2026 Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Schools
Looking for the best-value Fine And Studio Arts programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 1469 colleges 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, Course Advisor reviewed schools to build this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Fine And Studio Arts Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Brigham Young University Idaho earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Located in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,800. Graduates carry a median of $14,405 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,406. Set against $14,405 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Cuny Laguardia Community College came in at #2 on this year's best-value Fine And Studio Arts ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Long Island City, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,218, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. Graduates carry a median of $8,750 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,653 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,750 median debt. Read the full report on Cuny Laguardia Community College
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #3 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. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $16,656. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,656 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 1469 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #4 spot. Located in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,375, compared with $4,950 for out-of-state students. Metropolitan Community College Area Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $12,799 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,773. That is a strong return on a $12,799 median debt. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Area
Out of the 1469 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Scottsdale Community College landed the #5 spot. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,187 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,905 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Scottsdale Community College
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,170, while out-of-state students pay about $8,050. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $9,500. Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,306 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
Finger Lakes Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Finger Lakes Community College is a public school based in Canandaigua, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,258, with out-of-state students paying around $8,442. Finger Lakes Community College Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $16,736 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Finger Lakes Community College
Minneapolis Community And Technical College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,161. Students borrow a median of $24,036 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,086. Set against $24,036 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Austin Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $16,500. Median earnings reach $43,177 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Austin Community College District
Columbia College Chicago landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,088. Columbia College Chicago Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,195. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Columbia College Chicago has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Columbia College Chicago report
Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Located in Santa Fe, NM, Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,920. Median earnings reach $24,505 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture
University Of Nebraska At Kearney ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. 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. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $16,101. Median earnings reach $50,105 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
West Texas A And M University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. West Texas A And M University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $22,333 in debt. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
North Dakota State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $25,153. A decade after starting, 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 has an acceptance rate of 95%. Read the full report on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Winona State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,576 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,308 for out-of-state students. Winona State University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $24,551 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,532. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read more about Winona State University
Arizona State University Skysong placed #16 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,395 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,395 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Sinclair Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Set in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,675 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Students borrow a median of $12,525 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Sinclair Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,558 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Sinclair Community College
Western Carolina University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,630, with out-of-state students paying around $8,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Western Carolina University alumni report median earnings of $49,458 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Carolina University profile
Holyoke Community College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Holyoke Community College is a public school based in Holyoke, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,988, while out-of-state students pay about $10,932. Holyoke Community College Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $9,763 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,277 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Holyoke Community College report
University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,324. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $5,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,723. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $11,889. Ivy Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,186 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Ivy Tech Community College
University Of South Dakota placed #22 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Dakota
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $17,921. 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. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,280 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Youngstown State University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, while out-of-state students pay about $10,286. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Median earnings reach $41,544 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Youngstown State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Fine And Studio Arts Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Lindenwood University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $28,663. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lindenwood University
South Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, compared with $12,809 for out-of-state students. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $24,989. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,070. Set against $24,989 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about South Dakota State University
Truman State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Based in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,280 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on Truman State University
County College Of Morris landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Randolph, NJ. Students from in state pay about $6,210 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,310 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,250 in student loans. County College Of Morris alumni report median earnings of $50,243 a decade after entry. Set against $9,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full County College Of Morris profile
Onondaga Community College placed #31 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Set in Syracuse, NY, Onondaga Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,102 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,392. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $12,623. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,190 ten years after entry. Set against $12,623 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Onondaga Community College profile
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,371 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,561. That is a strong return on a $25,371 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire report
Ferris State University placed #32 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Ferris State University is a public school based in Big Rapids, MI. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Ferris State University
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Located in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $25,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,356. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater report
Eastern Illinois University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,989. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Eastern Illinois University
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Arkansas State University Main Campus Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $23,399 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arkansas State University Main Campus admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Arkansas State University Main Campus report
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $25,415. Median earnings reach $44,140 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on University Of Southern Mississippi
University Of North Carolina At Pembroke landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pembroke, NC, University Of North Carolina At Pembroke is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,648, with out-of-state students paying around $7,648. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,407. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of North Carolina At Pembroke report
Central Michigan University placed #39 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,480. Central Michigan University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Central Michigan University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Northern Virginia Community College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Northern Virginia Community College is a public school based in Annandale, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,891, with out-of-state students paying around $12,410. Graduates carry a median of $14,413 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,557 ten years after entry. Set against $14,413 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Northern Virginia Community College
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Stevens Point, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point alumni report median earnings of $52,021 a decade after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point has an acceptance rate of 92%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point report
College Of Southern Nevada landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Las Vegas, NV, College Of Southern Nevada is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,024. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $9,980. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,087. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about College Of Southern Nevada
Lehigh Carbon Community College came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Schnecksville, PA, Lehigh Carbon Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,280, while out-of-state students pay about $13,270. Graduates carry a median of $14,450 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,436 ten years after entry. Set against $14,450 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Lehigh Carbon Community College
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Graduates carry a median of $25,781 in student loans. 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. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,161, compared with $33,230 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,198 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $90,768. That is a strong return on a $19,198 median debt. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Wyoming came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Laramie, WY, University Of Wyoming is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,768, compared with $24,178 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,880 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,880 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about University Of Wyoming
University Of Wisconsin La Crosse ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,070 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,517. Students borrow a median of $19,750 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,378. That is a strong return on a $19,750 median debt. University Of Wisconsin La Crosse has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin La Crosse report
University Of Wisconsin Stout ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Located in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Students borrow a median of $25,821 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. That is a strong return on a $25,821 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
Northwest College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. This public school is set in Powell, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,962, compared with $11,262 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,996 in student loans. Northwest College alumni report median earnings of $36,950 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,996 median debt. Read the full report on Northwest College
Goucher College ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,023. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Goucher College has an acceptance rate of 78%. More on Goucher College
Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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).
Course Advisor 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.
© Course Advisor – All Rights Reserved.