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Best Value Fine and Studio Arts Colleges in Ohio

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

Fine and Studio Arts programs in Ohio show striking variations in outcomes, with graduates earning between $15,922 and $31,581 annually. Youngstown State University delivers remarkable value at just $11,877 net cost while producing graduates who earn $25,774. Baldwin Wallace University commands the highest earnings at $31,581 but requires a $27,654 investment. The state's manufacturing heritage creates unique opportunities for artists in industrial design and commercial graphics. Cleveland's growing healthcare sector, anchored by Cleveland Clinic, increasingly seeks medical illustrators and therapeutic arts professionals. Ohio State University balances strong earnings potential at $27,978 with reasonable costs, while its Columbus location provides access to state government and corporate headquarters requiring creative services. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with six schools offering net costs under $20,000. Private institutions like Kenyon College achieve 86.80% graduation rates but carry higher price tags. The state's automotive industry, including Honda's presence, creates demand for designers skilled in both traditional and digital media.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $41,480
Net Price Range
$23,641
Avg. Program Earnings
55.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Fine and Studio Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $11,877 $25,774 $10,791 52.9% 80.6%
2 $16,065 $25,194 $12,613 48.9% 85.3%
3 $15,216 $23,508 $11,188 45.9% 95.2%
4 $18,292 $27,978 $12,859 87.7% 52.7%
5 $17,460 $25,194 $12,377 55.6% 92.2%
6 $14,981 $21,508 $12,799 48.2% 82.9%
7 $22,140 $28,598 $34,899 68.9% 83.7%
8 $19,614 $23,649 $12,846 65.5% 88.0%
9 $27,654 $31,581 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
10 $20,918 $23,649 $14,081 62.8% 78.7%
11 $21,619 $23,649 $52,357 61.7% 52.2%
12 $23,156 $24,808 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
13 $20,413 $21,356 $13,746 66.4% 86.5%
14 $27,662 $26,585 $17,809 81.8% 87.9%
15 $29,383 $25,967 $69,330 86.8% 34.3%
16 $30,139 $26,353 $39,650 61.3% 91.0%
17 $25,766 $16,663 $59,550 73.6% 56.3%
18 $38,041 $24,201 $40,250 44.4% 100.0%
19 $31,236 $15,922 $47,600 81.5% 74.1%
20 $39,184 $18,771 $64,646 79.5% 34.9%
21 $38,111 $15,552 $64,000 80.1% 22.0%
22 $19,470 $44,602 53.8% 93.9%
23 $25,727 $37,800 74.2% 54.4%
24 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
25 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
26 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
27 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
28 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
29 $32,342 $48,125 70.5% 84.5%
30 $18,027 $37,860 53.2% 85.1%
31 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
32 $22,872 $30,962 55.1% 88.1%
33 $20,004 $34,595 61.7% 72.5%
34 $29,541 $20,560 32.2%
35 $15,389 $9,622 43.0%
36 $23,758 $32,400 43.0% 82.8%
37 $28,617 $49,100 76.5% 82.4%
38 $21,994 $28,910 60.6% 71.8%
39 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
40 $23,585 $41,788 65.5% 72.2%
41 $38,909 $64,671 87.0% 27.4%
42 $25,022 $36,078 74.3% 64.9%
43 $16,544 $7,824 25.6% 88.8%
44 $41,480 $47,880 67.5% 69.8%
45 $23,722 $38,778 36.7% 62.9%
46 $23,731 $39,646 62.6% 86.0%
47 $22,605 $9,577 30.3%
48 $20,088 $26,265 59.1% 93.1%
49 $19,476 $34,370 47.9% 52.4%
50 $11,310 $7,272 37.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $15,655 difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

Public universities receive state funding that significantly reduces costs for Ohio residents. Youngstown State University costs $11,877 net, while Baldwin Wallace University requires $27,654. Public institutions like University of Toledo offer strong value at $17,460 with graduates earning $25,194. Private colleges typically provide smaller class sizes and specialized facilities but charge premium tuition rates.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Ohio's Fine Arts programs?

Higher-cost programs generally achieve better completion rates, though exceptions exist. Ohio State University combines reasonable costs at $18,292 with an outstanding 87.70% graduation rate. Kenyon College leads at 86.80% completion but costs $29,383 net. Wright State University shows that affordable doesn't always mean lower outcomes, maintaining 45.90% graduation rates at just $15,216.

Where do Fine Arts graduates find the best earning potential in Ohio?

Baldwin Wallace University graduates earn the highest salaries at $31,581, followed by Otterbein University at $28,598 and Ohio State University at $27,978. Columbus and Cleveland metropolitan areas offer the most opportunities, with Ohio State's location providing access to state agencies and corporate design departments. The Cleveland Clinic system increasingly employs medical illustrators and therapeutic arts specialists.

Is student debt a major concern for Fine Arts students in Ohio?

Debt levels remain manageable across most programs, ranging from $15,500 to $29,175. Kenyon College produces the lowest debt burden at $15,500 despite high sticker prices through generous financial aid. University of Toledo graduates carry just $22,338 in debt while earning $25,194 annually. Public universities generally keep debt under $27,000, making repayment more feasible on artist salaries.

Does Ohio's industrial background benefit Fine Arts graduates?

Ohio's manufacturing heritage creates unique career paths for artists in product design, industrial graphics, and commercial illustration. Honda's presence generates demand for automotive designers, while the state's healthcare sector needs medical illustrators. Cleveland's revitalization efforts employ artists in public art projects and urban planning. The combination of traditional industries and emerging sectors provides more employment options than typical arts markets.

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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.