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Best Value Visual and Performing Arts Colleges

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

Rice University stands out dramatically in Visual and Performing Arts, General programs, charging a net price of $12,640 while delivering $38,289 in early career earnings and maintaining a 95.70% graduation rate. This private institution in Houston competes directly with public options that cost significantly less, like University of Florida at $6,351, yet UF graduates earn $48,041 annually. The earnings gap spans nearly $30,000 across these programs, from New Mexico State's $19,455 to Florida's top figure. Visual and performing arts graduates often find work in major metropolitan areas where creative industries cluster, particularly in Texas cities like Houston and Austin where film production, music venues, and theater companies create steady demand for trained professionals. Public universities dominate the lower cost ranges, with 12 of the 15 schools offering net prices under $15,000, while graduation rates vary wildly from Louisiana State Shreveport's 33.20% to Rice's near-perfect completion rate.
50
Programs
$5,231 – $31,927
Net Price Range
$27,389
Avg. Program Earnings
55.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Visual and Performing Arts, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $6,351 $48,041 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
2 $8,130 $27,669 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
3 $11,147 $36,141 $7,630 29.3%
4 $12,640 $38,289 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
5 $7,360 $21,508 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
6 $6,747 $19,455 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
7 $9,792 $25,194 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
8 $13,670 $34,187 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%
9 $10,299 $25,194 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
10 $16,177 $38,289 $10,020 51.2% 86.3%
11 $14,738 $32,925 $11,286 55.5% 87.7%
12 $10,550 $22,917 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
13 $18,287 $37,980 $13,815 69.3% 90.0%
14 $14,623 $29,685 $7,708 33.8% 88.4%
15 $15,266 $30,771 $35,822 61.7% 84.1%
16 $15,501 $31,133 $9,815 62.9% 75.2%
17 $12,865 $25,596 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
18 $16,972 $32,925 $5,786 48.1% 67.9%
19 $14,785 $28,443 $8,250 64.3% 82.4%
20 $13,953 $25,194 $7,392 25.4%
21 $8,683 $15,552 $5,498 25.2%
22 $18,227 $30,228 $12,715 57.9%
23 $18,289 $30,228 $15,340 50.0%
24 $18,470 $30,228 $13,546 40.0%
25 $14,532 $23,649 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
26 $5,231 $8,462 $4,902 44.9% 100.0%
27 $18,847 $30,228 $11,982 62.5%
28 $14,224 $22,771 $9,618 50.6% 98.8%
29 $17,435 $27,874 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
30 $11,750 $18,771 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
31 $19,071 $30,228 $10,899 53.2%
32 $19,113 $30,228 $15,117 51.0%
33 $13,776 $21,234 $9,322 51.4% 94.9%
34 $14,553 $21,964 $9,755 40.7% 89.7%
35 $13,198 $19,749 $8,092 37.8% 99.1%
36 $17,680 $26,353 $30,010 59.6% 58.5%
37 $18,833 $27,440 $8,812 70.2% 72.5%
38 $18,481 $26,121 $8,524 68.9% 58.3%
39 $20,814 $28,598 $15,200 61.6% 87.8%
40 $23,901 $32,382 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
41 $18,707 $25,194 $11,884 49.1% 92.5%
42 $16,431 $21,508 $9,712 45.3% 84.8%
43 $16,470 $21,312 $12,093 44.2% 88.0%
44 $18,441 $23,649 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
45 $21,318 $26,896 $55,220 62.8% 93.8%
46 $24,415 $30,771 $35,822 72.3% 89.1%
47 $17,478 $21,508 $8,115 52.5% 96.1%
48 $19,634 $22,917 $15,532 72.0% 85.5%
49 $21,931 $25,194 $17,450 43.0% 77.9%
50 $31,927 $36,674 $68,237 92.0% 12.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive earnings difference between University of Florida and New Mexico State graduates?

University of Florida graduates earn $48,041 compared to New Mexico State's $19,455, a gap of $28,586 annually. Florida's higher acceptance rate of 23.35% suggests more selective admissions, while New Mexico State accepts 78.05% of applicants. The geographic factor plays a major role, as Florida's economy supports more high-paying creative positions in cities like Miami and Orlando. Florida also maintains a 91.50% graduation rate compared to New Mexico's 52.20%, indicating stronger program completion.

How do private and public schools compare in this field?

Rice University represents the only private option in the top tier, charging $12,640 net price while public schools like University of Florida cost just $6,351. Rice achieves a 95.70% graduation rate, the highest among all schools listed. Most public institutions accept 80-90% of applicants, while Rice's 8.68% acceptance rate makes it extremely selective. The earnings difference between Rice graduates at $38,289 and top public school graduates varies significantly by state location.

Where do Visual and Performing Arts graduates find the best job markets?

Major metropolitan areas with entertainment industries offer the strongest opportunities, explaining why schools in Texas, Florida, and California populate this list. Houston, where both Rice University and University of Houston-Downtown operate, hosts major theater districts, music venues, and film production facilities. California schools like CSU Channel Islands and San Marcos benefit from proximity to Los Angeles entertainment industries. These regional job markets directly influence the earning potential shown in the $19,455 to $48,041 range.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in these arts programs?

The data shows mixed patterns between cost and completion rates. Rice University at $12,640 achieves 95.70% graduation, while University of Florida costs half that at $6,351 but still maintains 91.50% completion. However, some lower-cost schools struggle significantly, like Louisiana State Shreveport with only 33.20% graduation despite an $8,130 net price. Empire State University shows just 29.30% completion at $11,147, suggesting that price alone doesn't predict student success.

What debt levels should students expect in Visual and Performing Arts programs?

Debt loads vary considerably, from University of Florida's manageable $18,657 to New Mexico State's concerning $28,500 for much lower earning potential. Arizona State students carry $21,480 in debt while earning $34,187 annually, creating a reasonable debt-to-income ratio. George Mason graduates face $21,125 in debt but earn $37,980, making their financial picture more favorable. The debt figures show that strategic school choice can significantly impact long-term financial outcomes in this field.

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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.