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Visual and Performing Arts Colleges Under $20,000

Programs with net price under $20,000. See our methodology.

University of Florida stands out among affordable Visual and Performing Arts programs with an strong 91.50% graduation rate and average earnings of $48,041, making it a clear outlier in a field where most programs show graduation rates below 50%. The creative industries continue expanding across the country, with the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting 8% growth in arts and design occupations through 2031, creating new opportunities for graduates willing to combine artistic training with practical skills. Students can access quality training for as little as $3,307 at Navajo Technical University or invest slightly more at established institutions like CUNY Lehman College at $3,482. The 20 most affordable programs span from specialized art schools in Puerto Rico to regional campuses across Ohio, demonstrating that geographic location often determines both cost and career prospects. While some programs like those at Ohio University regional campuses show lower completion rates around 12-20%, others like NUC University achieve 56.20% graduation rates, proving that institutional support matters as much as student commitment in creative fields.
50
Programs
$3,307 – $13,670
Net Price Range
$25,782
Avg. Program Earnings
44.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Visual and Performing Arts, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,307 $4,250 19.7%
2 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
3 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
4 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
5 $5,090 $3,105 14.3%
6 $5,231 $4,902 44.9% 100.0%
7 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
8 $5,732 $8,054 56.2%
9 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
10 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
11 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
12 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
13 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
14 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
15 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
16 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
17 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
18 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
19 $8,130 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
20 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
21 $8,471 $8,050 46.0% 83.1%
22 $8,683 $5,498 25.2%
23 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
24 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
25 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
26 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
27 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
28 $10,145 $5,068 35.4% 56.3%
29 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
30 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
31 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
32 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
33 $10,785 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
34 $11,147 $7,630 29.3%
35 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
36 $11,480 $7,272 37.1%
37 $11,609 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
38 $11,669 $24,705 32.1% 95.5%
39 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
40 $11,812 $7,912 22.1% 64.8%
41 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
42 $12,322 $5,801 24.5% 100.0%
43 $12,640 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
44 $12,714 $14,520 99.2%
45 $12,744 $14,167 69.1% 89.5%
46 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
47 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
48 $13,198 $8,092 37.8% 99.1%
49 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
50 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge gap between University of Florida's 91.50% graduation rate and other affordable programs?

University of Florida represents a flagship institution with extensive resources, while many other affordable options are regional campuses or specialized schools serving different student populations. The $6,351 net price reflects strong state funding and financial aid, allowing students to focus on studies rather than financial stress. Most regional Ohio campuses show graduation rates between 12-20%, indicating different admission standards and student support systems compared to UF's selective 23.35% acceptance rate.

How do earnings vary among graduates from these affordable Visual and Performing Arts programs?

Graduate earnings range dramatically from $8,462 at Escuela de Artes Plasticas y Diseno de Puerto Rico to $48,041 at University of Florida, reflecting regional job markets and program focus. Puerto Rico's arts school serves a local market with different economic conditions, while UF graduates often enter national markets with higher paying opportunities. New Mexico State graduates earn $19,455 on average, showing how geographic location and state economies directly impact post-graduation income potential.

Where can students find the most accessible Visual and Performing Arts programs?

Escuela de Artes Plasticas y Diseno de Puerto Rico offers 100% acceptance with a $5,231 net cost, making it the most accessible specialized arts institution. CUNY schools in New York provide urban access with Lehman College accepting 55.31% of applicants for $3,482. Several Ohio University regional campuses offer low-cost options around $5,000-6,500, though their lower graduation rates suggest students should carefully consider institutional fit and support services.

Does location within a state affect program costs and outcomes significantly?

Ohio University's regional campuses demonstrate how location impacts both cost and success, with net prices ranging from $4,503 at Eastern Campus to $6,483 at Chillicothe Campus. All Ohio campuses charge the same $6,178 in-state tuition, but financial aid varies by location and student demographics. The regional campuses show consistently lower graduation rates between 12-20% compared to main campus programs, suggesting rural locations may face additional challenges in student retention and career placement.

Is debt load manageable for students in these affordable Visual and Performing Arts programs?

Available debt data shows University of Florida graduates carrying $18,657 in debt despite earning $48,041, creating a favorable debt-to-income ratio. New Mexico State students graduate with $28,500 in debt but earn only $19,455, presenting a more challenging financial picture. The extremely low net costs at schools like Navajo Technical University ($3,307) and CUNY Lehman College ($3,482) suggest many students can complete programs with minimal borrowing, though career earnings may also be correspondingly lower.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.