2026 Best Value General Visual Performing Arts Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value General Visual Performing Arts master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 evaluated schools to produce 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Missouri State University Springfield to be the best-value General Visual Performing Arts school in the United States. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $24,408. A decade after starting, 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. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
A rank of #2 makes Regent University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Virginia Beach, VA, Regent University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $29,451. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,498. 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
Out of the 561 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, The University Of Montana landed the #3 spot. Set in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,552, with out-of-state students paying around $33,671. Students borrow a median of $24,342 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $44,511 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,342 median debt. The University Of Montana has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on The University Of Montana
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Central Florida earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set 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. University Of Central Florida General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $24,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Florida has an acceptance rate of 40%. See the full University Of Central Florida profile
A rank of #5 makes Cuny Brooklyn College one of the best values in the United States. Cuny Brooklyn College is a public school based in Brooklyn, NY. Students from in state pay about $7,452 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,402. Students borrow a median of $13,303 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,752. Set against $13,303 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Cuny Brooklyn College
University Of Florida ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. 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. Read the full report on University Of Florida
California State University Los Angeles came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Los Angeles, CA, California State University Los Angeles is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. California State University Los Angeles alumni report median earnings of $59,211 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read more about California State University Los Angeles
University Of California San Diego placed #8 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in La Jolla, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California San Diego
Iowa State University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $23,495. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. More on Iowa State University
Suny College At Brockport offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This public school is set in Brockport, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $8,752, while out-of-state students pay about $15,822. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $24,757. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,496. Set against $24,757 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Brockport has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about Suny College At Brockport
The University Of Texas At Dallas came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Located in Richardson, TX, The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,644, compared with $40,144 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,196 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,227 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Dallas
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis placed #12 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $23,146 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,198. Set against $23,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis profile
West Virginia University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Set in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $28,608. Students borrow a median of $23,772 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,939 ten years after entry. Set against $23,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on West Virginia University
Cuny City College placed #14 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny City College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,340, while out-of-state students pay about $15,290. Graduates carry a median of $13,389 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $66,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Cuny City College admits about 60% of applicants. Get the full Cuny City College report
University Of California Riverside ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. University Of California Riverside is a public school based in Riverside, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,636, while out-of-state students pay about $46,524. Students borrow a median of $19,187 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,699 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Riverside admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about University Of California Riverside
Syracuse University placed #16 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit school based in Syracuse, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $65,528. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $26,130. Median earnings reach $79,164 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. More on Syracuse University
Carnegie Mellon University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Based in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Typical General Visual Performing Arts student debt is $23,529. Graduates go on to earn a median of $114,862 ten years after entry. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%. More on Carnegie Mellon University
George Mason University placed #18 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fairfax, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $25,620. Median earnings reach $76,343 ten years out. Set against $25,620 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Mason University admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full George Mason University report
Minneapolis College Of Art And Design offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,484. Minneapolis College Of Art And Design General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,812 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,873 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 48% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Minneapolis College Of Art And Design
College Of Charleston ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. College Of Charleston is a public school based in Charleston, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,978, compared with $38,296 for out-of-state students. College Of Charleston General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $24,733 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,416. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 60%. See the full College Of Charleston profile
Academy Of Art University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in San Francisco, CA, Academy Of Art University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,736. Students borrow a median of $31,000 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $39,008 ten years out. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Academy Of Art University
University At Buffalo landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,936, while out-of-state students pay about $31,536. University At Buffalo General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $22,232 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $70,814. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University At Buffalo
Columbia University In The City Of New York ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Set in New York, NY, Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,258 in student loans. Columbia University In The City Of New York alumni report median earnings of $102,491 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
Yale University placed #24 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in New Haven, CT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their General Visual Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $100,533. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 4% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Yale University
Suny At Purchase College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Set in Purchase, NY, Suny At Purchase College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,016, with out-of-state students paying around $19,266. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,092 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Suny At Purchase College has an acceptance rate of 74%. More on Suny At Purchase College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value General Visual Performing Arts Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of Southern California came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. University Of Southern California General Visual Performing Arts students take on a median of $15,625 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,498 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 10% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Southern California report
Columbus College Of Art And Design ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbus, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,825. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,664. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Columbus College Of Art And Design report
School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago placed #28 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,623. The median General Visual Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,151. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago
Eastern Washington University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Eastern Washington University
Pacific University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. See the full Pacific University profile
The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Read more about The University Of Tennessee Martin
University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on University Of Pittsburgh Greensburg
University Of Wisconsin Parkside came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Parkside report
Whittier College
Whittier College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Get the full Whittier College report
Rhode Island College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Read more about Rhode Island College
Florida Southern College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. More on Florida Southern College
Husson University offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Get the full Husson University report
Beloit College
Beloit College landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Beloit College
Berkeley City College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Get the full Berkeley City College report
Hiram College
Hiram College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Hiram College
Salt Lake Community College landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Salt Lake Community College report
Alpena Community College placed #42 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Read more about Alpena Community College
Canisius College
Canisius College placed #43 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Read the full report on Canisius College
City College Of San Francisco came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. See the full City College Of San Francisco profile
San Joaquin Delta College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about San Joaquin Delta College
Santa Monica College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Santa Monica College
Golden West College placed #47 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. See the full Golden West College profile
Los Angeles Pierce College placed #48 among the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools in the United States. Read more about Los Angeles Pierce College
San Jose City College landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full San Jose City College report
Chandler Gilbert Community College ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value General Visual Performing Arts schools. Read more about Chandler Gilbert Community College
Related General Visual Performing Arts Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value General Visual Performing Arts Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 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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