2026 Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Visual And Performing Arts doctoral degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 2217 schools 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor analyzed 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
North Dakota State University Main Campus earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. Set in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Median earnings reach $62,203 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about North Dakota State University Main Campus
A rank of #2 makes Liberty University one of the best values in the United States. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,487 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Set against $26,487 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Liberty University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Graduate School And University Center earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in New York, NY, Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, while out-of-state students pay about $15,185. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $17,921. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Texas Womans University earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $8,640, while out-of-state students pay about $18,480. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $25,811. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Texas Womans University profile
Out of the 2217 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Southern Mississippi landed the #5 spot. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $11,998. University Of Southern Mississippi Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,140. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Southern Mississippi
Illinois Institute Of Technology ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,202 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $82,592. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 55%. More on Illinois Institute Of Technology
University Of Houston placed #7 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,717, with out-of-state students paying around $22,547. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $24,921. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 74% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Houston profile
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, while out-of-state students pay about $44,908. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $24,980. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Texas Tech University offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,550 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. Set against $27,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Texas Tech University profile
University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $23,460 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,887. That is a strong return on a $23,460 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Nebraska Lincoln report
University Of Delaware placed #11 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Students borrow a median of $25,627 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,627 median debt. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full University Of Delaware report
University Of California Berkeley landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Berkeley, CA, University Of California Berkeley is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,377, while out-of-state students pay about $47,265. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $13,510. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $92,446. That is a strong return on a $13,510 median debt. University Of California Berkeley has an acceptance rate of 11%. More on University Of California Berkeley
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $19,896. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $73,792. That is a strong return on a $19,896 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,666. Bowling Green State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $47,896 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
University Of Memphis placed #15 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,728 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. Students borrow a median of $24,212 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $24,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Memphis admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about University Of Memphis
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Ohio University Main Campus Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,963 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,581. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ohio University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. See the full Ohio University Main Campus profile
Michigan State University placed #17 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Michigan State University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,185 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,253. That is a strong return on a $27,185 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Michigan State University report
University Of California Los Angeles offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of California Los Angeles has an acceptance rate of 9%. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
University Of North Texas ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,119 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Set against $24,119 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Texas
James Madison University placed #20 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Harrisonburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,966, compared with $31,312 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $21,046. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,954. That is a strong return on a $21,046 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. More on James Madison University
Emory University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Atlanta, GA, Emory University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $64,280. Emory University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $13,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,137 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 11% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Emory University
Suny At Binghamton placed #22 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Vestal, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,567, compared with $30,447 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $21,541. Graduates go on to earn a median of $80,596 ten years after entry. Set against $21,541 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny At Binghamton admits about 39% of applicants. Read the full report on Suny At Binghamton
University Of California Irvine placed #23 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Irvine, CA, University Of California Irvine is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,752, while out-of-state students pay about $46,640. University Of California Irvine Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $17,685 in debt. Median earnings reach $80,735 ten years out. Set against $17,685 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 29% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of California Irvine
Florida State University placed #24 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $22,194. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,194 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Florida State University
University Of Virginia Main Campus ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Charlottesville, VA, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,118, compared with $61,591 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $18,636. University Of Virginia Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $86,863 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 17% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Virginia Main Campus
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Visual And Performing Arts Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of California Davis came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Set in Davis, CA, University Of California Davis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,804 in tuition and fees, compared with $47,692 for out-of-state students. University Of California Davis Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $15,804 in debt. University Of California Davis alumni report median earnings of $80,838 a decade after entry. Set against $15,804 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of California Davis has an acceptance rate of 42%. Get the full University Of California Davis report
Duke University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Durham, NC, Duke University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,758. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $13,296. Duke University alumni report median earnings of $97,800 a decade after entry. Set against $13,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 6%. More on Duke University
University Of Iowa came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Based in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. University Of Iowa Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,174 in debt. University Of Iowa alumni report median earnings of $64,762 a decade after entry. Set against $27,174 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%. Read the full report on University Of Iowa
University Of Nevada Las Vegas landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,748, while out-of-state students pay about $27,411. University Of Nevada Las Vegas Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,678 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,037. That is a strong return on a $26,678 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas admits about 96% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Columbia, MO, University Of Missouri Columbia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, compared with $36,056 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,854 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,403. That is a strong return on a $24,854 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about University Of Missouri Columbia
University Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $17,088. University Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $71,588 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
Ball State University placed #32 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Ball State University is a public school based in Muncie, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Ball State University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $24,502 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,502 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Ball State University profile
The University Of Texas At Dallas offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Richardson, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $14,644, while out-of-state students pay about $40,144. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $20,434. Median earnings reach $68,227 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,434 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The University Of Texas At Dallas report
Texas Christian University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Fort Worth, TX, Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,740. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $24,533. Median earnings reach $68,424 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 44% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas Christian University
Auburn University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Set in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $24,435. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. That is a strong return on a $24,435 median debt. Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 46%. Get the full Auburn University report
University Of Hartford came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. University Of Hartford is a private not-for-profit school based in West Hartford, CT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,075. University Of Hartford Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,823 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Hartford profile
University Of Northern Colorado ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Greeley, CO, University Of Northern Colorado is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,901 in tuition and fees, compared with $26,979 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,469 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,231 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,469 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Northern Colorado profile
University Of California Santa Barbara placed #38 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Santa Barbara, CA, University Of California Santa Barbara is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,444, with out-of-state students paying around $47,332. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $16,773. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $74,915. That is a strong return on a $16,773 median debt. The acceptance rate is 33%. Get the full University Of California Santa Barbara report
Shenandoah University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Winchester, VA, Shenandoah University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,950. Shenandoah University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,943 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,433. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%. Get the full Shenandoah University report
University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Chapel Hill, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,994, while out-of-state students pay about $41,203. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $17,008 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,200. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 15% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill
Temple University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $25,296. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,727. That is a strong return on a $25,296 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Temple University report
University Of California Riverside ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Riverside, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,636, compared with $46,524 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,131 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. University Of California Riverside alumni report median earnings of $67,699 a decade after entry. Set against $23,131 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. See the full University Of California Riverside profile
University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Champaign, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,267, with out-of-state students paying around $40,096. Students borrow a median of $22,183 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $81,054. That is a strong return on a $22,183 median debt. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign
Rutgers University New Brunswick offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in New Brunswick, NJ. Students from in state pay about $17,929 in tuition and fees, compared with $37,441 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $25,540. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $74,479. That is a strong return on a $25,540 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Rutgers University New Brunswick
University At Buffalo ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Buffalo, NY, University At Buffalo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,936, compared with $31,536 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $22,580. Median earnings reach $70,814 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,580 median debt. The acceptance rate is 74%. Get the full University At Buffalo report
University Of Georgia offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $21,608 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $21,608 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%. More on University Of Georgia
University Of California San Diego ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in La Jolla, CA, University Of California San Diego is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,788, while out-of-state students pay about $47,676. University Of California San Diego Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $16,924 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $84,943. That is a strong return on a $16,924 median debt. University Of California San Diego admits about 27% of applicants. Get the full University Of California San Diego report
University Of Kansas came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Students borrow a median of $23,802 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,945. That is a strong return on a $23,802 median debt. University Of Kansas has an acceptance rate of 94%. Read the full report on University Of Kansas
West Virginia University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Students borrow a median of $23,908 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. West Virginia University alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Virginia University has an acceptance rate of 89%. See the full West Virginia University profile
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #49 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Baton Rouge, LA, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,954 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,631 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,479 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,251. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical 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 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
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).