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Best Value Fine and Studio Arts Colleges in Missouri

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

College of the Ozarks stands out with a remarkably low $7,669 net price among Missouri's Fine and Studio Arts programs, while Kansas City Art Institute commands the highest at $29,555. This $21,886 cost spread reflects the state's mix of public universities and specialized art schools serving students across different economic backgrounds. Earnings potential varies significantly too, ranging from $22,192 at University of Central Missouri to $38,289 at Avila University. Missouri's growing creative economy supports art graduates through organizations like the Kansas City Art Institute's connections to local design firms and the state's expanding healthcare sector, which increasingly values visual communication specialists. BJC HealthCare and other major employers often seek graduates skilled in medical illustration and digital design. Public institutions dominate the affordable end of the spectrum, with University of Missouri-St Louis offering solid value at $12,323 net cost and $33,007 median earnings. Meanwhile, private institutions like Webster University provide smaller class sizes at $26,196. The 56.90% graduation rate at UMSL reflects typical outcomes for public art programs, while specialized schools like Kansas City Art Institute achieve 64.90% despite higher costs.
32
Programs
$7,669 – $29,555
Net Price Range
$27,905
Avg. Program Earnings
54.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

32 Fine and Studio Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $12,323 $33,007 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
2 $12,030 $29,685 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
3 $16,939 $38,289 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
4 $12,837 $27,947 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
5 $11,653 $23,340 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
6 $14,532 $28,236 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
7 $19,889 $29,374 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
8 $15,336 $22,192 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
9 $17,502 $22,485 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
10 $26,196 $29,685 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
11 $29,555 $22,715 $43,550 64.9% 58.5%
12 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
13 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
14 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
15 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
16 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
17 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
18 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
19 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
20 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
21 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
22 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
23 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
24 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
25 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
26 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
27 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
28 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
29 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
30 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
31 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
32 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks such an affordable option for art students?

College of the Ozarks offers the lowest net price at $7,669 among Missouri's Fine and Studio Arts programs through its unique work-study program. Students work on campus to offset tuition costs, making education accessible despite the $21,290 sticker price. The school maintains a 61.30% graduation rate and accepts only 21.13% of applicants, creating a highly selective but affordable pathway into the arts.

How do earnings compare between public and private art programs in Missouri?

Private Avila University leads with $38,289 median earnings, while public University of Central Missouri shows the lowest at $22,192. University of Missouri-St Louis demonstrates strong public value with $33,007 earnings at a $12,323 net cost. The $16,097 earnings gap between highest and lowest suggests that institutional resources and location significantly impact career outcomes for art graduates.

Does Kansas City Art Institute justify its high cost with better outcomes?

Kansas City Art Institute charges $29,555 net price but delivers mixed results with $22,715 median earnings ranking among the lower outcomes. However, the school achieves a strong 64.90% graduation rate and maintains selective 58.48% acceptance rate. Art-focused institutions often provide specialized training and industry connections that may not immediately translate to higher starting salaries but can benefit long-term career development.

Where can art students find the best balance of cost and earning potential?

University of Missouri-St Louis offers strong value with $33,007 median earnings at just $12,323 net cost. Truman State University also provides strong returns at $29,685 earnings for $12,030 net price, plus the highest graduation rate at 68.40% among affordable options. These public universities deliver professional preparation without the debt burden of private alternatives.

What role does location play in art program value across Missouri?

Kansas City and St Louis programs generally command higher costs but offer access to larger creative markets and internship opportunities. University of Missouri-Kansas City provides city access at reasonable $12,837 net cost with $27,947 earnings potential. Rural programs like Missouri Southern State University cost less at $11,653 but show lower $23,340 earnings, reflecting limited local creative industry opportunities.

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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.