2026 Best General Visual Performing Arts Schools
Looking for the best General Visual Performing Arts programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 561 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 General Visual Performing Arts Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
No school ranked higher than Gnomon School Of Visual Effects this year in the United States. Based in North Hollywood, CA, Gnomon School Of Visual Effects is a private for-profit institution. About 100% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,635. Gnomon School Of Visual Effects General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $33,166 in debt. More on Gnomon School Of Visual Effects
The strong General Visual Performing Arts programs at Duke University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 97% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $13,296. More on Duke University
You'll be in good company at College Of The Holy Cross, which ranked #3 this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Worcester, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 87%. In-state tuition and fees average $64,500. College Of The Holy Cross General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $22,375 in debt. Get the full College Of The Holy Cross report
Out of the 561 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #4 spot. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Get the full The University Of Texas At Austin report
You'll be in good company at University Of Florida, which ranked #5 this year. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. About 91% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. University Of Florida General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $17,983 in debt. Get the full University Of Florida report
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best General Visual Performing Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Troy, NY. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute posts a six-year graduation rate of 84%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,078. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $24,975. Get the full Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute report
Otis College Of Art And Design placed #7 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, Otis College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. Otis College Of Art And Design graduates 66% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,488. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. More on Otis College Of Art And Design
Carnegie Mellon University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best General Visual Performing Arts schools. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $23,529. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
University Of Iowa landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. About 75% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $24,463. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
University Of Pennsylvania landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Based in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,686. Students borrow a median of $16,155 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Get the full University Of Pennsylvania report
Hamline University did well this year, earning the #11 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 60% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $50,004. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $25,530. See the full Hamline University profile
University Of Missouri Columbia landed the #12 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Columbia, MO. University Of Missouri Columbia graduates 75% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,719 in student loans. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
Rice University came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Based in Houston, TX, Rice University is a private not-for-profit institution. Rice University posts a six-year graduation rate of 95%. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,247. Graduates carry a median of $11,904 in student loans. Get the full Rice University report
The University Of Montana landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. Located in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. The University Of Montana graduates 49% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,552, compared with $33,671 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,342 in student loans. Read more about The University Of Montana
Texas Tech University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best General Visual Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Roughly 69% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, while out-of-state students pay about $24,157. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $24,271. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Syracuse University did well this year, earning the #16 position. Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit school based in Syracuse, NY. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,528. Students borrow a median of $26,130 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. More on Syracuse University
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater did well this year, earning the #17 position. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. About 63% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Graduates carry a median of $24,500 in student loans. See the full University Of Wisconsin Whitewater profile
University Of Central Florida placed #18 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. University Of Central Florida is a public school based in Orlando, FL. University Of Central Florida posts a six-year graduation rate of 78%. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,368, with out-of-state students paying around $22,467. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Get the full University Of Central Florida report
Grand Canyon University came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Grand Canyon University General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,991 in debt. Get the full Grand Canyon University report
The University Of Texas At Dallas placed #20 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Richardson, TX, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public institution. The University Of Texas At Dallas posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,644, compared with $40,144 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Dallas General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $21,196 in debt. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Dallas
San Jose State University came in at #21 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. About 69% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,410 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. See the full San Jose State University profile
University Of San Francisco did well this year, earning the #22 position. Located in San Francisco, CA, University Of San Francisco is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of San Francisco graduates 70% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $60,522. University Of San Francisco General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. More on University Of San Francisco
University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #23 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. Students from in state pay about $10,701 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $29,350. More on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Boston University placed #24 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 89% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,102. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $25,232. Read more about Boston University
Austin Community College District placed #25 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $10,000. Get the full Austin Community College District report
Rest of the Top 50 Best General Visual Performing Arts Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also made the top of the list:
Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. Based in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $70,517. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $23,258. Read the full report on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Valencia College placed #27 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Orlando, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, compared with $9,576 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $14,413 in student loans. Get the full Valencia College report
University Of Utah placed #29 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. More on University Of Utah
University Of Kentucky did well this year, earning the #30 position. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $23,522. Read more about University Of Kentucky
Ramapo College Of New Jersey placed #31 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Mahwah, NJ, Ramapo College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. Students from in state pay about $16,777 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $27,708. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $25,926. See the full Ramapo College Of New Jersey profile
Minneapolis College Of Art And Design came in at #32 in this year's ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. Minneapolis College Of Art And Design graduates 51% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $45,484 in tuition and fees. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $27,812. Get the full Minneapolis College Of Art And Design report
Seattle Pacific University came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Seattle Pacific University is a private not-for-profit school based in Seattle, WA. Seattle Pacific University posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,407. Graduates carry a median of $25,188 in student loans. Get the full Seattle Pacific University report
Regent University came in at #34 in this year's ranking. Based in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. Students from in state pay about $21,650 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,451 in student loans. More on Regent University
Suny College At Oneonta ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best General Visual Performing Arts schools. Located in Oneonta, NY, Suny College At Oneonta is a public institution. About 69% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,831, while out-of-state students pay about $19,781. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $24,250. Read more about Suny College At Oneonta
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #37 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $23,530. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Iowa State University came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Iowa State University General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $23,495 in debt. More on Iowa State University
Northeastern University placed #39 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northeastern University graduates 90% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $66,162 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,611 in student loans. Read more about Northeastern University
University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,460. University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. More on University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public school based in Moorhead, MN. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Minnesota State University Moorhead General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $24,447 in debt. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
University Of California San Diego came in at #42 in this year's ranking. Located in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, with out-of-state students paying around $47,676. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. More on University Of California San Diego
George Mason University placed #43 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. Roughly 68% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. George Mason University General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,620 in debt. More on George Mason University
Azusa Pacific University did well this year, earning the #44 position. Based in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 62% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $44,458. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $23,500. Read the full report on Azusa Pacific University
Arizona State University came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, compared with $33,139 for out-of-state students. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $22,625. More on Arizona State University
The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey placed #46 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Galloway, NJ, The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,266, while out-of-state students pay about $24,524. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. See the full The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey profile
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee placed #47 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee graduates 53% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,398, with out-of-state students paying around $22,398. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $25,787. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best General Visual Performing Arts schools. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Kutztown, PA. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $26,867. More on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best General Visual Performing Arts schools. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis graduates 54% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,146 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Read the full report on Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Yale University came in at #50 in this year's ranking. Based in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,250. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $14,357. More on Yale University
University Of Southern California placed #51 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. Graduates carry a median of $15,625 in student loans. See the full University Of Southern California profile
Seattle University landed the #52 spot in the United States this year. Based in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Seattle University graduates 76% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Seattle University General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $22,289 in debt. Read more about Seattle University
Best General Visual Performing Arts Schools by Degree Level
Compare rankings by degree level:
- Best General Visual Performing Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Visual Performing Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Visual Performing Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best General Visual Performing Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best General Visual Performing Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Visual Performing Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best General Visual Performing Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 561 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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