Best Value Visual and Performing Arts Colleges in New York

Empire State University stands out with the highest graduate earnings at $36,141 despite charging just $11,147 net cost, creating an unusual value proposition in New York's arts education market. The state's 15 programs show dramatic cost variations, from SUNY schools averaging under $20,000 to private institutions like The New School reaching $55,359. New York's entertainment industry employs over 300,000 workers across Broadway theaters, film studios, galleries, and media companies, providing abundant internship and career opportunities. Public SUNY campuses dominate the affordable tier, with New Paltz and Oneonta offering strong graduation rates above 68% while maintaining costs below $19,000. Private schools show mixed value, with some like Long Island University delivering solid earnings of $32,382, while others struggle with lower completion rates despite higher costs.

Programs

$3,482 – $55,359

Net Price Range

$28,262

Avg. Program Earnings

59.1%

Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Visual and Performing Arts, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Empire State University Saratoga Springs, New York	$11,147	$36,141	$7,630	29.3%
2	SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, New York	$18,833	$27,440	$8,812	70.2%	72.5%
3	State University of New York at New Paltz New Paltz, New York	$18,481	$26,121	$8,524	68.9%	58.3%
4	Long Island University Brookville, New York	$23,901	$32,382	$41,642	55.4%	92.7%
5	SUNY at Purchase College Purchase, New York	$19,067	$19,227	$8,953	61.6%	74.7%
6	St Bonaventure University Saint Bonaventure, New York	$27,151		$40,150	70.4%	81.1%
7	The College of Westchester White Plains, New York	$11,669		$24,705	32.1%	95.5%
8	Villa Maria College Buffalo, New York	$13,980		$28,670	31.0%	78.2%
9	SUNY Old Westbury Old Westbury, New York	$9,900		$8,379	46.6%	92.1%
10	SUNY College at Potsdam Potsdam, New York	$14,295		$8,712	47.9%	82.7%
11	SUNY at Fredonia Fredonia, New York	$15,644		$8,771	53.5%	84.6%
12	State University of New York at Cortland Cortland, New York	$19,951		$8,815	68.2%	59.8%
13	Siena College Loudonville, New York	$32,697		$44,405	75.8%	80.4%
14	St. Thomas Aquinas College Sparkill, New York	$21,344		$37,720	62.6%	88.6%
15	Barnard College New York, New York	$39,253		$66,246	92.9%	8.8%
16	Roberts Wesleyan University Rochester, New York	$23,461		$37,504	63.9%	99.5%
17	Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Troy, New York	$33,139		$61,884	83.2%	64.5%
18	New York Institute of Technology Old Westbury, New York	$20,709		$44,360	56.0%	75.7%
19	The New School New York, New York	$55,359		$56,386	71.2%	57.2%
20	University of Mount Saint Vincent Bronx, New York	$19,920		$42,740	57.1%	88.9%
21	Iona University New Rochelle, New York	$27,951		$45,880	57.4%	96.4%
22	Fordham University Bronx, New York	$42,581		$61,992	80.3%	54.1%
23	Daemen University Amherst, New York	$18,244		$33,724	58.4%	79.9%
24	CUNY Medgar Evers College Brooklyn, New York	$5,881		$7,352	22.3%	87.7%
25	CUNY Lehman College Bronx, New York	$3,482		$7,410	49.3%	55.3%
26	Canisius University Buffalo, New York	$18,322		$32,720	70.7%	77.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Empire State University such an outlier in arts program value?

Empire State University delivers the highest graduate earnings at $36,141 while charging only $11,147 net cost, creating the best earnings-to-cost ratio among New York arts programs. However, the school shows a concerning 29.3% graduation rate, suggesting many students don't complete their degrees. The combination of low costs and high earnings for graduates makes it worth considering despite completion challenges.

How do SUNY schools compare to private colleges for arts value?

SUNY schools consistently offer better value, with net costs ranging from $11,147 to $19,951 compared to private schools averaging over $25,000. New Paltz and Oneonta both maintain graduation rates near 70% while keeping costs below $19,000. Private schools like The New School charge $55,359 but offer similar graduation rates, making the public option financially superior for most students.

Is the low earnings potential at Purchase College concerning for arts majors?

SUNY Purchase shows the lowest graduate earnings at $19,227 despite reasonable costs of $19,067, reflecting the school's focus on fine arts over commercial applications. The 61.6% graduation rate suggests adequate academic support, but the earnings gap compared to Empire State's $36,141 is significant. Students should consider whether Purchase's artistic reputation justifies the lower financial returns.

Does attending expensive private schools like Barnard guarantee better outcomes?

Barnard College charges $39,253 net cost with a 92.9% graduation rate, showing strong academic support but lacking earnings data for comparison. The New School costs even more at $55,359 with a 71.2% graduation rate, demonstrating that high costs don't guarantee proportionally better completion rates. Private school premiums often reflect brand value rather than measurable career outcomes in arts fields.

Where do Visual and Performing Arts graduates find the best job opportunities in New York?

New York City's entertainment sector offers unparalleled opportunities, from Broadway's 40+ theaters to major film studios and advertising agencies. The state's media industry employs over 200,000 workers, creating demand for graduates with both creative and technical skills. However, the high cost of living in NYC metro areas means graduates need strong earning potential to justify expensive programs like those at The New School or Barnard.

More Visual and Performing Arts, General Rankings

Cheapest Visual and Performing Arts, General in New York Visual and Performing Arts, General Under $20,000 in New York

All Visual and Performing Arts, General Programs Best Colleges in New York Best Visual and Performing Arts, General in New York

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.