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Best Value Fine and Studio Arts Colleges in Tennessee

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

Tennessee State University offers Fine and Studio Arts graduates the state's most affordable path at just $10,026 net cost, though earnings average $29,685 annually. This creates an interesting contrast with Vanderbilt University, where the same degree costs $19,040 after aid but leads to $42,682 in median earnings. The 20 programs across Tennessee show dramatic variation, with net costs ranging from under $11,000 at public institutions to $27,498 at The University of the South. Tennessee's music industry centered in Nashville provides unique opportunities for arts graduates, from album cover design to concert venue graphics. Public universities dominate the value conversation, with Middle Tennessee State University combining reasonable $12,599 costs with 54% graduation rates. The state's lack of income tax means graduates keep more of their earnings, while Tennessee Promise community college coverage can reduce initial education expenses for transfer students.
25
Programs
$8,992 – $32,096
Net Price Range
$27,710
Avg. Program Earnings
56.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

25 Fine and Studio Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $10,026 $29,685 $8,568 33.0%
2 $12,599 $32,498 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
3 $12,817 $31,673 $10,144 53.1% 82.7%
4 $19,040 $42,682 $63,946 92.7% 6.7%
5 $13,253 $26,585 $10,344 49.4% 94.6%
6 $25,060 $33,993 $54,892 81.6% 53.9%
7 $18,109 $24,499 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
8 $14,846 $18,429 $8,675 44.5% 93.8%
9 $15,794 $19,113 $9,950 49.9% 85.3%
10 $20,082 $21,234 $25,000 68.4% 91.2%
11 $26,815 $24,421 $38,450 70.9% 52.6%
12 $17,999 $26,150 53.9% 78.5%
13 $14,207 $10,084 54.2% 78.1%
14 $24,334 $25,590 51.4% 65.8%
15 $27,498 $53,698 82.4% 52.3%
16 $20,986 $38,514 47.2% 69.5%
17 $20,399 $22,690 60.7% 72.6%
18 $8,992 $12,076 24.7% 99.6%
19 $26,135 $24,298 43.5% 71.0%
20 $25,610 $38,824 68.7% 71.1%
21 $18,292 $27,840 47.0% 66.2%
22 $10,896 $37,300 56.0% 87.5%
23 $18,661 $34,700 46.4% 79.8%
24 $21,803 $18,168 34.9% 88.8%
25 $32,096 $41,320 71.7% 96.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $13,000 earnings gap between the highest and lowest-paying Fine and Studio Arts programs in Tennessee?

Vanderbilt University graduates earn $42,682 annually compared to $18,429 at Austin Peay State University, reflecting differences in alumni networks and program focus. Vanderbilt's 92.7% graduation rate and highly selective 6.67% acceptance rate suggest more intensive training and career support. The private institution's Nashville location also connects students directly to the city's creative industries. Public universities like Austin Peay serve broader populations but may lack the same industry connections.

How do Tennessee's public universities compare for Fine and Studio Arts value?

Tennessee State University leads with $10,026 net cost and $29,685 earnings, creating the strongest return on investment among public options. Middle Tennessee State University follows at $12,599 net cost with $32,498 earnings and 54% graduation rates. The University of Tennessee-Chattanooga costs $12,817 but graduates earn $31,673 annually. Most public programs keep net costs under $16,000 while maintaining reasonable earning potential.

Does attending a private Fine and Studio Arts program in Tennessee justify the higher costs?

Vanderbilt University demonstrates clear value with $19,040 net cost leading to $42,682 earnings and 92.7% graduation rates. However, other private options like Union University cost $26,815 but produce only $24,421 in median earnings. Rhodes College charges $25,060 net with $33,993 earnings and 81.6% graduation rates. The value depends heavily on the specific institution rather than simply public versus private status.

Where do Fine and Studio Arts graduates find employment opportunities in Tennessee?

Nashville's music industry employs arts graduates in album design, marketing materials, and digital content creation across major labels and independent studios. The city's healthcare sector, anchored by HCA, needs medical illustrators and patient communication designers. Automotive manufacturing throughout the state requires technical artists for product visualization and training materials. Tourism marketing across Tennessee creates steady demand for graphic designers and photographers.

What graduation rates can Fine and Studio Arts students expect at Tennessee universities?

Vanderbilt University leads with 92.7% graduation rates, followed by The University of the South at 82.4% and Rhodes College at 81.6%. Public universities show more variation, with The University of Tennessee-Knoxville achieving 73.5% compared to Tennessee State University's 33%. Middle Tennessee State University and Tennessee Technological University both maintain 54% graduation rates. These rates often correlate with institutional selectivity and student support services.

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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.