2026 Best Value Visual And Performing Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Visual And Performing Arts undergraduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor reviewed schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Visual And Performing Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Collin County Community College District to be the best-value Visual And Performing Arts school in the United States. Set 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. Graduates carry a median of $6,900 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,701. That is a strong return on a $6,900 median debt. Read the full report on Collin County Community College District
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Gwinnett Technical College earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Lawrenceville, GA, Gwinnett Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,524, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $18,997. Gwinnett Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,025 a decade after entry. Set against $18,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Gwinnett Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Century College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in White Bear Lake, MN, Century College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,214. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Century College alumni report median earnings of $46,424 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Century College
You'll get strong value at John Tyler Community College, which ranked #4 this year. Based in Chester, VA, John Tyler Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,082, with out-of-state students paying around $11,520. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $5,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,223. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on John Tyler Community College
You'll get strong value at Johnson County Community College, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. 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 $45,387. That is a strong return on a $13,625 median debt. Get the full Johnson County Community College report
Scottsdale Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Scottsdale Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $11,187. Scottsdale Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,905 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Scottsdale Community College profile
Minneapolis Community And Technical College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. Students from in state pay about $6,161 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $17,439 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Minneapolis Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,086 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $17,439 median debt. Get the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College report
El Centro College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. El Centro College is a public school based in Dallas, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. El Centro College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $11,835 in debt. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full El Centro College profile
Spokane Falls Community College placed #9 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Spokane, WA, Spokane Falls Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,461, with out-of-state students paying around $6,612. Students borrow a median of $14,657 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,955. Set against $14,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Spokane Falls Community College
Ivy Tech Community College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $12,710. Median earnings reach $37,186 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,710 median debt. More on Ivy Tech Community College
The Ailey School came in at #11 in this year's value ranking. Based in New York, NY, The Ailey School is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,817. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $22,782 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The Ailey School has an acceptance rate of 32%. See the full The Ailey School profile
Miami Ad School At Portfolio Center ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Miami Ad School At Portfolio Center is a private for-profit school based in Atlanta, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $19,400. Miami Ad School At Portfolio Center alumni report median earnings of $106,192 a decade after entry. More on Miami Ad School At Portfolio Center
Central Piedmont Community College came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,792 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,861 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Central Piedmont Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,865 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $11,861 median debt. See the full Central Piedmont Community College profile
Macomb Community College landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Warren, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $8,370. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $10,500. Macomb Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,596 a decade after entry. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Macomb Community College
Austin Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,550, compared with $10,590 for out-of-state students. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $17,389. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,177. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Austin Community College District
Gnomon School Of Visual Effects landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Gnomon School Of Visual Effects is a private for-profit school based in North Hollywood, CA. Students from in state pay about $37,635 in tuition and fees. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $38,000. Gnomon School Of Visual Effects alumni report median earnings of $114,785 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 42% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Gnomon School Of Visual Effects
Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture placed #17 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Santa Fe, NM, Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,920. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $24,505. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. See the full Institute Of American Indian And Alaska Native Culture profile
College Of Southern Nevada came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. College Of Southern Nevada is a public school based in Las Vegas, NV. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,358, compared with $13,024 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,087 ten years after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about College Of Southern Nevada
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,975, with out-of-state students paying around $12,472. Graduates carry a median of $17,496 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,007 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $17,496 median debt. See the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg profile
Saint Louis Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Based in Bridgeton, MO, Saint Louis Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $6,990. Saint Louis Community College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $11,424 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $35,325. That is a strong return on a $11,424 median debt. More on Saint Louis Community College
Des Moines Area Community College ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Des Moines Area Community College is a public school based in Ankeny, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,790, compared with $6,690 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $13,625. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,018. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Des Moines Area Community College profile
Oklahoma City Community College came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Oklahoma City Community College is a public school based in Oklahoma City, OK. In-state tuition and fees average $4,059, while out-of-state students pay about $9,810. Graduates carry a median of $13,209 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,146. That is a strong return on a $13,209 median debt. Read the full report on Oklahoma City Community College
Los Angeles Trade Technical College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,833 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,233 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,833 median debt. More on Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Cuyahoga Community College District placed #24 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Set in Cleveland, OH, Cuyahoga Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,249 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,249. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $11,795. Median earnings reach $35,654 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cuyahoga Community College District
Neighborhood Playhouse School Of The Theater ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in New York City, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $19,000. Graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $29,382 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 53%. Read more about Neighborhood Playhouse School Of The Theater
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Visual And Performing Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
San Diego Mesa College placed #26 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. San Diego Mesa College is a public school based in San Diego, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,146, with out-of-state students paying around $10,002. Students borrow a median of $6,999 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. San Diego Mesa College alumni report median earnings of $45,120 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full San Diego Mesa College profile
Northern Virginia Community College ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Northern Virginia Community College is a public school based in Annandale, VA. Students from in state pay about $5,891 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,410. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $18,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,557. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Northern Virginia Community College
Sae Institute Of Technology Nashville landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Nashville, TN, Sae Institute Of Technology Nashville is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,828. Graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Sae Institute Of Technology Nashville alumni report median earnings of $39,544 a decade after entry. Set against $20,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Sae Institute Of Technology Nashville
American Musical And Dramatic Academy placed #28 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. American Musical And Dramatic Academy is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $46,928. Graduates carry a median of $17,692 in student loans. Median earnings reach $26,975 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. American Musical And Dramatic Academy admits about 24% of applicants. More on American Musical And Dramatic Academy
Nashville State Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Located in Nashville, TN, Nashville State Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,730 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,714 for out-of-state students. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $16,745. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,519. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Nashville State Community College
Community College Of Aurora landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Aurora, CO, Community College Of Aurora is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,470, with out-of-state students paying around $17,070. Graduates carry a median of $20,750 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,592 ten years after entry. Set against $20,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Community College Of Aurora
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $25,833. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $25,833 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Missouri Southern State University placed #33 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Joplin, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $9,600, while out-of-state students pay about $18,300. Students borrow a median of $22,241 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Median earnings reach $42,620 ten years out. Set against $22,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read more about Missouri Southern State University
University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. That is a strong return on a $19,896 median debt. The acceptance rate is 45%. More on University Of Wisconsin Madison
Nassau Community College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Garden City, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,330, compared with $12,130 for out-of-state students. Nassau Community College Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $10,600 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,248. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Nassau Community College
University Of Arkansas At Little Rock placed #37 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Based in Little Rock, AR, University Of Arkansas At Little Rock is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,911, while out-of-state students pay about $22,721. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $25,402. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock alumni report median earnings of $45,265 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,402 median debt. University Of Arkansas At Little Rock has an acceptance rate of 59%. More on University Of Arkansas At Little Rock
New York Film Academy ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Based in Burbank, CA, New York Film Academy is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,122 in tuition and fees. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $17,695. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,633. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about New York Film Academy
The University Of Montana offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Missoula, MT, The University Of Montana is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,552, while out-of-state students pay about $33,671. Graduates carry a median of $26,899 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,511. That is a strong return on a $26,899 median debt. The University Of Montana admits about 96% of applicants. More on The University Of Montana
Boston University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Boston University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,102. Graduates carry a median of $26,127 in student loans. Boston University alumni report median earnings of $83,238 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,127 median debt. Boston University has an acceptance rate of 11%. Read the full report on Boston University
American Academy Of Dramatic Arts New York ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. American Academy Of Dramatic Arts New York is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,650. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $14,585. Graduates go on to earn a median of $27,019 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on American Academy Of Dramatic Arts New York
Catholic University Of America placed #42 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in Washington, DC, Catholic University Of America is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,378. Graduates carry a median of $24,625 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $73,250. Set against $24,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Catholic University Of America admits about 83% of applicants. Get the full Catholic University Of America report
Massachusetts College Of Art And Design offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Boston, MA, Massachusetts College Of Art And Design is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,400, while out-of-state students pay about $43,400. Massachusetts College Of Art And Design Visual And Performing Arts students take on a median of $24,807 in debt. Massachusetts College Of Art And Design alumni report median earnings of $43,582 a decade after entry. Set against $24,807 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Massachusetts College Of Art And Design has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Massachusetts College Of Art And Design
Tufts University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Tufts University is a private not-for-profit school based in Medford, MA. Students from in state pay about $70,704 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,250 in student loans. Tufts University alumni report median earnings of $83,214 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Tufts University admits about 12% of applicants. Read more about Tufts University
American Academy Of Dramatic Arts Los Angeles placed #45 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. American Academy Of Dramatic Arts Los Angeles is a private not-for-profit school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,650. Typical Visual And Performing Arts student debt is $14,585. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $27,019. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. American Academy Of Dramatic Arts Los Angeles admits about 83% of applicants. More on American Academy Of Dramatic Arts Los Angeles
Longy School Of Music Of Bard College ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools. Set in Cambridge, MA, Longy School Of Music Of Bard College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $55,275. Median earnings reach $46,543 ten years out. Get the full Longy School Of Music Of Bard College report
Pennsylvania Academy Of The Fine Arts came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,600. Graduates carry a median of $26,750 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $29,881. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Pennsylvania Academy Of The Fine Arts
Berklee College Of Music landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $52,040. Students borrow a median of $25,652 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $33,647. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Berklee College Of Music
Yale University placed #51 among the best-value Visual And Performing Arts schools in the United States. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,250. Students borrow a median of $14,357 to complete their Visual And Performing Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $100,533 ten years after entry. Set against $14,357 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 4% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Yale University
George Washington University landed the #52 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $67,710. The median Visual And Performing Arts program debt is $22,910. Median earnings reach $90,873 ten years out. Set against $22,910 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. George Washington University has an acceptance rate of 47%. Get the full George Washington University report
Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia came in at #54 in this year's value ranking. Set in San Juan, PR, Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,051. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $26,733. See the full Liceo De Arte Y Tecnologia 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 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
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 2217 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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