2026 Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Visual And Performing Arts master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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 help you make your decision, 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat Columbia College Chicago this year in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $34,088 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,699 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,195. That is a strong return on a $26,699 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Columbia College Chicago
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at West Texas A And M University earned it the #2 place in the United States. West Texas A And M University is a public school based in Canyon, TX. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $24,035. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,741. Set against $24,035 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full West Texas A And M University report
A rank of #3 makes Messiah College one of the best values in the United States. Located in Mechanicsburg, PA, Messiah College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $42,240. Messiah College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,965 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,064 ten years out. Set against $25,965 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Messiah College profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in San Juan, PR, University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,324. University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $5,500 in debt. Median earnings reach $35,723 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Puerto Rico Rio Piedras profile
Truman State University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Visual And Performing Arts ranking in the United States. Located in Kirksville, MO, Truman State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,838 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,566. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,280. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Truman State University admits about 84% of applicants. Get the full Truman State University report
Goucher College placed #6 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,350. Goucher College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,406 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,023 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,406 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Goucher College report
North Dakota State University Main Campus placed #7 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Fargo, ND. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on North Dakota State University Main Campus
Youngstown State University landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Youngstown, OH, Youngstown State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,926, with out-of-state students paying around $10,286. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $31,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Youngstown State University report
Hood College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Hood College is a private not-for-profit school based in Frederick, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $47,700. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $24,703. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,089. Set against $24,703 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Hood College
Brigham Young University Provo placed #10 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Brigham Young University Provo Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $14,502 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $14,502 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
University Of Nebraska At Kearney placed #11 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Kearney, NE, University Of Nebraska At Kearney is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,564, with out-of-state students paying around $16,484. Students borrow a median of $16,101 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,105. That is a strong return on a $16,101 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full University Of Nebraska At Kearney report
Lindenwood University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. More on Lindenwood University
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,131. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Ferris State University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Students borrow a median of $26,918 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. That is a strong return on a $26,918 median debt. Ferris State University has an acceptance rate of 91%. More on Ferris State University
Atlantic College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Atlantic College is a private not-for-profit school based in Guaynabo, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,280. Atlantic College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $5,286 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $25,272. That is a strong return on a $5,286 median debt. See the full Atlantic College profile
Texas A And M University Kingsville ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Kingsville, TX, Texas A And M University Kingsville is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,892, with out-of-state students paying around $25,746. Texas A And M University Kingsville Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,450. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. Texas A And M University Kingsville admits about 91% of applicants. Read more about Texas A And M University Kingsville
Mount St Marys College placed #17 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Mount St Marys College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $49,564. Mount St Marys College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $72,379 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Mount St Marys College
Stephens College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in Columbia, MO, Stephens College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $28,300. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,071. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Stephens College report
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #20 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,128 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $25,128 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Sam Houston State University came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Graduates carry a median of $27,845 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,211. That is a strong return on a $27,845 median debt. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Sam Houston State University profile
York College Pennsylvania placed #22 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. York College Pennsylvania is a private not-for-profit school based in York, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $25,588. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $26,537. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,012. That is a strong return on a $26,537 median debt. York College Pennsylvania admits about 74% of applicants. Get the full York College Pennsylvania report
Texas A And M University Commerce placed #22 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Commerce, TX, Texas A And M University Commerce is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,026, with out-of-state students paying around $22,326. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,101. Texas A And M University Commerce alumni report median earnings of $50,296 a decade after entry. Set against $27,101 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas A And M University Commerce admits about 92% of applicants. Get the full Texas A And M University Commerce report
National University placed #24 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. National University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $30,426 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. That is a strong return on a $30,426 median debt. See the full National University profile
Liberty University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $26,487. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $26,487 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Liberty University report
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Visual And Performing Arts Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Fort Hays State University placed #26 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Hays, KS. Students from in state pay about $5,923 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $22,937. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,928. That is a strong return on a $22,937 median debt. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University
The University Of Texas At El Paso ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in El Paso, TX, The University Of Texas At El Paso is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,544, while out-of-state students pay about $25,502. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $16,905. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,923 ten years after entry. Set against $16,905 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At El Paso admits about 100% of applicants. See the full The University Of Texas At El Paso profile
Illinois State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,410, compared with $26,058 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,735 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,117 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
Cuny Graduate School And University Center ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Cuny Graduate School And University Center is a public school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,235, compared with $15,185 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $17,921 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,991. That is a strong return on a $17,921 median debt. Cuny Graduate School And University Center has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Cuny Graduate School And University Center report
University Of Central Arkansas came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located 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. University Of Central Arkansas Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,495 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,938 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,495 median debt. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants. Get the full University Of Central Arkansas report
Western Illinois University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $28,893. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Texas Womans University placed #32 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,640, compared with $18,480 for out-of-state students. Texas Womans University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,811 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,544 ten years after entry. Set against $25,811 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas Womans University report
Endicott College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Beverly, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $40,650. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $27,000. Endicott College alumni report median earnings of $58,336 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Endicott College
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in West Chester, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Converse College landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Spartanburg, SC, Converse College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $25,240. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $26,715. Converse College alumni report median earnings of $40,867 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Converse College report
University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Fort Wayne, IN, University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,460. University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,362. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Saint Francis Fort Wayne profile
Marywood University came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Based in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,420. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $27,362. Ten years after enrolling, 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. See the full Marywood University profile
The University Of Texas Pan American ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Edinburg, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $18,948. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,620. That is a strong return on a $18,948 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas Pan American
University Of Nebraska Lincoln ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Located in Lincoln, NE, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,584. Graduates carry a median of $23,460 in student loans. University Of Nebraska Lincoln alumni report median earnings of $56,887 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,460 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Nebraska Lincoln
University Of Southern Mississippi came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. University Of Southern Mississippi is a public school based in Hattiesburg, MS. Students from in state pay about $9,998 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. University Of Southern Mississippi Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $44,140 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
Montclair State University ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Montclair, NJ, Montclair State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,912, while out-of-state students pay about $26,022. Montclair State University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,524 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,415 ten years out. Set against $26,524 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Montclair State University
Arkansas State University Main Campus ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Jonesboro, AR, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,090, compared with $14,522 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $23,399. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,617. That is a strong return on a $23,399 median debt. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Arkansas State University Main Campus
Morehead State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Morehead, KY, Morehead State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,024, while out-of-state students pay about $14,980. Morehead State University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Morehead State University alumni report median earnings of $43,197 a decade after entry. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%. Read the full report on Morehead State University
Seattle University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Set in Seattle, WA, Seattle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $56,721 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,950 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,272. That is a strong return on a $23,950 median debt. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Seattle University
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, with out-of-state students paying around $18,770. Missouri State University Springfield Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $26,648 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $26,648 median debt. Missouri State University Springfield has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Azusa Pacific University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Azusa, CA, Azusa Pacific University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,458. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $22,926. Median earnings reach $66,677 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,926 median debt. Azusa Pacific University admits about 88% of applicants. See the full Azusa Pacific University profile
University Of Wisconsin Stout ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public school based in Menomonie, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Graduates carry a median of $27,090 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stout has an acceptance rate of 88%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
Northern Illinois University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Eastern Illinois University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Charleston, IL, Eastern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,377, compared with $15,859 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $25,820. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,989 ten years after entry. Set against $25,820 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Eastern Illinois University admits about 65% of applicants. Read more about Eastern Illinois University
Kansas State University placed #50 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Manhattan, KS, Kansas State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,221, with out-of-state students paying around $28,568. Kansas State University Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,262. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Kansas State University
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 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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