2026 Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Visual And Performing Arts graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2217 colleges 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree analyzed schools to produce 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Messiah College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts graduate certificate degree schools in the United States. Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,240. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $25,965. Messiah College alumni report median earnings of $54,064 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Messiah College admits about 79% of applicants. Get the full Messiah College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hood College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $24,703 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,089. That is a strong return on a $24,703 median debt. Hood College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Hood College report
A rank of #3 makes Lindenwood University one of the best values in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Lindenwood University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #4 place in the United States. Arizona State University Skysong is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,026 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
A rank of #5 makes Liberty University one of the best values in the United States. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Liberty University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,487 in debt. 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%. Get the full Liberty University report
University Of Central Arkansas landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,523, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,495 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Central Arkansas
Western Illinois University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $28,893. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,893 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
Marywood University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,420. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,362. Median earnings reach $55,817 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marywood University has an acceptance rate of 61%. Get the full Marywood University report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $25,128 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $25,128 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $27,642 in student loans. A decade after starting, 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
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $17,921. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. 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
Montclair State University placed #13 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. 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. Graduates carry a median of $26,524 in student loans. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,524 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Montclair State University profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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%. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,648. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Texas Tech University placed #16 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,550. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Set against $27,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. See the full Texas Tech University profile
Towson University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $18,540. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,390 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,540 median debt. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants. Read the full report on Towson University
Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,666. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Set against $26,666 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $24,980. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Set against $24,980 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 27%. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. Texas State University San Marcos Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,309 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. That is a strong return on a $25,309 median debt. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. More on Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, with out-of-state students paying around $42,103. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $19,896. Median earnings reach $73,792 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Mercyhurst College placed #22 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Mercyhurst College is a private not-for-profit school based in Erie, PA. Students from in state pay about $45,770 in tuition and fees. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,452. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mercyhurst College
California State University Long Beach came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $18,114. Median earnings reach $64,403 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,114 median debt. California State University Long Beach has an acceptance rate of 46%. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
University Of North Texas ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $24,119. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Set against $24,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Ohio University Main Campus placed #25 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,963 in debt. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Set against $25,963 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Tulsa landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Tulsa, OK, University Of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,546. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,408. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full University Of Tulsa profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Visual And Performing Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
The University Of Texas At Arlington offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,950, compared with $29,582 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Arlington Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,829 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,199. That is a strong return on a $25,829 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Arlington
University Of Iowa placed #28 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,174. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,762. That is a strong return on a $27,174 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
Iowa State University placed #29 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Iowa State University alumni report median earnings of $63,386 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. Get the full Iowa State University report
Indiana University South Bend offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in South Bend, IN, Indiana University South Bend is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Indiana University South Bend Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,295 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,947. Set against $25,295 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University South Bend has an acceptance rate of 84%. Read more about Indiana University South Bend
Michigan State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Michigan State University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,185 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. That is a strong return on a $27,185 median debt. Michigan State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. Read more about Michigan State University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,678 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,037 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,678 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. Read more about University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Norman, OK, University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,797 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $27,377. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $22,750. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus alumni report median earnings of $63,126 a decade after entry. Set against $22,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus has an acceptance rate of 77%. Read the full report on University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
University Of North Alabama landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of North Alabama is a public school based in Florence, AL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,120, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. Graduates carry a median of $24,075 in student loans. University Of North Alabama alumni report median earnings of $45,415 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,075 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of North Alabama
Suny College At Brockport came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Brockport, NY. Students from in state pay about $8,752 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,822 for out-of-state students. Suny College At Brockport Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $23,060 in debt. Suny College At Brockport alumni report median earnings of $54,496 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,060 median debt. Suny College At Brockport admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on Suny College At Brockport
Texas Christian University placed #36 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,740. Students borrow a median of $24,533 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,424 ten years after entry. Set against $24,533 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants. Get the full Texas Christian University report
University Of Kansas landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $23,802. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. That is a strong return on a $23,802 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about University Of Kansas
University Of Redlands offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Set in Redlands, CA, University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $60,878 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,690. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Redlands profile
Ball State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Muncie, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Graduates carry a median of $24,502 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,833. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ball State University report
Columbus State University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,898, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. Students borrow a median of $27,751 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,544. That is a strong return on a $27,751 median debt. Columbus State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Columbus State University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $25,833. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,833 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Northern Arizona University placed #42 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Flagstaff, AZ, Northern Arizona University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,619, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Graduates carry a median of $20,751 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,384 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Northern Arizona University
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,061 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. University Of Utah alumni report median earnings of $67,170 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Utah
Roosevelt University placed #44 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools 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 $21,315. Graduates carry a median of $25,897 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,712. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. Get the full Roosevelt University report
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $25,302 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,751 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Depaul University
Duquesne University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,986. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $74,742 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Duquesne University admits about 84% of applicants. Read more about Duquesne University
California State University Monterey Bay came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Seaside, CA, California State University Monterey Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,779, while out-of-state students pay about $20,379. California State University Monterey Bay Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $17,018 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,247. Set against $17,018 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Monterey Bay admits about 97% of applicants. Read more about California State University Monterey Bay
University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Winston Salem, NC, University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,477, with out-of-state students paying around $27,211. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $23,752 in debt. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts alumni report median earnings of $38,357 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts has an acceptance rate of 30%. Read more about University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts
Florida International University placed #48 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,565, with out-of-state students paying around $18,964. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $16,120. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,249. That is a strong return on a $16,120 median debt. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Florida International University profile
University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $24,854. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,403 ten years after entry. Set against $24,854 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Missouri Columbia admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
American University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Set in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. American University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $23,918 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,370 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. American University admits about 62% of applicants. See the full American University profile
Related Visual And Performing Arts Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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 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).
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.