2026 Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Schools
Looking for the best-value Visual And Performing Arts programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 2217 institutions 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 help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to build 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 Visual And Performing Arts Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Madison Area Technical College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts programs schools in the United States. 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. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $15,750. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Madison Area Technical College report
Metropolitan Community College Area came in at #2 on this year's best-value Visual And Performing Arts ranking in the United States. Set in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Graduates carry a median of $12,526 in student loans. Median earnings reach $38,773 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Metropolitan Community College Area report
You'll get strong value at Collin County Community College District, which ranked #3 this year. Collin County Community College District is a public school based in McKinney, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,014, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. Collin County Community College District Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $6,900 in debt. Collin County Community College District alumni report median earnings of $48,701 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $6,900 median debt. Read more about Collin County Community College District
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Johnson County Community College earned it the #4 place in the United States. Johnson County Community College is a public school based in Overland Park, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $13,625. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,387 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Johnson County Community College report
You'll get strong value at Century College, which ranked #5 this year. Located in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,214. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Century College alumni report median earnings of $46,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. See the full Century College profile
Brigham Young University Idaho came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Based in Rexburg, ID, Brigham Young University Idaho is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,800. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $13,860. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,406. That is a strong return on a $13,860 median debt. Brigham Young University Idaho has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Brigham Young University Provo placed #7 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $14,502 in debt. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Cuny Laguardia Community College placed #8 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Long Island City, NY, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,218, while out-of-state students pay about $8,098. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $8,750. Median earnings reach $41,653 ten years out. Set against $8,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Cuny Laguardia Community College
John Tyler Community College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Chester, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,082, 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,223. Set against $5,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on John Tyler Community College
Gwinnett Technical College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,524, compared with $6,092 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,997 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,025. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Gwinnett Technical College report
Scottsdale Community College placed #11 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Scottsdale Community College is a public school based in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $11,187. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,905 ten years after entry. Set against $11,187 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Scottsdale Community College
Spokane Falls Community College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Spokane, WA, Spokane Falls Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $14,657. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,955 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Spokane Falls Community College
Milwaukee Area Technical College placed #13 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,184, compared with $7,427 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $18,296. Milwaukee Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,113 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Milwaukee Area Technical College
Finger Lakes Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Canandaigua, NY, Finger Lakes Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,258, with out-of-state students paying around $8,442. Finger Lakes Community College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $16,736 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,054 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Finger Lakes Community College profile
Minneapolis Community And Technical College landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,161. Minneapolis Community And Technical College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $17,439 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,086 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,439 median debt. Read more about Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Valencia College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $9,576. Graduates carry a median of $10,812 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,594 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Valencia College
El Centro College placed #17 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,730 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $11,835. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,714. That is a strong return on a $11,835 median debt. More on El Centro College
University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Located in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,324. Students borrow a median of $5,500 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,723. That is a strong return on a $5,500 median debt. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras has an acceptance rate of 55%. Get the full University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras report
Sinclair Community College placed #19 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Sinclair Community College is a public school based in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, compared with $8,556 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,000 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,558 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Sinclair Community College
West Texas A And M University came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, compared with $10,996 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $24,035. Median earnings reach $50,741 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read the full report on West Texas A And M University
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. 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 Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $9,535. Median earnings reach $42,306 ten years out. Set against $9,535 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College profile
Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. This public school is set in Santa Fe, NM. Students from in state pay about $5,920 in tuition and fees. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,505. The acceptance rate is 98%. More on Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,710 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Ivy Tech Community College profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. North Dakota State University Main Campus Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,203 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
University Of Nebraska At Kearney landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,564 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,484. Graduates carry a median of $16,101 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,105. That is a strong return on a $16,101 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Visual And Performing Arts Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Austin Community College District ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,389 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,177. That is a strong return on a $17,389 median debt. Read the full report on Austin Community College District
Winona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Winona State University is a public school based in Winona, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, while out-of-state students pay about $17,308. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,532. That is a strong return on a $24,551 median debt. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Winona State University
Western Carolina University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Cullowhee, NC. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,002 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Set against $27,002 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Carolina University
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Diego, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $30,426. Median earnings reach $67,548 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full National University profile
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $23,026 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,026 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
University Of South Dakota placed #31 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of South Dakota
Messiah College placed #32 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mechanicsburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,240. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $25,965. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,064. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Messiah College has an acceptance rate of 79%. Get the full Messiah College report
Saint Louis Community College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Saint Louis Community College is a public school based in Bridgeton, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, compared with $6,990 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $11,424. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,325 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,424 median debt. Get the full Saint Louis Community College report
Guilford Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Jamestown, NC, Guilford Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,320, compared with $7,696 for out-of-state students. Guilford Technical Community College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $15,250 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $33,934 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Guilford Technical Community College
Youngstown State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,926, compared with $10,286 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $31,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Youngstown State University
South Dakota State University placed #36 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,070 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Read more about South Dakota State University
Holyoke Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Holyoke, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,988, with out-of-state students paying around $10,932. Graduates carry a median of $9,763 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,277 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $9,763 median debt. See the full Holyoke Community College profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,235, with out-of-state students paying around $15,185. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,991. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
Sessions College For Professional Design placed #39 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Sessions College For Professional Design is a private for-profit school based in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $7,400. Students borrow a median of $25,199 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. See the full Sessions College For Professional Design profile
Truman State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Truman State University is a public school based in Kirksville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,838, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,280 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Truman State University
Wake Technical Community College placed #41 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,254, while out-of-state students pay about $6,862. Graduates carry a median of $13,414 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,769 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,414 median debt. More on Wake Technical Community College
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,975 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,472. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $17,496. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,007 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,496 median debt. See the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $25,128. Median earnings reach $56,346 ten years out. Set against $25,128 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,669. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,032. Set against $27,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire placed #45 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,642, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,170. Median earnings reach $58,561 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,170 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire profile
Central Piedmont Community College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,792, with out-of-state students paying around $8,936. Central Piedmont Community College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $11,861 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,865 ten years after entry. Set against $11,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Central Piedmont Community College profile
Arapahoe Community College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Littleton, CO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,434, compared with $17,034 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,341. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. Read more about Arapahoe Community College
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, with out-of-state students paying around $18,716. Graduates carry a median of $27,052 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Whitewater alumni report median earnings of $55,356 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,052 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Lindenwood University placed #49 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. Get the full Lindenwood University report
Eastern Illinois University placed #50 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Charleston, IL. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,989 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,820 median debt. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants. See the full Eastern Illinois University profile
Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Visual And 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 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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