Visual and Performing Arts Colleges Under $20,000

Santa Monica College stands out with a remarkable net cost of just $3,600 for Visual and Performing Arts students, making quality arts education accessible in a region where the entertainment industry employs over 160,000 professionals. This affordability contrast becomes striking when compared to private options like Millikin University at $8,837. California dominates this affordable market with four UC campuses offering net costs between $11,750 and $15,288, while still maintaining graduation rates above 85%. The earnings data reveals interesting patterns, with University of South Florida graduates earning $30,771 annually despite a moderate net cost of $10,043. Regional job markets play a important role in these outcomes, as West Coast programs benefit from proximity to film studios, tech companies seeking creative talent, and major arts organizations. Public universities clearly lead the affordability charge, with 12 of the 15 schools offering in-state tuition under $15,000.

Programs

$3,600 – $19,678

Net Price Range

$28,036

Avg. Program Earnings

64.6%

Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Visual and Performing Arts, Other Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Santa Monica College Santa Monica, California	$3,600	$1,156	35.8%
2	Millikin University Decatur, Illinois	$8,837	$26,892	59.1%	75.4%
3	University of South Florida Tampa, Florida	$10,043	$6,410	74.6%	43.9%
4	Cameron University Lawton, Oklahoma	$10,705	$6,900	21.5%
5	University of Washington-Bothell Campus Bothell, Washington	$10,898	$12,559	68.2%	88.1%
6	Western Illinois University Macomb, Illinois	$11,592	$14,952	44.8%	75.0%
7	University of California-San Diego La Jolla, California	$11,750	$15,265	87.6%	23.7%
8	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
9	Portland State University Portland, Oregon	$12,932	$11,238	53.1%	93.1%
10	University of Washington-Seattle Campus Seattle, Washington	$13,485	$12,643	83.7%	47.5%
11	University of California-Los Angeles Los Angeles, California	$14,013	$13,747	92.7%	8.6%
12	Brigham Young University Provo, Utah	$14,487	$6,496	82.2%	66.7%
13	Saginaw Valley State University University Center, Michigan	$14,582	$12,240	53.8%	76.4%
14	University of Michigan-Ann Arbor Ann Arbor, Michigan	$14,832	$17,228	93.2%	17.7%
15	University of California-Davis Davis, California	$15,288	$15,247	85.1%	37.3%
16	Delaware State University Dover, Delaware	$15,745	$10,314	38.7%	54.9%
17	Southern Arkansas University Main Campus Magnolia, Arkansas	$15,944	$9,820	46.5%	63.6%
18	Bluffton University Bluffton, Ohio	$17,430	$36,298	49.5%	96.3%
19	University of Baltimore Baltimore, Maryland	$17,546	$9,772	46.7%	89.3%
20	The University of Tennessee-Knoxville Knoxville, Tennessee	$18,109	$13,484	73.5%	68.4%
21	Swarthmore College Swarthmore, Pennsylvania	$18,686	$62,412	94.1%	6.9%
22	University of Chicago Chicago, Illinois	$18,967	$66,939	94.9%	5.4%
23	Illinois State University Normal, Illinois	$18,996	$16,021	66.3%	86.2%
24	SUNY at Purchase College Purchase, New York	$19,067	$8,953	61.6%	74.7%
25	Grambling State University Grambling, Louisiana	$19,125	$7,683	32.3%	42.4%
26	The University of Texas at Austin Austin, Texas	$19,678	$11,678	87.6%	31.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Santa Monica College and other programs?

Santa Monica College operates as a community college with a net cost of $3,600, compared to four-year universities averaging $12,000-$15,000. California's community college funding model keeps costs low while maintaining transfer agreements with UC schools. The college serves as a stepping stone for students planning to complete degrees at more expensive institutions. This path can save students over $20,000 in their first two years.

How do graduation rates vary across different price points in this field?

Higher-cost programs generally show stronger completion rates, with UCLA achieving 92.7% graduation at $14,013 net cost. However, Cameron University breaks this pattern with only 21.5% graduation despite reasonable costs. Mid-range schools like University of South Florida deliver solid 74.6% rates at $10,043. Community colleges typically show lower four-year graduation rates due to part-time enrollment and transfer patterns.

Is the University of California system worth the investment for arts students?

Four UC campuses appear on this list with net costs from $11,750 to $15,288, offering different advantages. UC San Diego combines affordability with high graduation rates at 87.6%, while UCLA provides maximum prestige at 92.7% completion. UC Davis offers strong academics at $15,288 with 85.1% graduation rates. The UC brand recognition and alumni networks often justify the moderate premium over other public options.

Does geographic location impact earning potential for Visual and Performing Arts graduates?

Regional markets significantly influence earnings, with University of South Florida leading at $30,771 annually in the growing Southeast entertainment sector. West Coast schools like UC San Diego show $26,353 earnings, benefiting from proximity to Hollywood and tech industries. Brigham Young University graduates earn $25,194 in a lower-cost Utah market. These figures reflect both local job availability and cost of living variations across regions.

Where can students find the best value combination of cost and outcomes?

University of South Florida offers strong value with $10,043 net cost, 74.6% graduation rate, and $30,771 earnings. UC San Diego provides strong academics at $11,750 with 87.6% completion and reasonable debt levels of $19,968. Brigham Young University delivers solid outcomes at $14,487 with 82.2% graduation rates. These programs balance affordability with career preparation and institutional support systems.

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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.