2026 Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Visual And Performing Arts associate’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2217 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile 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 Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Latter Day Saints Business College this year in the United States. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Latter Day Saints Business College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,004. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,630 ten years after entry. Read more about Latter Day Saints Business College
Out of the 2217 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Alexandria Technical And Community College landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Alexandria, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,236. Graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Alexandria Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $49,393 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Alexandria Technical And Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Madison Area Technical College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located 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. Madison Area Technical College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $15,750 in debt. 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. Read the full report on Madison Area Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Metropolitan Community College Area earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,375 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Graduates carry a median of $12,526 in student loans. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. Set against $12,526 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Metropolitan Community College Area
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Collin County Community College District earned it the #5 place in the United States. Located in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,014, compared with $6,064 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $6,900 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,701. That is a strong return on a $6,900 median debt. Read the full report on Collin County Community College District
Johnson County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Johnson County Community College is a public school based in Overland Park, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Johnson County Community College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $13,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,387. That is a strong return on a $13,625 median debt. Get the full Johnson County Community College report
Waukesha County Technical College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,803, while out-of-state students pay about $7,046. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $15,554. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Set against $15,554 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Century College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in White Bear Lake, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,214. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Century College
Bismarck State College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,247, compared with $7,331 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $13,340. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,277 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Bismarck State College
Cuny Laguardia Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Based in Long Island City, NY, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,218, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. Graduates carry a median of $8,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,653 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Cuny Laguardia Community College profile
Western Technical College La Cross placed #11 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in La Crosse, WI, Western Technical College La Cross is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, while out-of-state students pay about $7,078. Students borrow a median of $12,057 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,303. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Western Technical College La Cross report
John Tyler Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Chester, VA, John Tyler Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,082, compared with $11,520 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,223. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about John Tyler Community College
Spokane Falls Community College placed #13 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Spokane, WA, Spokane Falls Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,461 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Graduates carry a median of $14,657 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,955. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Spokane Falls Community College
Brigham Young University Idaho placed #14 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Rexburg, ID. Students from in state pay about $4,800 in tuition and fees. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $13,860. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,406 ten years after entry. Set against $13,860 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. More on Brigham Young University Idaho
Scottsdale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $11,187. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Scottsdale Community College profile
Milwaukee Area Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,184, while out-of-state students pay about $7,427. Students borrow a median of $18,296 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,113 ten years after entry. Set against $18,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Milwaukee Area Technical College
Finger Lakes Community College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Finger Lakes Community College is a public school based in Canandaigua, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,258, with out-of-state students paying around $8,442. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $16,736. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,054. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Finger Lakes Community College
Minneapolis Community And Technical College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,161. Students borrow a median of $17,439 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,086 ten years after entry. Set against $17,439 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College report
Macomb Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Warren, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Students borrow a median of $10,500 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,596. That is a strong return on a $10,500 median debt. See the full Macomb Community College profile
Gateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Gateway Technical College is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $7,199. Gateway Technical College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $15,500 in debt. Gateway Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,264 a decade after entry. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Gateway Technical College
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Graduates carry a median of $11,835 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,714. Set against $11,835 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about El Centro College
Gwinnett Technical College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,524, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. Graduates carry a median of $18,997 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,025. Set against $18,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Gwinnett Technical College
Valencia College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Valencia College is a public school based in Orlando, FL. 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. Median earnings reach $40,594 ten years out. Set against $10,812 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Valencia College
Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Dallas, TX, Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,521. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $17,316. Graduates go on to earn a median of $30,187 ten years after entry. Set against $17,316 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. See the full Kd College Conservatory Of Film And Dramatic Arts profile
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College placed #25 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,170 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,050. Graduates carry a median of $9,535 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,306. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Visual And Performing Arts Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Sinclair Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,675, with out-of-state students paying around $8,556. Sinclair Community College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. Sinclair Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,558 a decade after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Sinclair Community College
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Dakota admits about 99% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Austin Community College District placed #28 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Austin Community College District Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $17,389 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,177 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Austin Community College District
Ivy Tech Community College placed #29 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Students borrow a median of $12,710 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,710 median debt. Read more about Ivy Tech Community College
Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Santa Fe, NM, Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,920. Median earnings reach $24,505 ten years out. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture report
Guilford Technical Community College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jamestown, NC, Guilford Technical Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,696 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $15,250. Guilford Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,934 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,250 median debt. Get the full Guilford Technical Community College report
Saint Louis Community College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Saint Louis Community College is a public school based in Bridgeton, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $6,990. Saint Louis Community College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $11,424 in debt. Saint Louis Community College alumni report median earnings of $35,325 a decade after entry. Set against $11,424 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Saint Louis Community College report
Holyoke Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Based in Holyoke, MA, Holyoke Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,988 in tuition and fees, compared with $10,932 for out-of-state students. Holyoke Community College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $9,763 in debt. Median earnings reach $37,277 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Holyoke Community College report
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public school based in Harrisburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $6,975, with out-of-state students paying around $12,472. Graduates carry a median of $17,496 in student loans. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg alumni report median earnings of $42,007 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg profile
Sessions College For Professional Design ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Tempe, AZ, Sessions College For Professional Design is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,400. Students borrow a median of $25,199 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Read the full report on Sessions College For Professional Design
Des Moines Area Community College ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $13,625. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Des Moines Area Community College profile
Los Angeles Trade Technical College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $1,238, with out-of-state students paying around $10,572. Graduates carry a median of $14,833 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,233 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Okmulgee, OK, Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,774, compared with $11,384 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $13,356. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,634. Set against $13,356 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee
Arapahoe Community College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Littleton, CO. In-state tuition and fees average $4,434, while out-of-state students pay about $17,034. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,341. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. More on Arapahoe Community College
Central Piedmont Community College placed #40 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,792, while out-of-state students pay about $8,936. Graduates carry a median of $11,861 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,865 ten years out. Set against $11,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Central Piedmont Community College report
Wake Technical Community College came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Based in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,254, while out-of-state students pay about $6,862. Graduates carry a median of $13,414 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,769. Set against $13,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Wake Technical Community College
Lehigh Carbon Community College placed #42 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Schnecksville, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,280, compared with $13,270 for out-of-state students. Lehigh Carbon Community College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $14,450 in debt. Lehigh Carbon Community College alumni report median earnings of $42,436 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,450 median debt. Read the full report on Lehigh Carbon Community College
Bellevue College came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. Located in Bellevue, WA, Bellevue College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,436, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Students borrow a median of $33,660 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $56,310 ten years out. Set against $33,660 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Bellevue College
Onondaga Community College placed #44 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Syracuse, NY, Onondaga Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,102 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,392. Students borrow a median of $11,466 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,190 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,466 median debt. See the full Onondaga Community College profile
Northwest College landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Powell, WY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,962, with out-of-state students paying around $11,262. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $12,996. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,950. That is a strong return on a $12,996 median debt. More on Northwest College
County College Of Morris offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Randolph, NJ, County College Of Morris is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,210, compared with $14,310 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $9,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,243. That is a strong return on a $9,250 median debt. Read the full report on County College Of Morris
Northern Virginia Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Annandale, VA, Northern Virginia Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,891, with out-of-state students paying around $12,410. Northern Virginia Community College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $18,250 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,557. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northern Virginia Community College
Salt Lake Community College landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Salt Lake Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,426, with out-of-state students paying around $14,244. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $10,766. Salt Lake Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,867 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Salt Lake Community College
College Of Southern Nevada offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,358, while out-of-state students pay about $13,024. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $9,500. Median earnings reach $38,087 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on College Of Southern Nevada
Brookdale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Lincroft, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $6,270, compared with $10,140 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $12,651. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,379. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Brookdale Community College report
Related Visual And Performing Arts Value Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. Rankings consider 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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