Best Value Visual and Performing Arts Colleges in New York

SUNY at Purchase delivers remarkable value in Visual and Performing Arts with a $19,067 net cost and $38,289 graduate earnings, creating one of the strongest cost-to-earnings ratios in higher education. This public option costs less than half of most private alternatives while preparing students for New York's $86 billion creative economy that employs over 300,000 people across film, television, theater, and digital media. Columbia follows at $20,148 net cost but with a 3.95% acceptance rate that makes admission extremely competitive. The earnings spread from $21,964 to $38,289 shows how program choice and location within New York significantly impact career outcomes.

Programs

$19,067 – $35,035

Net Price Range

$30,664

Avg. Program Earnings

70.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

10 Visual and Performing Arts, Other Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	SUNY at Purchase College Purchase, New York	$19,067	$38,289	$8,953	61.6%	74.7%
2	Columbia University in the City of New York New York, New York	$20,148	$31,127	$69,045	95.0%	4.0%
3	Nazareth University Rochester, New York	$30,521	$32,029	$40,880	72.9%	83.9%
4	Wells College Aurora, New York	$22,921	$21,964	$35,166	40.9%	87.7%
5	New York University New York, New York	$35,035	$33,138	$60,438	88.5%	12.5%
6	Cornell University Ithaca, New York	$32,337	$27,439	$66,014	95.1%	7.5%
7	Adelphi University Garden City, New York	$28,348		$47,290	68.9%	72.8%
8	Long Island University Brookville, New York	$23,901		$41,642	55.4%	92.7%
9	Roberts Wesleyan University Rochester, New York	$23,461		$37,504	63.9%	99.5%
10	Russell Sage College Troy, New York	$23,027		$36,756	65.7%	73.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes SUNY at Purchase such strong value for arts programs?

Purchase combines a $19,067 net cost with $38,289 graduate earnings, delivering nearly double the return compared to most programs. The 74.68% acceptance rate makes admission achievable while maintaining quality outcomes.

How much do private arts programs cost compared to public options?

Private programs range from $20,148 at Columbia to $35,035 at NYU, while Purchase costs just $19,067. This $16,000 gap shows how public education provides significant savings without sacrificing earning potential.

Does location within New York affect arts career earnings?

Schools in New York City like Columbia and NYU connect students to major media companies, theaters, and production studios. Purchase graduates earn $38,289 despite the school's suburban location, suggesting strong industry connections statewide.

What graduation rates should arts students expect?

Rates vary dramatically from Wells College's 40.90% to Cornell's 95.10%, with most programs falling between 55-75%. Higher completion rates often correlate with better support systems and career preparation.

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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.