2026 Best Visual And Performing Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best Visual And Performing Arts doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 2217 colleges by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools:
Duke University earned the #1 spot in this year's ranking in the United States. 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. Students borrow a median of $13,296 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. More on Duke University
The strong Visual And Performing Arts programs at Cuny Graduate School And University Center earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,235 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $17,921 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. More on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
You'll be in good company at Illinois Institute Of Technology, which ranked #3 this year. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,774. Read more about Illinois Institute Of Technology
A rank of #4 makes Emory University one of the top choices in the United States. Set in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. Emory University posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,280. Graduates carry a median of $13,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Emory University
The strong Visual And Performing Arts programs at Michigan State University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Michigan State University is a public school based in East Lansing, MI. Michigan State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 81%. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,185. More on Michigan State University
Brandeis University did well this year, earning the #6 position. Brandeis University is a private not-for-profit school based in Waltham, MA. Brandeis University graduates 86% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $68,080. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $25,653. More on Brandeis University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Troy, NY. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates 84% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $64,078. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Read more about Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Northwestern University placed #8 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Evanston, IL, Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. In-state tuition and fees average $68,322. Northwestern University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $17,822 in debt. See the full Northwestern University profile
University Of California Berkeley ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. 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. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $13,510. Read more about University Of California Berkeley
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #10 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. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates 89% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $24,980. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
North Dakota State University Main Campus landed the #11 spot in the United States this year. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 64%. Students from in state pay about $10,910 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,000. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Virginia Main Campus came in at #12 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Charlottesville, VA. The six-year graduation rate is 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $18,636. Read the full report on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Columbia University In The City Of New York landed the #13 spot in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York, NY. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,517. Graduates carry a median of $26,854 in student loans. More on Columbia University In The City Of New York
James Madison University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Harrisonburg, VA, James Madison University is a public institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Read the full report on James Madison University
Rice University placed #15 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Rice University is a private not-for-profit school based in Houston, TX. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,247. Rice University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $11,904 in debt. Read more about Rice University
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #16 in this year's ranking. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. University Of California Los Angeles graduates 93% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $19,284 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
University Of Pennsylvania placed #17 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. University Of Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. University Of Pennsylvania posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,686. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $23,359. More on University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. About 90% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $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
Tufts University did well this year, earning the #19 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Medford, MA. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $70,704. Tufts University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,250 in debt. See the full Tufts University profile
University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus came in at #20 in this year's ranking. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,926, compared with $41,430 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $23,327. Read more about University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus
University Of Rochester placed #21 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rochester, NY. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,080. Graduates carry a median of $26,769 in student loans. Get the full University Of Rochester report
University Of Houston placed #22 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. University Of Houston is a public school based in Houston, TX. Roughly 65% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,921 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Get the full University Of Houston report
Washington University In St Louis placed #23 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. Washington University In St Louis graduates 94% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,790. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $19,089. Get the full Washington University In St Louis report
Texas Christian University did well this year, earning the #24 position. Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Worth, TX. Texas Christian University posts a six-year graduation rate of 85%. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. Graduates carry a median of $24,533 in student loans. Read more about Texas Christian University
University Of Iowa did well this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Roughly 75% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, compared with $33,371 for out-of-state students. University Of Iowa Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,174 in debt. Read more about University Of Iowa
Rest of the Top 50 Best Visual And Performing Arts Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s ranking:
Texas Womans University landed the #26 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Denton, TX. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $25,811. Read more about Texas Womans University
Auburn University did well this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Auburn University graduates 82% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $12,890 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $24,435. More on Auburn University
University Of California Irvine placed #28 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. University Of California Irvine posts a six-year graduation rate of 87%. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,752, compared with $46,640 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $17,685. Read more about University Of California Irvine
New York University landed the #29 spot in the United States this year. Located in New York, NY, New York University is a private not-for-profit institution. New York University graduates 88% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $62,796. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $24,771. More on New York University
University Of Florida ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. University Of Florida is a public school based in Gainesville, FL. About 91% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $17,088. Get the full University Of Florida report
Rutgers University New Brunswick ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in New Brunswick, NJ, Rutgers University New Brunswick is a public institution. Rutgers University New Brunswick graduates 84% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $17,929, with out-of-state students paying around $37,441. Students borrow a median of $25,540 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
University Of Nebraska Lincoln placed #32 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lincoln, NE. About 67% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $23,460. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
University Of California Davis came in at #33 in this year's ranking. University Of California Davis is a public school based in Davis, CA. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,804, with out-of-state students paying around $47,692. Graduates carry a median of $15,804 in student loans. Get the full University Of California Davis report
University Of Michigan Ann Arbor placed #33 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Ann Arbor, MI, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a public institution. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, with out-of-state students paying around $63,081. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $19,671. Read the full report on University Of Michigan Ann Arbor
Ohio State University Main Campus placed #35 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Columbus, OH. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,244, compared with $40,022 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,230. Read more about Ohio State University Main Campus
University Of Maryland College Park ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in College Park, MD, University Of Maryland College Park is a public institution. University Of Maryland College Park graduates 89% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,809 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. University Of Maryland College Park Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $20,948 in debt. Get the full University Of Maryland College Park report
Catholic University Of America ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. Catholic University Of America graduates 80% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,378. Graduates carry a median of $24,625 in student loans. More on Catholic University Of America
Texas Tech University came in at #38 in this year's ranking. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,550. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
The University Of Texas At Dallas landed the #39 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Richardson, TX. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,644, with out-of-state students paying around $40,144. Students borrow a median of $20,434 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Dallas
University Of Missouri Columbia placed #40 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. University Of Missouri Columbia Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $24,854 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #41 spot in the United States this year. Based in Chapel Hill, NC, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a public institution. About 91% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, with out-of-state students paying around $41,203. Students borrow a median of $17,008 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Read more about University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Florida State University landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. Located in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Florida State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. Students from in state pay about $6,517 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,194 in student loans. Get the full Florida State University report
University Of Southern California did well this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 92%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $71,647. Students borrow a median of $19,142 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
Suny At Binghamton placed #44 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Vestal, NY, Suny At Binghamton is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 82%. Students from in state pay about $10,567 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $30,447. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $21,541. Read the full report on Suny At Binghamton
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign came in at #45 in this year's ranking. Located in Champaign, IL, University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign is a public institution. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, while out-of-state students pay about $40,096. University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $22,183 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
University Of Kentucky landed the #46 spot in the United States this year. University Of Kentucky is a public school based in Lexington, KY. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Graduates carry a median of $24,539 in student loans. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
University Of California Santa Barbara ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Visual And Performing Arts schools. University Of California Santa Barbara is a public school based in Santa Barbara, CA. Roughly 83% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,444, while out-of-state students pay about $47,332. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $16,773. Read the full report on University Of California Santa Barbara
Indiana University Bloomington placed #48 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 80%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $20,758. Read the full report on Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Connecticut came in at #49 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Storrs, CT. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, with out-of-state students paying around $43,712. University Of Connecticut Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $24,722 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Connecticut
Ball State University placed #50 among Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Ball State University graduates 62% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $24,502. Get the full Ball State University report
Related Visual And Performing Arts Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Visual And Performing Arts Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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