2026 Best General Visual Performing Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best General Visual Performing Arts bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 561 institutions 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.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
Gnomon School Of Visual Effects tops our 2026 ranking of the best General Visual Performing Arts bachelor's degree schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in North Hollywood, CA. Gnomon School Of Visual Effects posts a six-year graduation rate of 100%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,635. Students borrow a median of $33,166 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Read the full report on Gnomon School Of Visual Effects
Out of the 561 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Duke University landed the #2 spot. Set in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 97% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,758. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $13,296. See the full Duke University profile
You'll be in good company at College Of The Holy Cross, which ranked #3 this year. College Of The Holy Cross is a private not-for-profit school based in Worcester, MA. About 87% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $64,500. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $22,375. Read more about College Of The Holy Cross
Out of the 561 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, University Of Florida landed the #4 spot. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. University Of Florida graduates 91% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $17,983. More on University Of Florida
A rank of #5 makes The University Of Texas At Austin one of the top choices in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $21,500. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Carnegie Mellon University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best General Visual Performing Arts schools. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 94% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,636. Carnegie Mellon University General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $23,529 in debt. Read more about Carnegie Mellon University
Otis College Of Art And Design placed #7 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Los Angeles, CA. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,488. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Read the full report on Otis College Of Art And Design
University Of Pennsylvania ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best General Visual Performing Arts schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $16,155. See the full University Of Pennsylvania profile
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked #9 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%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,078. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $24,975. Get the full Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute report
Hamline University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Hamline University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Paul, MN. Hamline University posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $50,004. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $25,530. Read the full report on Hamline University
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #11 in this year's ranking. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, while out-of-state students pay about $36,056. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $21,719. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
Rice University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best General Visual Performing Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Houston, TX. About 95% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $11,904. Read the full report on Rice University
Texas Tech University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best General Visual Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Lubbock, TX. Texas Tech University posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $24,271 in student loans. Get the full Texas Tech University report
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #14 spot in the United States this year. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public school based in Whitewater, WI. About 63% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $24,500 in debt. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Grand Canyon University came in at #15 in this year's ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. The six-year graduation rate is 44%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. Graduates carry a median of $26,991 in student loans. Read more about Grand Canyon University
The University Of Texas At Dallas ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best General Visual Performing Arts schools. The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public school based in Richardson, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. In-state tuition and fees average $14,644, compared with $40,144 for out-of-state students. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $21,196. More on The University Of Texas At Dallas
University Of Central Florida came in at #17 in this year's ranking. Set in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 78%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,368, compared with $22,467 for out-of-state students. University Of Central Florida General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. More on University Of Central Florida
San Jose State University placed #18 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in San Jose, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, compared with $21,010 for out-of-state students. Get the full San Jose State University report
University Of San Francisco came in at #19 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Francisco, CA. University Of San Francisco posts a six-year graduation rate of 70%. In-state tuition and fees run about $60,522. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $25,000. Get the full University Of San Francisco report
University Of Wisconsin Stout came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Located in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Stout posts a six-year graduation rate of 55%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Stout General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $29,350 in debt. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stout profile
Boston University did well this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Boston, MA, Boston University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $68,102 in tuition and fees. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $25,232. More on Boston University
University Of Utah placed #23 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,620, while out-of-state students pay about $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $20,798 in student loans. More on University Of Utah
University Of Kentucky ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best General Visual Performing Arts schools. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. Students from in state pay about $13,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Students borrow a median of $23,522 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
Ramapo College Of New Jersey came in at #25 in this year's ranking. Set in Mahwah, NJ, Ramapo College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $16,777, compared with $27,708 for out-of-state students. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $25,926. More on Ramapo College Of New Jersey
Seattle Pacific University did well this year, earning the #26 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Seattle, WA. Seattle Pacific University posts a six-year graduation rate of 62%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,407. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $25,188. Read the full report on Seattle Pacific University
Rest of the Top 50 Best General Visual Performing Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Academy Of Art University did well this year, earning the #27 position. This private for-profit school is set in San Francisco, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 34%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,736. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $31,000. Get the full Academy Of Art University report
Suny College At Oneonta landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Suny College At Oneonta is a public school based in Oneonta, NY. Suny College At Oneonta graduates 69% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $8,831 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,781. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $24,250. More on Suny College At Oneonta
Northeastern University came in at #29 in this year's ranking. Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,162. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $25,611. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Iowa State University placed #30 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Ames, IA. Iowa State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $23,495. Read the full report on Iowa State University
University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne did well this year, earning the #31 position. Located 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. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $27,000. Get the full University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne report
Minnesota State University Moorhead did well this year, earning the #32 position. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public school based in Moorhead, MN. Minnesota State University Moorhead posts a six-year graduation rate of 57%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $24,447. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
George Mason University did well this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. George Mason University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. George Mason University General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,620 in debt. Read more about George Mason University
Arizona State University came in at #34 in this year's ranking. Arizona State University is a public school based in Tempe, AZ. Arizona State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 68%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $22,625. Read more about Arizona State University
Azusa Pacific University landed the #35 spot in the United States this year. Based in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $44,458 in tuition and fees. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $23,500. Get the full Azusa Pacific University report
The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Located in Galloway, NJ, The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a public institution. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,266, with out-of-state students paying around $24,524. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $25,000. Read more about The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey
University Of California San Diego did well this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. About 86% of students finish within six years. 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. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania placed #38 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. About 54% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Graduates carry a median of $26,867 in student loans. Get the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Southern California landed the #39 spot in the United States this year. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $71,647 in tuition and fees. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $15,625. Read more about University Of Southern California
Seattle University came in at #40 in this year's ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. In-state tuition and fees run about $56,721. Graduates carry a median of $22,289 in student loans. Read the full report on Seattle University
The University Of Tennessee Martin did well this year, earning the #41 position. Set in Martin, TN, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a public institution. About 52% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,560, while out-of-state students pay about $16,600. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $22,625. More on The University Of Tennessee Martin
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Indiana, PA. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 54%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,513 in debt. See the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus profile
California State University Channel Islands placed #43 among General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Camarillo, CA, California State University Channel Islands is a public institution. About 51% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,159, while out-of-state students pay about $19,759. Students borrow a median of $16,997 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Get the full California State University Channel Islands report
Mississippi State University did well this year, earning the #44 position. Set in Mississippi State, MS, Mississippi State University is a public institution. Mississippi State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 67%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,202, while out-of-state students pay about $27,637. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Mississippi State University
Drexel University landed the #45 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Drexel University graduates 78% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Get the full Drexel University report
University Of Mary Washington did well this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Fredericksburg, VA. University Of Mary Washington graduates 66% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,905, while out-of-state students pay about $28,083. University Of Mary Washington General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. More on University Of Mary Washington
University Of Advancing Technology came in at #47 in this year's ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Tempe, AZ. About 27% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $18,800. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $29,750. See the full University Of Advancing Technology profile
California State University San Marcos ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best General Visual Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in San Marcos, CA. California State University San Marcos posts a six-year graduation rate of 55%. In-state tuition and fees average $8,082, compared with $20,682 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. Read the full report on California State University San Marcos
The University Of Montana did well this year, earning the #49 position. Located in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. About 49% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,552, compared with $33,671 for out-of-state students. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $24,342. Read more about The University Of Montana
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Missouri State University Springfield posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Students borrow a median of $24,408 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. More on Missouri State University Springfield
University Of Illinois At Chicago landed the #51 spot in the United States this year. Based in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,115 in student loans. Get the full University Of Illinois At Chicago report
Related General Visual Performing Arts Rankings
See rankings for other degree levels:
- Best General Visual Performing Arts Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best General Visual Performing Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best General Visual Performing Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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