2026 Best Value General Visual Performing Arts Schools
Looking for the best-value General Visual Performing Arts programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 561 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed schools to compile 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 General Visual Performing Arts Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Century College this year in the United States. Located in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,214. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $21,332. Median earnings reach $46,424 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,332 median debt. Read the full report on Century College
Out of the 561 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Milwaukee Area Technical College landed the #2 spot. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,184, compared with $7,427 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,296 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,113 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,296 median debt. More on Milwaukee Area Technical College
Out of the 561 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Valencia College landed the #3 spot. Based in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $9,576. Students borrow a median of $14,413 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Valencia College alumni report median earnings of $40,594 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,413 median debt. Get the full Valencia College report
Out of the 561 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Spokane Falls Community College landed the #4 spot. This public school is set in Spokane, WA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,461, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Students borrow a median of $17,031 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $38,955 ten years out. Set against $17,031 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Spokane Falls Community College
You'll get strong value at Austin Community College District, which ranked #5 this year. Austin Community College District is a public school based in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,550, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Graduates carry a median of $10,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,177. That is a strong return on a $10,000 median debt. Read more about Austin Community College District
Gnomon School Of Visual Effects placed #7 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in North Hollywood, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,635. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $33,166. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $114,785. That is a strong return on a $33,166 median debt. Gnomon School Of Visual Effects admits about 42% of applicants. See the full Gnomon School Of Visual Effects profile
Northern Virginia Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Northern Virginia Community College is a public school based in Annandale, VA. Students from in state pay about $5,891 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,410 for out-of-state students. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $14,413. Median earnings reach $53,557 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $14,413 median debt. See the full Northern Virginia Community College profile
University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. University Of Southern Mississippi General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,415 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,140 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. University Of Southern Mississippi has an acceptance rate of 99%. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
Seminole State College Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,122, with out-of-state students paying around $11,447. Seminole State College Of Florida General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $18,419 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,733. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Seminole State College Of Florida
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $24,500. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater alumni report median earnings of $55,356 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee is a public school based in Okmulgee, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,774, while out-of-state students pay about $11,384. Students borrow a median of $13,356 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $45,634 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $13,356 median debt. More on Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College placed #13 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,170, with out-of-state students paying around $8,050. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $11,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,306 ten years after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
Grand Canyon University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,508. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $26,991. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,991 median debt. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. More on Grand Canyon University
Central Michigan University placed #15 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $27,857. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Texas Tech University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $24,271. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas Tech University report
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Located in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,206 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,867 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,775 ten years out. Set against $26,867 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #18 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based 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. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $29,350. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. Set against $29,350 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Pima Community College placed #19 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Tucson, AZ, Pima Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,442, compared with $7,758 for out-of-state students. Pima Community College General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $9,541 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,810. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Pima Community College
Cuny Queensborough Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Located in Bayside, NY, Cuny Queensborough Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,210 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,090. Students borrow a median of $10,052 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,214 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cuny Queensborough Community College report
Regent University came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Set in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,650 in tuition and fees. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $29,451. Regent University alumni report median earnings of $44,498 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Regent University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full Regent University report
San Jose State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. San Jose State University is a public school based in San Jose, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about San Jose State University
The University Of Tennessee Martin offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Martin, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,560, with out-of-state students paying around $16,600. Students borrow a median of $22,625 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,213. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee Martin admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Tennessee Martin
Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Located in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $24,447. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,527. Set against $24,447 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 59% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $24,408. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Missouri State University Springfield profile
University Of Florida came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $17,983 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Florida profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Visual Performing Arts Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Suny College At Oneonta offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Based in Oneonta, NY, Suny College At Oneonta is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,831, while out-of-state students pay about $19,781. Graduates carry a median of $24,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $60,386 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Suny College At Oneonta
Mississippi University For Women ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Mississippi University For Women is a public school based in Columbus, MS. Students from in state pay about $8,492 in tuition and fees. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $24,509. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,128 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,509 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Mississippi University For Women
The University Of Montana landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,552, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $24,342. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,511 ten years after entry. Set against $24,342 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Montana admits about 96% of applicants. More on The University Of Montana
Cuny Lehman College landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bronx, NY, Cuny Lehman College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,410 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,360 for out-of-state students. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $13,213. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,013. That is a strong return on a $13,213 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cuny Lehman College
Cuny Kingsborough Community College placed #32 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Kingsborough Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,252, compared with $8,132 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $7,858 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,621 ten years out. Set against $7,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cuny Kingsborough Community College report
University Of Central Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Located in Orlando, FL, University Of Central Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $24,250. Median earnings reach $58,308 ten years out. Set against $24,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 40%. See the full University Of Central Florida profile
Salt Lake Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Salt Lake Community College is a public school based in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,426, with out-of-state students paying around $14,244. Students borrow a median of $10,855 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $47,867 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Salt Lake Community College
University Of Advancing Technology placed #35 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Tempe, AZ, University Of Advancing Technology is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,800. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $29,750. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,719. Set against $29,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full University Of Advancing Technology profile
California State University Channel Islands placed #36 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. California State University Channel Islands is a public school based in Camarillo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,159, compared with $19,759 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $16,997 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,152 ten years after entry. Set against $16,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on California State University Channel Islands
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #37 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,513 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,019 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. Get the full Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus report
State University Of New York At New Paltz placed #38 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in New Paltz, NY, State University Of New York At New Paltz is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,822. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $21,324. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,073. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 62%. See the full State University Of New York At New Paltz profile
Mohawk Valley Community College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Utica, NY, Mohawk Valley Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,218, while out-of-state students pay about $8,851. Graduates carry a median of $11,900 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,850. That is a strong return on a $11,900 median debt. Read more about Mohawk Valley Community College
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Based in Milwaukee, WI, University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $25,787. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. Set against $25,787 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee report
University Of Iowa landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Iowa is a public school based in Iowa City, IA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,463 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,762 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,463 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%. More on University Of Iowa
California State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This public school is set in San Marcos, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,082, while out-of-state students pay about $20,682. Graduates carry a median of $18,750 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,908. That is a strong return on a $18,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 95%. Get the full California State University San Marcos report
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #43 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $21,719. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. Set against $21,719 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Missouri Columbia report
The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Galloway, NJ, The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,266, while out-of-state students pay about $24,524. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,602 ten years after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey report
Southeast Missouri State University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Set in Cape Girardeau, MO, Southeast Missouri State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,903. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,030. That is a strong return on a $26,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full Southeast Missouri State University report
Ramapo College Of New Jersey came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Mahwah, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $16,777, while out-of-state students pay about $27,708. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $25,926. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,541 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ramapo College Of New Jersey report
Dutchess Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Poughkeepsie, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,670, compared with $10,670 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,929. Set against $5,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Dutchess Community College profile
Suny At Fredonia ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Set in Fredonia, NY, Suny At Fredonia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,831 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,771. Graduates carry a median of $25,806 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,247. That is a strong return on a $25,806 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Suny At Fredonia
Cuny Brooklyn College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Brooklyn College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,452, compared with $15,402 for out-of-state students. Cuny Brooklyn College General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $13,303 in debt. Cuny Brooklyn College alumni report median earnings of $60,752 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 58%. Read the full report on Cuny Brooklyn College
The University Of Texas At Austin landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
California State University Los Angeles placed #52 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. California State University Los Angeles General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $14,430 in debt. California State University Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $59,211 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,430 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%. Get the full California State University Los Angeles report
Duke University landed the #53 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $13,296. Graduates go on to earn a median of $97,800 ten years after entry. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Duke University has an acceptance rate of 6%. Get the full Duke University report
Best Value General Visual Performing Arts Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value General Visual Performing Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Visual Performing Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Visual Performing Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Visual Performing Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Visual Performing Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value General Visual Performing Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value General Visual Performing 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 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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