2026 Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Fine And Studio Arts master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1469 schools 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 arm you with the information you need, 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Columbia College Chicago to be the best-value Fine And Studio Arts school in the United States. Based 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 Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,195 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Columbia College Chicago profile
You'll get strong value at Minnesota State University Mankato, which ranked #2 this year. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at West Texas A And M University earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,333 in student loans. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #4 place in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $16,656. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $16,656 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Brigham Young University Provo profile
Out of the 1469 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Goucher College landed the #5 spot. Goucher College is a private not-for-profit school based in Baltimore, MD. Students from in state pay about $53,350 in tuition and fees. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $25,406. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,023. Set against $25,406 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Goucher College
Hood College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Hood College is a private not-for-profit school based in Frederick, MD. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. Hood College Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $24,703 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,089 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Hood College report
Youngstown State University placed #7 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Youngstown State University is a public school based in Youngstown, OH. Students from in state pay about $9,926 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. Youngstown State University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 84%. See the full Youngstown State University profile
University Of Nebraska At Kearney placed #8 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kearney, NE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Graduates carry a median of $16,101 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,105. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska At Kearney
Lindenwood University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $28,663. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Lindenwood University has an acceptance rate of 57%. See the full Lindenwood University profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $27,280 in debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,280 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Ferris State University came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,778. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Ferris State University report
Illinois State University placed #12 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $20,125 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,117 ten years out. Set against $20,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Illinois State University report
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $27,414. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,414 median debt. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. See the full Liberty University profile
University Of South Dakota came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. University Of South Dakota is a public school based in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about University Of South Dakota
Texas A And M University Commerce offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Located in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,026, with out-of-state students paying around $22,326. Students borrow a median of $23,796 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Texas A And M University Commerce alumni report median earnings of $50,296 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas A And M University Commerce
Fort Hays State University placed #16 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $22,937. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. That is a strong return on a $22,937 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University
Cuny Graduate School And University Center came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. 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, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $17,921. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,991. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Azusa Pacific University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Based in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,495 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Median earnings reach $66,677 ten years out. Set against $24,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Azusa Pacific University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Azusa Pacific University profile
University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,460. University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $27,520 in debt. University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne alumni report median earnings of $55,362 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,520 median debt. University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,887 ten years out. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Eastern Illinois University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,377, with out-of-state students paying around $15,859. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,989. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants. Read the full report on Eastern Illinois University
Northern Illinois University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Northern Illinois University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $25,781 in debt. Northern Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $57,808 a decade after entry. Set against $25,781 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. More on Northern Illinois University
Texas Womans University landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $26,019. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,544 ten years after entry. Set against $26,019 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Womans University
Towson University landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Towson University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $17,978 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $64,390. Set against $17,978 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants. More on Towson University
Mississippi College placed #25 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Clinton, MS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,500. Graduates carry a median of $25,510 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,485 ten years after entry. Set against $25,510 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 29%. Read the full report on Mississippi College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Fine And Studio Arts Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
San Jose State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. San Jose State University has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on San Jose State University
Texas Tech University placed #27 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Set 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 Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $27,846. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 73%. Read more about Texas Tech University
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania placed #28 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Located in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, compared with $22,952 for out-of-state students. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,246. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania admits about 86% of applicants. More on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
Morehead State University placed #29 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Set in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,024 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Morehead State University alumni report median earnings of $43,197 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. See the full Morehead State University profile
Kansas State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,221, while out-of-state students pay about $28,568. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,262. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas State University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Kansas State University
University Of Delaware landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,908 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $25,908 median debt. The acceptance rate is 71%. More on University Of Delaware
Bradley University ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Set in Peoria, IL, Bradley University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $42,160. Graduates carry a median of $26,380 in student loans. Median earnings reach $66,852 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,380 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Bradley University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $21,111 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,413 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $21,111 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #35 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Located in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $17,687. The University Of Texas Pan American alumni report median earnings of $49,620 a decade after entry. Set against $17,687 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas Pan American has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Pan American
California State University Fullerton came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Fullerton, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. The median Fine And Studio Arts program debt is $16,448. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,951. That is a strong return on a $16,448 median debt. California State University Fullerton admits about 90% of applicants. More on California State University Fullerton
University Of North Texas placed #37 among the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools in the United States. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,309 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Graduates carry a median of $24,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,010 ten years after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Stephen F Austin State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Stephen F Austin State University is a public school based in Nacogdoches, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, compared with $20,968 for out-of-state students. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $26,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,634 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Stephen F Austin State University admits about 94% of applicants. More on Stephen F Austin State University
Wichita State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. Wichita State University is a public school based in Wichita, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $28,150. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,150 median debt. Wichita State University admits about 94% of applicants. Read more about Wichita State University
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Houston, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $21,845. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,377 ten years after entry. Set against $21,845 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Houston has an acceptance rate of 74%. Read the full report on University Of Houston
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Graduates carry a median of $28,850 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Memphis has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of Memphis
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. This public school is set in Indiana, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,019 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus report
University Of Tulsa offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. University Of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit school based in Tulsa, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $49,546. Graduates carry a median of $23,638 in student loans. University Of Tulsa alumni report median earnings of $61,408 a decade after entry. Set against $23,638 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full University Of Tulsa profile
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Corpus Christi, TX, Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, compared with $20,794 for out-of-state students. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $29,475. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,865. Set against $29,475 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas A And M University Corpus Christi profile
Lesley University landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Lesley University is a private not-for-profit school based in Cambridge, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,256. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $24,833. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,173. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lesley University admits about 97% of applicants. Read the full report on Lesley University
Indiana State University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Terre Haute, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Indiana State University Fine And Studio Arts students take on a median of $26,959 in debt. Median earnings reach $48,387 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,959 median debt. Indiana State University has an acceptance rate of 81%. More on Indiana State University
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $24,057. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,057 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of Arkansas landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fayetteville, AR, University Of Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,104 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Students borrow a median of $21,777 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,191 ten years after entry. Set against $21,777 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 74% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Arkansas
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,603 in tuition and fees, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $19,316 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $19,316 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
University Of California Berkeley ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Fine And Studio Arts schools. University Of California Berkeley is a public school based in Berkeley, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. Students borrow a median of $13,254 to complete their Fine And Studio Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,446. Set against $13,254 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
California State University Long Beach landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, while out-of-state students pay about $19,974. Typical Fine And Studio Arts student debt is $16,583. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $16,583 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%. See the full California State University Long Beach profile
Related Fine And Studio Arts Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Fine And Studio Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 1469 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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