2026 Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Fine And Studio Arts master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 1469 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,088. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,195. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Columbia College Chicago
A rank of #2 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Graduates carry a median of $22,333 in student loans. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,333 median debt. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
A rank of #4 makes Brigham Young University Provo one of the best values in the United States. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $16,656 in student loans. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $16,656 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on 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. Based in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,350. Goucher College Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,023. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. See the full Goucher College profile
Hood College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,700. Hood College Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $24,703 in debt. Hood College alumni report median earnings of $57,089 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Hood College
Youngstown State University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Youngstown State University alumni report median earnings of $41,544 a decade after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,564, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. Students borrow a median of $16,101 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Median earnings reach $50,105 ten years out. Set against $16,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney report
Lindenwood University landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Lindenwood University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $28,663 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lindenwood University profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Students borrow a median of $27,280 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Ferris State University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Ferris State University
Illinois State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Set in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $20,125 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $20,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Illinois State University
Liberty University placed #13 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $27,414. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Liberty University
University Of South Dakota placed #14 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on University Of South Dakota
Texas A And M University Commerce landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,026, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. Students borrow a median of $23,796 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,296. Set against $23,796 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University Commerce has an acceptance rate of 92%. See the full Texas A And M University Commerce profile
Fort Hays State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Fort Hays State University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $22,937 in debt. 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%. Get the full Fort Hays State University report
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
Azusa Pacific University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Set in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,458. Graduates carry a median of $24,495 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $66,677. That is a strong return on a $24,495 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Azusa Pacific University
University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne placed #19 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,460. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $27,520. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,362. Set against $27,520 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne report
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $21,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Nebraska Lincoln has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln profile
Eastern Illinois University placed #21 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Eastern Illinois University is a public school based in Charleston, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $25,000. Eastern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $51,989 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. See the full Eastern Illinois University profile
Northern Illinois University ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $25,781. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Texas Womans University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Graduates carry a median of $26,019 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,544 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Get the full Texas Womans University report
Towson University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $17,978. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,390. That is a strong return on a $17,978 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Towson University
Mississippi College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit school based in Clinton, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,500. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $25,510. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,485. That is a strong return on a $25,510 median debt. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mississippi College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Fine And Studio Arts Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full San Jose State University profile
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $27,846 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Set against $27,846 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University has an acceptance rate of 73%. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,246 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
Morehead State University placed #29 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Morehead State University is a public school based in Morehead, KY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,024, with out-of-state students paying around $14,980. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,197 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Morehead State University admits about 77% of applicants. Read more about Morehead State University
Kansas State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Manhattan, KS. Students from in state pay about $11,221 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,568 for out-of-state students. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Kansas State University profile
University Of Delaware landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $25,908. 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. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Bradley University placed #33 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Located in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $26,380. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. See the full Bradley University profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $21,111 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,413 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,111 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 75%. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
California State University Fullerton offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Located in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $16,448. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,951. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Fullerton has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on California State University Fullerton
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #35 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Set in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Graduates carry a median of $17,687 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,620. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. See the full The University Of Texas Pan American profile
University Of North Texas placed #37 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Texas profile
Stephen F Austin State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Nacogdoches, TX, Stephen F Austin State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,128, compared with $20,968 for out-of-state students. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $49,634 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Stephen F Austin State University
Wichita State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $28,150. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full Wichita State University report
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Students borrow a median of $21,845 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Median earnings reach $62,377 ten years out. Set against $21,845 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Houston
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. University Of Memphis is a public school based in Memphis, TN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. University Of Memphis Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $28,850 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $28,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Memphis
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #42 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Set in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. 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 $51,019. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus report
University Of Tulsa offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Tulsa, OK, University Of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,546. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $23,638. Median earnings reach $61,408 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Tulsa
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Corpus Christi, TX, Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, compared with $20,794 for out-of-state students. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $29,475. Median earnings reach $51,865 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,475 median debt. Texas A And M University Corpus Christi has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Texas A And M University Corpus Christi
Lesley University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Lesley University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $34,256. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $24,833. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,173. That is a strong return on a $24,833 median debt. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lesley University
Indiana State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Terre Haute, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,258, while out-of-state students pay about $22,322. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $26,959. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,387 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,959 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Indiana State University profile
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $24,057. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. That is a strong return on a $24,057 median debt. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Set in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Graduates carry a median of $21,777 in student loans. University Of Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $58,191 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,777 median debt. University Of Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read more about University Of Arkansas
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $19,316. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,316 median debt. About 45% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of California Berkeley offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. University Of California Berkeley Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $13,254 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,446 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on University Of California Berkeley
California State University Long Beach came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. California State University Long Beach Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $16,583 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. See the full California State University Long Beach 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 Doctoral 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).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.