2026 Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Visual And Performing Arts certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 2217 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor evaluated 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Latter Day Saints Business College to be the best-value Visual And Performing Arts school 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. Median earnings reach $50,630 ten years out. Read the full report on Latter Day Saints Business College
You'll get strong value at Collin County Community College District, which ranked #2 this year. Located in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,014, while out-of-state students pay about $6,064. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $6,900. Collin County Community College District alumni report median earnings of $48,701 a decade after entry. Set against $6,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Collin County Community College District report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Johnson County Community College earned it the #3 place in the United States. This public school is set in Overland Park, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Graduates carry a median of $13,625 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,387. Set against $13,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Johnson County Community College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Metropolitan Community College Area earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Students borrow a median of $12,526 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,526 median debt. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
You'll get strong value at Century College, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in White Bear Lake, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $6,214. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,424. That is a strong return on a $15,000 median debt. More on Century College
Gwinnett Technical College landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,524, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $18,997. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,025 ten years after entry. Set against $18,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Gwinnett Technical College
John Tyler Community College placed #7 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Chester, VA, John Tyler Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,082 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,520 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $5,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,223 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $5,000 median debt. Get the full John Tyler Community College report
Minneapolis Community And Technical College landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,161. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $17,439. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,086 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College report
Valencia College placed #9 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Orlando, FL, Valencia College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,664, while out-of-state students pay about $9,576. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $10,812. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,594. That is a strong return on a $10,812 median debt. See the full Valencia College profile
Milwaukee Area Technical College placed #10 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,184, with out-of-state students paying around $7,427. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $18,296. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,113. That is a strong return on a $18,296 median debt. See the full Milwaukee Area Technical College profile
Sinclair Community College placed #11 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Dayton, OH, Sinclair Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Get the full Sinclair Community College report
El Centro College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,730, 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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full El Centro College report
Scottsdale Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $11,187. Median earnings reach $47,905 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Scottsdale Community College
Sessions College For Professional Design ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Sessions College For Professional Design is a private for-profit school based in Tempe, AZ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,400. Graduates carry a median of $25,199 in student loans. See the full Sessions College For Professional Design profile
South Dakota State University placed #15 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Wake Technical Community College came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Located 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. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $13,414. Median earnings reach $41,769 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wake Technical Community College profile
University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Eau Claire, WI, University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,642 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,228. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $26,170. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,561 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,170 median debt. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Eau Claire
Austin Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Set in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Graduates carry a median of $17,389 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,177 ten years out. Set against $17,389 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Austin Community College District
Seminole State College Of Florida landed the #19 spot for value 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. Graduates carry a median of $19,613 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,733 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Seminole State College Of Florida
University Of Wisconsin Whitewater landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Whitewater, WI, University Of Wisconsin Whitewater is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,616, compared with $18,716 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,052. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,356 ten years after entry. Set against $27,052 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Whitewater
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania placed #21 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Students borrow a median of $27,669 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,669 median debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
Guilford Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Jamestown, NC, Guilford Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,320, with out-of-state students paying around $7,696. Students borrow a median of $15,250 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,934. Set against $15,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Guilford Technical Community College report
Holyoke Community College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Holyoke, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,988, while out-of-state students pay about $10,932. Students borrow a median of $9,763 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,277. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Holyoke Community College
Central Piedmont Community College ranked #24 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. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $11,861. Central Piedmont Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,865 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Central Piedmont Community College
Des Moines Area Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Students borrow a median of $13,625 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,018. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Des Moines Area Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Visual And Performing Arts Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Saint Louis Community College placed #26 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Bridgeton, MO, Saint Louis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $6,990. Graduates carry a median of $11,424 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,325. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Saint Louis Community College profile
Cuny Laguardia Community College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Long Island City, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,218, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $8,750. Cuny Laguardia Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,653 a decade after entry. Set against $8,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cuny Laguardia Community College profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $23,399. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,617. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Western Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Western Michigan University is a public school based in Kalamazoo, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $27,346 in student loans. Western Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $53,562 a decade after entry. Set against $27,346 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Western Michigan University
Missouri State University Springfield placed #30 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Graduates carry a median of $26,648 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,827 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Minnesota State University Moorhead offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. This public school is set in Moorhead, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,428. Minnesota State University Moorhead Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,692 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,527 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 59%. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #32 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,500 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,351. Set against $28,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Suny College At Plattsburgh offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Plattsburgh, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $9,035, with out-of-state students paying around $18,945. Graduates carry a median of $25,072 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,403 ten years out. Set against $25,072 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Suny College At Plattsburgh
Chattanooga State Community College ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Chattanooga, TN, Chattanooga State Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,772, with out-of-state students paying around $17,756. Graduates carry a median of $11,681 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,598. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Chattanooga State Community College
Brookdale Community College came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Brookdale Community College is a public school based in Lincroft, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $6,270, with out-of-state students paying around $10,140. Students borrow a median of $12,651 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,379. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Brookdale Community College
Springfield Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Springfield Technical Community College is a public school based in Springfield, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,904, compared with $11,112 for out-of-state students. Springfield Technical Community College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $9,707 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $36,966 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Springfield Technical Community College
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. This public school is set in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, compared with $31,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,608 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Set against $21,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $20,481 in student loans. Purdue University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $72,424 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,481 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
University Of North Georgia came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Based in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,444 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,956 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $22,375. University Of North Georgia alumni report median earnings of $50,135 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. See the full University Of North Georgia profile
Salt Lake Community College placed #40 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, Salt Lake Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,426, while out-of-state students pay about $14,244. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $10,766. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,867 ten years after entry. Set against $10,766 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Salt Lake Community College
Miami Dade College ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Miami, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,838, while out-of-state students pay about $9,661. Miami Dade College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $6,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,654. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Miami Dade College
Kennesaw State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Kennesaw, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,808, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. Graduates carry a median of $24,107 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,552 ten years after entry. Set against $24,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kennesaw State University admits about 69% of applicants. More on Kennesaw State University
University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $10,398 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,398 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,589 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,990. That is a strong return on a $26,589 median debt. University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee admits about 91% of applicants. More on University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kirkland, WA, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,997, compared with $12,062 for out-of-state students. Lake Washington Institute Of Technology Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $19,695 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,669 ten years after entry. Set against $19,695 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Lake Washington Institute Of Technology
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Millersville, PA, Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,128, with out-of-state students paying around $22,952. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,246. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus placed #46 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,380, with out-of-state students paying around $16,297. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,407. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
Owens Community College landed the #47 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,870 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Graduates carry a median of $19,383 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,275 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,383 median debt. Get the full Owens Community College report
Texas A And M University Corpus Christi landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Corpus Christi, TX, Texas A And M University Corpus Christi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, compared with $20,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,587 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,865. That is a strong return on a $26,587 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Texas A And M University Corpus Christi report
University Of Florida landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Graduates carry a median of $17,088 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Set against $17,088 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Florida admits about 24% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Florida
Tidewater Community College came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Located in Norfolk, VA, Tidewater Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,858, with out-of-state students paying around $12,296. Students borrow a median of $10,195 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $38,349 ten years out. Set against $10,195 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Tidewater Community College profile
Related Visual And Performing Arts Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Schools (All Levels)
- 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
This list is compiled 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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