2026 Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Schools
Looking for the best-value Visual And Performing Arts programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2217 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.
To help you make your decision, Grad Degree evaluated 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 Visual And Performing Arts Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Columbia College Chicago tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts programs schools in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,088. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,699. Median earnings reach $42,195 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Columbia College Chicago report
A rank of #2 makes West Texas A And M University one of the best values in the United States. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,035 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. Set against $24,035 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Messiah College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,240 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,965 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,064 ten years out. Set against $25,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Messiah College
You'll get strong value at University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras, which ranked #4 this year. Located in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,324. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,723 ten years out. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras report
Out of the 2217 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Truman State University landed the #5 spot. Set in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,280. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read more about Truman State University
Goucher College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,350. Graduates carry a median of $25,406 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,023 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. Goucher College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Goucher College
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Youngstown State University placed #8 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Youngstown State University
Hood College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,700. Hood College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $24,703 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Hood College profile
Brigham Young University Provo ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $14,502 in student loans. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
University Of Nebraska At Kearney came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kearney, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $8,564, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. University Of Nebraska At Kearney Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $16,101 in debt. University Of Nebraska At Kearney alumni report median earnings of $50,105 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,101 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Lindenwood University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Lindenwood University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #13 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Students borrow a median of $26,131 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $26,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $26,918. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Atlantic College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Guaynabo, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $8,280. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $5,286. Median earnings reach $25,272 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,286 median debt. Read more about Atlantic College
Texas A And M University Kingsville offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public school based in Kingsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,892, compared with $25,746 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,450. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University Kingsville admits about 91% of applicants. Get the full Texas A And M University Kingsville report
Mount St Marys College placed #17 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,564 in tuition and fees. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,379 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Mount St Marys College
Stephens College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in Columbia, MO, Stephens College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,300. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,071 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on Stephens College
University Of South Dakota ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. University Of South Dakota Visual And Performing 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%. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #20 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. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $25,128. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,128 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. More on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Sam Houston State University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,845 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,845 median debt. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Sam Houston State University
York College Pennsylvania came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,537. Median earnings reach $61,012 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,537 median debt. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. More on York College Pennsylvania
Texas A And M University Commerce offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. 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, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,101. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,296. Set against $27,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full Texas A And M University Commerce report
National University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full National University report
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,991 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Visual And Performing Arts Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Liberty University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,487. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about Liberty University
Fort Hays State University placed #27 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hays, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $22,937 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,928. That is a strong return on a $22,937 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Fort Hays State University report
University Of Central Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,523 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Graduates carry a median of $27,495 in student loans. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Arkansas has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report
The University Of Texas At El Paso offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in El Paso, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,502. Students borrow a median of $16,905 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,923. That is a strong return on a $16,905 median debt. The University Of Texas At El Paso has an acceptance rate of 100%. Read more about The University Of Texas At El Paso
Illinois State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Normal, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,735 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. Set against $21,735 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Illinois State University report
Western Illinois University placed #31 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. Western Illinois University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $28,893 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Texas Womans University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Texas Womans University is a public school based in Denton, TX. Students from in state pay about $8,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Students borrow a median of $25,811 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,544. Set against $25,811 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. More on Texas Womans University
Endicott College came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Set in Beverly, MA, Endicott College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,650. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $58,336 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Endicott College admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full Endicott College report
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania placed #34 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Converse College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Converse College is a private not-for-profit school based in Spartanburg, SC. Students from in state pay about $25,240 in tuition and fees. Converse College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,715 in debt. Converse College alumni report median earnings of $40,867 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Converse College admits about 68% of applicants. Read the full report on Converse College
Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,420. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,362. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,817. That is a strong return on a $27,362 median debt. Marywood University has an acceptance rate of 61%. See the full Marywood University profile
University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fort Wayne, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,460. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $55,362 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%. See the full University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne profile
The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Edinburg, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $18,948. The University Of Texas Pan American alumni report median earnings of $49,620 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Texas Pan American
University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. Students from in state pay about $9,998 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Montclair State University is a public school based in Montclair, NJ. Students from in state pay about $15,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $26,524. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,415. Set against $26,524 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full Montclair State University report
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $23,399. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
Morehead State University placed #43 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,024, compared with $14,980 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $43,197 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Morehead State University
Seattle University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,721. Seattle University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $23,950 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,272 ten years out. Set against $23,950 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Seattle University
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Missouri State University Springfield Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,648 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Set against $26,648 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
Azusa Pacific University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,458. Students borrow a median of $22,926 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,677. That is a strong return on a $22,926 median debt. Azusa Pacific University admits about 88% of applicants. More on Azusa Pacific University
Northern Illinois University landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,642. 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. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
University Of Wisconsin Stout landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,090. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stout profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $23,460 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,887 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
Eastern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,377 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Students borrow a median of $25,820 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,989 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,820 median debt. Eastern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on Eastern Illinois University
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $23,026. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And Performing 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 2217 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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