2026 Best Visual And Performing Arts Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best Visual And Performing Arts certificate degree 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these excellent schools below:
Gemological Institute Of America Carlsbad earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. Set in Carlsbad, CA, Gemological Institute Of America Carlsbad is a private not-for-profit institution. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $8,233. More on Gemological Institute Of America Carlsbad
You'll be in good company at Gemological Institute Of America New York, which ranked #2 this year. Gemological Institute Of America New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Graduates carry a median of $8,233 in student loans. Read more about Gemological Institute Of America New York
You'll be in good company at The University Of Texas At Austin, which ranked #3 this year. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The University Of Texas At Austin posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $24,980. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
The strong Visual And Performing Arts programs at University Of Georgia earned it the #4 place in the United States. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $21,608. More on University Of Georgia
You'll be in good company at University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire, which ranked #5 this year. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public school based in Eau Claire, WI. About 65% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,642, compared with $19,228 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,170 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Madison, WI. 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. University Of Wisconsin Madison Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $19,896 in debt. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
John Tyler Community College did well this year, earning the #7 position. John Tyler Community College is a public school based in Chester, VA. Students from in state pay about $5,082 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $11,520. John Tyler Community College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $5,000 in debt. More on John Tyler Community College
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #8 spot in the United States this year. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. About 83% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $20,481. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Whitewater, WI. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater graduates 63% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,052 in debt. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
University Of Florida ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $17,088. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Boston University placed #11 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,102. Boston University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,127 in debt. Read the full report on Boston University
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #13 in this year's ranking. Based in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. University Of Missouri Columbia posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,854 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. More on University Of Missouri Columbia
Valencia College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,664, with out-of-state students paying around $9,576. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $10,812. Read the full report on Valencia College
South Dakota State University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 62%. Students from in state pay about $9,299 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. More on South Dakota State University
University Of Kentucky ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Graduates carry a median of $24,539 in student loans. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
Sessions College For Professional Design ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Tempe, AZ, Sessions College For Professional Design is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,400. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $25,199. More on Sessions College For Professional Design
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #18 spot in the United States this year. Located in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Graduates carry a median of $27,669 in student loans. More on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Western Washington University did well this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. About 65% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Graduates carry a median of $20,423 in student loans. More on Western Washington University
University Of South Carolina Columbia did well this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Columbia, SC. University Of South Carolina Columbia posts a six-year graduation rate of 79%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,688, with out-of-state students paying around $36,298. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,935. Read more about University Of South Carolina Columbia
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania did well this year, earning the #21 position. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,000. Read more about Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Massachusetts Amherst came in at #22 in this year's ranking. University Of Massachusetts Amherst is a public school based in Amherst, MA. University Of Massachusetts Amherst posts a six-year graduation rate of 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,772, while out-of-state students pay about $40,449. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More on University Of Massachusetts Amherst
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. Roughly 53% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,398, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $26,589. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus posts a six-year graduation rate of 74%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Graduates carry a median of $25,833 in student loans. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
Western Michigan University did well this year, earning the #25 position. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. Western Michigan University posts a six-year graduation rate of 58%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Students borrow a median of $27,346 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. See the full Western Michigan University profile
Ball State University did well this year, earning the #26 position. Located in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Roughly 62% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Students borrow a median of $24,502 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. More on Ball State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best Visual And Performing Arts Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #27 spot in the United States this year. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Minnesota State University Moorhead posts a six-year graduation rate of 57%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. Students borrow a median of $26,692 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Read more about Minnesota State University Moorhead
Suny College At Plattsburgh landed the #28 spot in the United States this year. Suny College At Plattsburgh is a public school based in Plattsburgh, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,035, with out-of-state students paying around $18,945. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $25,072. Get the full Suny College At Plattsburgh report
Arizona State University landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. Based in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. 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. Graduates carry a median of $21,625 in student loans. Read more about Arizona State University
Missouri State University Springfield placed #30 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. Missouri State University Springfield graduates 58% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $26,648 in student loans. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #31 spot in the United States this year. Based in Las Vegas, NV, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a public institution. University Of Nevada Las Vegas posts a six-year graduation rate of 50%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, with out-of-state students paying around $27,411. University Of Nevada Las Vegas Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,678 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
Rowan University did well this year, earning the #32 position. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. About 67% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $24,788. Read the full report on Rowan University
Rochester Institute Of Technology came in at #33 in this year's ranking. Based in Rochester, NY, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Rochester Institute Of Technology graduates 72% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $59,210 in tuition and fees. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,000. Get the full Rochester Institute Of Technology report
Sinclair Community College came in at #34 in this year's ranking. Sinclair Community College is a public school based in Dayton, OH. Students from in state pay about $3,675 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Graduates carry a median of $11,000 in student loans. Get the full Sinclair Community College report
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi came in at #35 in this year's ranking. Based in Corpus Christi, TX, Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a public institution. Roughly 40% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, compared with $20,794 for out-of-state students. Texas A And M University Corpus Christi Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,587 in debt. Get the full Texas A And M University Corpus Christi report
University Of Arizona ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Tucson, AZ. University Of Arizona graduates 68% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,573, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $18,158 in student loans. Get the full University Of Arizona report
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 54%. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Seminole State College Of Florida landed the #38 spot in the United States this year. Located in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,122, compared with $11,447 for out-of-state students. Seminole State College Of Florida Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $19,613 in debt. More on Seminole State College Of Florida
La Roche College landed the #39 spot in the United States this year. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, La Roche College is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,052. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,078. See the full La Roche College profile
Collin County Community College District landed the #40 spot in the United States this year. Based in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,014 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,064. Graduates carry a median of $6,900 in student loans. See the full Collin County Community College District profile
Indiana State University came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Set in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Roughly 43% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Graduates carry a median of $26,985 in student loans. See the full Indiana State University profile
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus did well this year, earning the #42 position. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public school based in Indiana, PA. About 54% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,380, compared with $16,297 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,407 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Chattanooga State Community College ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Chattanooga, TN. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,772, compared with $17,756 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $11,681 in student loans. Read more about Chattanooga State Community College
Temple University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,296 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Read more about Temple University
Austin Community College District did well this year, earning the #45 position. Based in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,550, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $17,389. Read the full report on Austin Community College District
Millikin University placed #46 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Decatur, IL, Millikin University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $26,792. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,995. Read more about Millikin University
Johnson County Community College landed the #47 spot in the United States this year. Based in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,424, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,625 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Get the full Johnson County Community College report
Kennesaw State University placed #48 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. Kennesaw State University graduates 52% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. Students borrow a median of $24,107 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. See the full Kennesaw State University profile
Century College landed the #49 spot in the United States this year. Set in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,214. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. More on Century College
Middle Tennessee State University landed the #50 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Murfreesboro, TN. Roughly 54% of students complete a degree within six years here. Students from in state pay about $10,266 in tuition and fees, compared with $31,574 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,385 in student loans. See the full Middle Tennessee State University profile
Eastern Kentucky University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Richmond, KY, Eastern Kentucky University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 55%. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,320, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,960 in student loans. More on Eastern Kentucky University
Related Visual And Performing Arts Rankings
See rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Visual And Performing Arts Schools (All Levels)
- 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
The ranking above is published 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 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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