2026 Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Visual And Performing Arts graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 2217 colleges 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.
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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Our analysis found Messiah College to be the best-value Visual And Performing Arts school in the United States. Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $42,240 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,965 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. 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%. More on Messiah College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Hood College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Hood College is a private not-for-profit school based in Frederick, MD. Students from in state pay about $47,700 in tuition and fees. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $24,703. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,089 ten years after entry. Set against $24,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Hood College
Lindenwood University came in at #3 on this year's best-value Visual And Performing Arts ranking in the United States. Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. See the full Lindenwood University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arizona State University Skysong earned it the #4 place in the United States. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $23,026. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,026 median debt. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Arizona State University Skysong
Liberty University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Visual And Performing Arts ranking in the United States. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Liberty University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,487 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Liberty University report
University Of Central Arkansas offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Based in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,523 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Students borrow a median of $27,495 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $45,938 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,495 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read more about University Of Central Arkansas
Western Illinois University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $28,893. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. Set against $28,893 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 71%. See the full Western Illinois University profile
Marywood University came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Marywood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,420. Graduates carry a median of $27,362 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,817. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. More on Marywood University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #9 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $12,092. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $25,128. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. That is a strong return on a $25,128 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,060. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,642. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $27,642 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center placed #12 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located 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. Median earnings reach $65,991 ten years out. Set against $17,921 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Cuny Graduate School And University Center
Montclair State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. This public school is set in Montclair, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,912, with out-of-state students paying around $26,022. Montclair State University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,524 in debt. Montclair State University alumni report median earnings of $61,415 a decade after entry. Set against $26,524 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Montclair State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Montclair State University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. See the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania profile
Missouri State University Springfield came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Missouri State University Springfield is a public school based in Springfield, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, while out-of-state students pay about $18,770. Students borrow a median of $26,648 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $49,827 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,648 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield admits about 90% of applicants. Read more about Missouri State University Springfield
Texas Tech University placed #16 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Graduates carry a median of $27,550 in student loans. Texas Tech University alumni report median earnings of $62,454 a decade after entry. Set against $27,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. More on Texas Tech University
Towson University landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Towson University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $18,540 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,390. That is a strong return on a $18,540 median debt. Towson University has an acceptance rate of 82%. See the full Towson University profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public school based in Bowling Green, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Students borrow a median of $26,666 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Set against $26,666 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%. Read the full report on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Austin came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $24,980. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,121. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 27% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas At Austin
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. Graduates carry a median of $25,309 in student loans. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Set against $25,309 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Texas State University San Marcos
University Of Wisconsin Madison came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Madison, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,603, compared with $42,103 for out-of-state students. University Of Wisconsin Madison Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $19,896 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,792. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Madison has an acceptance rate of 45%. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Mercyhurst College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Erie, PA, Mercyhurst College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,770. Mercyhurst College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,452. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. See the full Mercyhurst College profile
California State University Long Beach came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. California State University Long Beach Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $18,114 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,403 ten years after entry. Set against $18,114 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
University Of North Texas landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, while out-of-state students pay about $21,149. University Of North Texas Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $24,119 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $24,119 median debt. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about University Of North Texas
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Ohio University Main Campus is a public school based in Athens, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,963 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. 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 admits about 85% of applicants. Read more about Ohio University Main Campus
University Of Tulsa landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Tulsa, OK, University Of Tulsa is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $49,546. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $21,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,408. Set against $21,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Tulsa admits about 62% of applicants. See the full University Of Tulsa profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Visual And Performing Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
The University Of Texas At Arlington offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set in Arlington, TX, The University Of Texas At Arlington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,950, while out-of-state students pay about $29,582. Graduates carry a median of $25,829 in student loans. The University Of Texas At Arlington alumni report median earnings of $63,199 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,829 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about The University Of Texas At Arlington
University Of Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Set in Iowa City, IA, University Of Iowa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,283, with out-of-state students paying around $33,371. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,174. 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. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Iowa profile
Iowa State University placed #29 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Iowa State University is a public school based in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Iowa State University has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Indiana University South Bend landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in South Bend, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Indiana University South Bend Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,295 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,947. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana University South Bend admits about 84% of applicants. See the full Indiana University South Bend profile
Michigan State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Students borrow a median of $27,185 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,253 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Michigan State University
University Of Nevada Las Vegas offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Las Vegas, NV. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $26,678. Median earnings reach $55,037 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,678 median debt. University Of Nevada Las Vegas has an acceptance rate of 96%. More on University Of Nevada Las Vegas
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus is a public school based in Norman, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,797, compared with $27,377 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,126 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,750 median debt. University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus admits about 77% of applicants. Get the full University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus report
University Of North Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Florence, AL, University Of North Alabama is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,120 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,320. University Of North Alabama Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $24,075 in debt. University Of North Alabama alumni report median earnings of $45,415 a decade after entry. Set against $24,075 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Alabama has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read more about University Of North Alabama
Suny College At Brockport landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Brockport, NY, Suny College At Brockport is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,752, compared with $15,822 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,060 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $54,496 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,060 median debt. Suny College At Brockport admits about 71% of applicants. Get the full Suny College At Brockport report
Texas Christian University came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Texas Christian University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Worth, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $61,740. Students borrow a median of $24,533 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,424. Set against $24,533 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas Christian University admits about 44% of applicants. Read more about Texas Christian University
University Of Redlands offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. University Of Redlands is a private not-for-profit school based in Redlands, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $60,878. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $72,690 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Redlands admits about 83% of applicants. Get the full University Of Redlands report
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Based in Lawrence, KS, University Of Kansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, compared with $30,432 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $23,802. University Of Kansas alumni report median earnings of $61,945 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about University Of Kansas
Ball State University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $24,502. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,833. That is a strong return on a $24,502 median debt. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about Ball State University
Columbus State University ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Columbus, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,898, while out-of-state students pay about $17,610. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,751. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Columbus State University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $25,833. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,810. Set against $25,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
University Of Utah offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, University Of Utah is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, with out-of-state students paying around $30,860. Graduates carry a median of $19,061 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,170. Set against $19,061 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants. Read more about University Of Utah
Northern Arizona University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Flagstaff, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,619, compared with $20,044 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $20,751. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,384 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,751 median debt. Northern Arizona University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Northern Arizona University
Roosevelt University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $21,315 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,897 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,712 ten years out. Set against $25,897 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Roosevelt University profile
Depaul University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $25,302 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,751 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Depaul University
Duquesne University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Set in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,986. Duquesne University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Duquesne University alumni report median earnings of $74,742 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Duquesne University
California State University Monterey Bay ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. California State University Monterey Bay is a public school based in Seaside, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,779, compared with $20,379 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,018 in student loans. California State University Monterey Bay alumni report median earnings of $59,247 a decade after entry. Set against $17,018 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about California State University Monterey Bay
Florida International University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Miami, FL, Florida International University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,565, while out-of-state students pay about $18,964. Florida International University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $16,120 in debt. Median earnings reach $60,249 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Florida International University
University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts is a public school based in Winston Salem, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,477, compared with $27,211 for out-of-state students. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $23,752 in debt. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts alumni report median earnings of $38,357 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,752 median debt. University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts admits about 30% of applicants. See the full University Of North Carolina School Of The Arts profile
American University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,771. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $23,918. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,370 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,918 median debt. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted. More on American University
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. University Of Missouri Columbia is a public school based in Columbia, MO. Students from in state pay about $14,837 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Students borrow a median of $24,854 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. University Of Missouri Columbia alumni report median earnings of $63,403 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,854 median debt. University Of Missouri Columbia has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read the full report on University Of Missouri Columbia
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 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. The methodology weighs 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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