2026 Best Visual And Performing Arts Schools
Looking for the best Visual And Performing Arts programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 2217 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 reviewed schools to build this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Visual And Performing Arts Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
Our analysis found University Of Notre Dame to be the best Visual And Performing Arts school in the United States. Based in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. University Of Notre Dame Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $19,566 in debt. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
Out of the 2217 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Duke University landed the #2 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Durham, NC. The six-year graduation rate is 97%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,758. Graduates carry a median of $13,296 in student loans. More on Duke University
The strong Visual And Performing Arts programs at Lafayette College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Easton, PA, Lafayette College is a private not-for-profit institution. Lafayette College graduates 88% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,648. Students borrow a median of $16,931 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Get the full Lafayette College report
You'll be in good company at Cuny Graduate School And University Center, which ranked #4 this year. Located in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $17,921. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
Dartmouth College came in at #5 on this year's Visual And Performing Arts ranking in the United States. Based in Hanover, NH, Dartmouth College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 96% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,019. Graduates carry a median of $13,663 in student loans. Read the full report on Dartmouth College
College Of The Holy Cross ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Worcester, MA, College Of The Holy Cross is a private not-for-profit institution. College Of The Holy Cross posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,500. Graduates carry a median of $22,375 in student loans. Get the full College Of The Holy Cross report
Emory University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Emory University graduates 91% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $64,280 in tuition and fees. Emory University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $13,000 in debt. Get the full Emory University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University came in at #8 in this year's ranking. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,234 in debt. Read the full report on Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University
Brandeis University came in at #9 in this year's ranking. Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waltham, MA. Brandeis University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,080. Brandeis University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,653 in debt. Read the full report on Brandeis University
Winona State University landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. Set in Winona, MN, Winona State University is a public institution. About 56% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $24,551. More on Winona State University
John Tyler Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Chester, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,082, compared with $11,520 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $5,000. Read more about John Tyler Community College
Madison Area Technical College came in at #12 in this year's ranking. Based in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,977 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,750 in student loans. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
Messiah College landed the #13 spot in the United States this year. Based in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,240. Students borrow a median of $25,965 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Read the full report on Messiah College
Northwestern University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northwestern University graduates 95% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,322. Students borrow a median of $17,822 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Get the full Northwestern University report
University Of Nebraska At Kearney ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Kearney, NE. The six-year graduation rate is 57%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,564, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. University Of Nebraska At Kearney Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $16,101 in debt. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney report
Sacred Heart University placed #16 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fairfield, CT. Sacred Heart University graduates 74% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $50,404 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,831 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Get the full Sacred Heart University report
Luther College landed the #17 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Decorah, IA. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,120. Luther College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. See the full Luther College profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. North Dakota State University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 64%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $11,688 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The University Of Texas At Austin Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $24,980 in debt. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
University Of California Berkeley ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Berkeley, CA. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, compared with $47,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,510 in student loans. See the full University Of California Berkeley profile
James Madison University came in at #21 in this year's ranking. James Madison University is a public school based in Harrisonburg, VA. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. James Madison University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $21,046 in debt. Get the full James Madison University report
Drake University landed the #22 spot in the United States this year. Drake University is a private not-for-profit school based in Des Moines, IA. Roughly 73% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $51,960. Graduates carry a median of $22,273 in student loans. See the full Drake University profile
Williams College came in at #23 in this year's ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Williamstown, MA. Williams College graduates 94% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $68,560 in tuition and fees. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $11,850. Get the full Williams College report
The College Of New Jersey came in at #24 in this year's ranking. Located in Ewing, NJ, The College Of New Jersey is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $19,632 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,752. Graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Get the full The College Of New Jersey report
St Marys College Of Maryland placed #25 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in St. Mary's City, MD, St Marys College Of Maryland is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. In-state tuition and fees average $15,298, compared with $31,374 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $22,655. Read more about St Marys College Of Maryland
Rest of the Top 50 Best Visual And Performing Arts Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Michigan State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. Michigan State University graduates 81% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,185. Get the full Michigan State University report
Concordia College At Moorhead landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. Based in Moorhead, MN, Concordia College At Moorhead is a private not-for-profit institution. Concordia College At Moorhead graduates 61% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,170. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. More on Concordia College At Moorhead
Carnegie Mellon University placed #28 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Carnegie Mellon University is a private not-for-profit institution. Carnegie Mellon University graduates 94% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $23,813. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
Skidmore College did well this year, earning the #29 position. Skidmore College is a private not-for-profit school based in Saratoga Springs, NY. About 83% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $67,140 in tuition and fees. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $18,500. See the full Skidmore College profile
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute landed the #30 spot in the United States this year. Set in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,078. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $25,000. Read more about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Madison posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,896 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
National University did well this year, earning the #32 position. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 50% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. Students borrow a median of $30,426 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Get the full National University report
University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #33 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Students borrow a median of $18,636 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
University Of Georgia placed #34 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $21,608. More on University Of Georgia
Boston College placed #35 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chestnut Hill, MA. Roughly 91% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $70,702. Graduates carry a median of $18,101 in student loans. Get the full Boston College report
University Of Evansville came in at #36 in this year's ranking. University Of Evansville is a private not-for-profit school based in Evansville, IN. University Of Evansville graduates 65% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $44,172 in tuition and fees. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $23,727. Read the full report on University Of Evansville
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania graduates 70% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. Read more about West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Purdue University Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $20,481 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. More on Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #39 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public school based in Ann Arbor, MI. About 93% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $19,671. Read more about University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Vanderbilt University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Nashville, TN, Vanderbilt University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,498. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $21,500. More on Vanderbilt University
Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Columbia University In The City Of New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Students from in state pay about $70,517 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,854 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. See the full Columbia University In The City Of New York profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #42 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. About 68% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,111 in student loans. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Belmont University ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Belmont University is a private not-for-profit school based in Nashville, TN. About 70% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $42,540. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $25,722. See the full Belmont University profile
Washington University In St Louis ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit school based in St. Louis, MO. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Students borrow a median of $19,089 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Get the full Washington University In St Louis report
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire did well this year, earning the #45 position. Located in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 65%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,170. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Truman State University ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. About 68% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,838, while out-of-state students pay about $18,566. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. More on Truman State University
Wellesley College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Wellesley, MA, Wellesley College is a private not-for-profit institution. Wellesley College posts a six-year graduation rate of 92%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,176. Graduates carry a median of $11,075 in student loans. See the full Wellesley College profile
American University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. American University posts a six-year graduation rate of 76%. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. Students borrow a median of $23,918 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. See the full American University profile
Eastern Illinois University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Charleston, IL. Eastern Illinois University posts a six-year graduation rate of 47%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,377, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $25,820. More on Eastern Illinois University
Hamline University did well this year, earning the #50 position. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Hamline University is a private not-for-profit institution. Hamline University posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $50,004. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $25,530. Read more about Hamline University
Best Visual And Performing Arts Schools by Degree Level
Explore rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Visual And Performing Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Visual And Performing Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Visual And Performing Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Visual And Performing Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Visual And Performing Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Visual And Performing Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Visual And Performing Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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 2217 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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