2026 Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Fine And Studio Arts doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1469 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree analyzed schools to build 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Cuny Graduate School And University Center to be the best-value Fine And Studio Arts school in the United States. 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, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $17,921. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
You'll get strong value at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #2 this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $24,057. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
A rank of #3 makes University Of Delaware one of the best values in the United States. University Of Delaware is a public school based in Newark, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. University Of Delaware Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $25,908 in debt. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Set against $25,908 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Out of the 1469 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Wisconsin Madison landed the #4 spot. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Graduates carry a median of $19,316 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Madison profile
You'll get strong value at University Of California Berkeley, which ranked #5 this year. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,254 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Median earnings reach $92,446 ten years out. Set against $13,254 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
Emory University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,280. Graduates carry a median of $19,431 in student loans. Median earnings reach $80,137 ten years out. Set against $19,431 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Emory University
University Of Maryland College Park landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland College Park is a public school based in College Park, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,809, while out-of-state students pay about $41,186. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,860. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Maryland College Park
Suny At Binghamton placed #7 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Vestal, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,567, with out-of-state students paying around $30,447. Students borrow a median of $22,286 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Suny At Binghamton alumni report median earnings of $80,596 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 39% of those who apply are admitted. More on Suny At Binghamton
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $14,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $82,511 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $21,947 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full University Of Georgia report
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #11 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Located in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, while out-of-state students pay about $61,591. University Of Virginia Main Campus Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $19,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $86,863 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. University Of Virginia Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 17%. Get the full University Of Virginia Main Campus report
Florida State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,222 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. Set against $20,222 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants. Read the full report on Florida State University
University Of Iowa came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Iowa City, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about University Of Iowa
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public school based in Champaign, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $18,267, compared with $40,096 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,356 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. Set against $21,356 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Duke University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $68,758 in tuition and fees. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $13,296. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $97,800. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%. Read more about Duke University
Temple University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. See the full Temple University profile
University Of California Santa Barbara landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,444 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,332 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,978 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. Set against $16,978 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 33% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of California Santa Barbara
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #18 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public school based in Chapel Hill, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $14,600 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Set against $14,600 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,797, while out-of-state students pay about $27,377. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $23,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
Rutgers University New Brunswick placed #20 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Based in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $25,975. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,479. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 58% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rutgers University New Brunswick report
University Of Kansas came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,361 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Set against $22,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. Get the full University Of Kansas report
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #22 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Based in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $23,956. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,020. That is a strong return on a $23,956 median debt. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. See the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities profile
University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,740. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago
University Of Florida came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,863 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read more about University Of Florida
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Set in Columbus, OH, Ohio State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $26,849. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. See the full Ohio State University Main Campus profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Fine And Studio Arts Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of California San Diego offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. University Of California San Diego is a public school based in La Jolla, CA. Students from in state pay about $15,788 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $15,218. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $15,218 median debt. University Of California San Diego has an acceptance rate of 27%. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,926, while out-of-state students pay about $41,430. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $23,477. Graduates go on to earn a median of $66,125 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,477 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%. Get the full University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus report
New York University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $62,796. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $82,509 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New York University has an acceptance rate of 9%. More on New York University
University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Graduates carry a median of $23,359 in student loans. University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $111,371 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 5%. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. This public school is set in Ann Arbor, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,319 in student loans. Median earnings reach $83,648 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,319 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Columbia University In The City Of New York came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $26,853. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $102,491. That is a strong return on a $26,853 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%. Get the full Columbia University In The City Of New York report
Virginia Commonwealth University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Located in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,720 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,884. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $23,374. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,128 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full Virginia Commonwealth University profile
Rice University placed #33 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Set in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $11,904. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $89,718. Set against $11,904 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Rice University has an acceptance rate of 8%. Read more about Rice University
Northwestern University placed #33 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,322. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $89,363. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwestern University has an acceptance rate of 8%. More on Northwestern University
Stony Brook University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Stony Brook University is a public school based in Stony Brook, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,931, compared with $32,741 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,000 in student loans. Stony Brook University alumni report median earnings of $74,502 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Stony Brook University
Bard College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Bard College is a private not-for-profit school based in Annandale-On-Hudson, NY. Students from in state pay about $66,436 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $46,543 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 52%. Read more about Bard College
Yale University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,250 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $14,357 in student loans. Median earnings reach $100,533 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Yale University
University Of Southern California landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Graduates carry a median of $21,125 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,498 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,125 median debt. University Of Southern California admits about 10% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
Brown University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Brown University is a private not-for-profit school based in Providence, RI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $17,300. Graduates go on to earn a median of $93,487 ten years after entry. Set against $17,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 5% of those who apply are admitted. More on Brown University
Boston University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. Boston University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $83,238. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Boston University admits about 11% of applicants. See the full Boston University profile
Johns Hopkins University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Set in Baltimore, MD, Johns Hopkins University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $64,730 in tuition and fees. Johns Hopkins University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $13,426 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $87,555. Set against $13,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 6% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Johns Hopkins University
Allan Hancock College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Get the full Allan Hancock College report
Colby Sawyer College placed #43 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. See the full Colby Sawyer College profile
Essex County College placed #44 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Read more about Essex County College
Hamilton College
Hamilton College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Hamilton College profile
Hofstra University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Hofstra University profile
James Madison University offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Read the full report on James Madison University
Oregon State University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Get the full Oregon State University report
Owens Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Read more about Owens Community College
Springfield Technical Community College landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Springfield Technical Community College profile
Related Fine And Studio Arts Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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