2026 Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Visual And Performing Arts master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2217 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree evaluated 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found Columbia College Chicago to be the best-value Visual And Performing Arts school in the United States. Located in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,088. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,699. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,195. That is a strong return on a $26,699 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Columbia College Chicago report
Out of the 2217 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, West Texas A And M University landed the #2 spot. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,101 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $24,035. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. Set against $24,035 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on West Texas A And M University
Out of the 2217 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Messiah College landed the #3 spot. Messiah College is a private not-for-profit school based in Mechanicsburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $42,240. Graduates carry a median of $25,965 in student loans. Messiah College alumni report median earnings of $54,064 a decade after entry. Set against $25,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Messiah College
A rank of #4 makes University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras one of the best values in the United States. Set in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,324. Graduates carry a median of $5,500 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,723. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras admits about 55% of applicants. More on University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
Truman State University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Visual And Performing Arts ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Kirksville, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,838, compared with $18,566 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $56,280 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants. More on Truman State University
Goucher College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Located in Baltimore, MD, Goucher College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $53,350. Students borrow a median of $25,406 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Goucher College alumni report median earnings of $53,023 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Goucher College
North Dakota State University Main Campus came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. 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 $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. North Dakota State University Main Campus admits about 95% of applicants. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Youngstown State University placed #8 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Youngstown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $31,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Youngstown State University
Hood College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Frederick, MD, Hood College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,700. Graduates carry a median of $24,703 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Hood College
Brigham Young University Provo landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Students borrow a median of $14,502 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. 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. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
University Of Nebraska At Kearney placed #11 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kearney, NE. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,564, compared with $16,484 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,101 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,105. 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 ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. Lindenwood University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lindenwood University has an acceptance rate of 57%. More on Lindenwood University
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #13 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,131. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. 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 came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,918. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,918 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. See the full Ferris State University profile
Atlantic College placed #15 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Guaynabo, PR, Atlantic College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,280. Graduates carry a median of $5,286 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $25,272 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,286 median debt. Read more about Atlantic College
Texas A And M University Kingsville ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University Kingsville profile
Mount St Marys College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. Students from in state pay about $49,564 in tuition and fees. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $72,379 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. More on Mount St Marys College
Stephens College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Stephens College is a private not-for-profit school based in Columbia, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $28,300. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Stephens College alumni report median earnings of $43,071 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stephens College report
University Of South Dakota placed #19 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. The median Visual And Performing 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%. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Graduates carry a median of $25,128 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,346. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Sam Houston State University landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,228, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,845 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. 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 admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
Texas A And M University Commerce placed #22 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,026, while out-of-state students pay about $22,326. Graduates carry a median of $27,101 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,296 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,101 median debt. Texas A And M University Commerce has an acceptance rate of 92%. More on Texas A And M University Commerce
York College Pennsylvania ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in York, PA, York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,588. Students borrow a median of $26,537 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. That is a strong return on a $26,537 median debt. York College Pennsylvania admits about 74% of applicants. More on York College Pennsylvania
National University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,284. Graduates carry a median of $30,426 in student loans. National University alumni report median earnings of $67,548 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. See the full National University profile
Liberty University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Graduates carry a median of $26,487 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Set against $26,487 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read the full report on Liberty University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Visual And Performing Arts Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Fort Hays State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Fort Hays State University is a public school based in Hays, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,923, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Fort Hays State University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $22,937 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,928. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Fort Hays State University
The University Of Texas At El Paso offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. This public school is set in El Paso, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,544 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,502 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $16,905. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,923. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. More on The University Of Texas At El Paso
Illinois State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Illinois State University is a public school based in Normal, IL. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $21,735 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $21,735 median debt. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Illinois State University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. 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 admits about 68% of applicants. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
University Of Central Arkansas placed #30 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,523 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. Graduates carry a median of $27,495 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,938. Set against $27,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Central Arkansas profile
Western Illinois University placed #31 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,572. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $28,893. Median earnings reach $54,163 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,893 median debt. Western Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Texas Womans University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Denton, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $25,811. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,544 ten years after entry. Set against $25,811 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%. More on Texas Womans University
Endicott College placed #33 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Beverly, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,650. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,336. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Endicott College has an acceptance rate of 71%. See the full Endicott College profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania placed #34 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. Students from in state pay about $10,775 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $61,258 ten years out. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Converse College placed #35 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Converse College is a private not-for-profit school based in Spartanburg, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,240. Converse College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,715 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,867 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Converse College
University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne placed #36 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located 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 Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,362. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne
Marywood University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,420. Students borrow a median of $27,362 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $55,817 ten years out. Set against $27,362 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marywood University admits about 61% of applicants. Read the full report on Marywood University
The University Of Texas Pan American landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Graduates carry a median of $18,948 in student loans. The University Of Texas Pan American alumni report median earnings of $49,620 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,948 median debt. The University Of Texas Pan American admits about 94% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Pan American
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #39 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. University Of Nebraska Lincoln Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $23,460 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. Set against $23,460 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read more about University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $44,140 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Southern Mississippi admits about 99% of applicants. See the full University Of Southern Mississippi profile
Montclair State University placed #41 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Students borrow a median of $26,524 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Set against $26,524 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on Montclair State University
Arkansas State University Main Campus came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Graduates carry a median of $23,399 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report
Morehead State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. This public school is set in Morehead, KY. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,024, with out-of-state students paying around $14,980. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $43,197 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. More on Morehead State University
Seattle University placed #44 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Seattle University
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. This public school is set in Springfield, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $26,648. Missouri State University Springfield alumni report median earnings of $49,827 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,648 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Missouri State University Springfield report
Azusa Pacific University placed #46 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Azusa, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,458. Graduates carry a median of $22,926 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,677. Set against $22,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on Azusa Pacific University
University Of Wisconsin Stout landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Stout Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,090 in debt. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,090 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Northern Illinois University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,642 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,642 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Eastern Illinois University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Eastern Illinois University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,820 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,989 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 65% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Eastern Illinois University
Kansas State University came in at #50 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 Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas State University admits about 82% of applicants. Read more about Kansas State University
Related Visual And Performing Arts Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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