,846 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,454 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,846 median debt. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. This public school is set in Millersville, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,246. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
Morehead State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. This public school is set in Morehead, KY. Students from in state pay about $10,024 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. Morehead State University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Morehead State University alumni report median earnings of $43,197 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Morehead State University report
Kansas State University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Kansas State University is a public school based in Manhattan, KS. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Kansas State University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,262 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kansas State University
University Of Delaware landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,908 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,950 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,908 median debt. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about University Of Delaware
Bradley University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Bradley University is a private not-for-profit school based in Peoria, IL. Students from in state pay about $42,160 in tuition and fees. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $26,380. Median earnings reach $66,852 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on Bradley University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $21,111 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,413. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. See the full Oklahoma State University Main Campus profile
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #35 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $24,057. The University Of Texas At Austin alumni report median earnings of $75,121 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
The University Of Texas Pan American offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Set in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $17,687. Median earnings reach $49,620 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,687 median debt. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Pan American
California State University Fullerton placed #36 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Set in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $16,448. Median earnings reach $62,951 ten years out. Set against $16,448 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Fullerton has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on California State University Fullerton
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Stephen F Austin State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. This public school is set in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $20,968. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $26,000. Stephen F Austin State University alumni report median earnings of $49,634 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Stephen F Austin State University has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on Stephen F Austin State University
Wichita State University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $28,150. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,532 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Wichita State University report
University Of Tulsa ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Based in Tulsa, OK, University Of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,546 in tuition and fees. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $23,638. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,408. That is a strong return on a $23,638 median debt. University Of Tulsa has an acceptance rate of 62%. Get the full University Of Tulsa report
University Of Memphis ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Graduates carry a median of $28,850 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about University Of Memphis
University Of Houston ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. This public school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $21,845. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $21,845 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Houston profile
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public school based in Indiana, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,019. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a public school based in Corpus Christi, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $20,794. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $29,475. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,865. Set against $29,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. More on Texas A And M University Corpus Christi
Lesley University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Cambridge, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,256. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $24,833. Lesley University alumni report median earnings of $51,173 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lesley University admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about Lesley University
Indiana State University placed #47 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Terre Haute, IN. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Graduates carry a median of $26,959 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,387 ten years out. Set against $26,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. More on Indiana State University
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,377, with out-of-state students paying around $47,265. Students borrow a median of $13,254 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,254 median debt. The acceptance rate is 11%. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $19,316. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,316 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $29,966. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $21,777. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,191. Set against $21,777 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arkansas admits about 74% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
California State University Long Beach placed #50 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,374 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $16,583. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,583 median debt. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1469 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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