Skip to main content

Cheapest Arts Colleges

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Ohio's regional campuses dominate the most affordable Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management programs, with Ohio University-Eastern Campus offering the lowest net price at $4,503. The cost difference between the cheapest and most expensive programs spans $8,375, highlighting significant savings opportunities for students. California State University-Fullerton graduates earn $29,685 annually, nearly $9,000 more than Florida Atlantic University graduates at $20,687, despite both being public institutions. The entertainment industry continues expanding beyond traditional hubs like Los Angeles and New York, creating management opportunities in regional markets across Ohio, Florida, and Texas. Several Ohio University satellite campuses appear in the top seven most affordable options, though their graduation rates range from 12.1% to 20%. Students can access quality programs at public institutions for under $7,000 net annually, while private options like Millikin University cost significantly more at $8,837 despite similar graduation rates to public alternatives.
50
Programs
$4,503 – $16,774
Net Price Range
$25,618
Avg. Program Earnings
47.9%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
2 $4,989 $7,050 23.6% 39.6%
3 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
4 $5,646 $7,073 69.2% 66.7%
5 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
6 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
7 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
8 $8,001 $4,879 64.3% 81.3%
9 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
10 $9,121 $9,708 59.5% 84.0%
11 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
12 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
13 $10,726 $9,744 45.9% 99.9%
14 $11,024 $11,990 54.0% 95.7%
15 $11,429 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
16 $12,202 $13,630 47.9% 87.9%
17 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
18 $12,514 $8,634 47.8% 93.2%
19 $12,599 $9,506 54.0% 72.5%
20 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
21 $13,024 $6,360 43.6% 55.2%
22 $13,091 $8,353 47.2% 96.1%
23 $13,346 $7,278 21.6%
24 $13,451 $11,160 42.7% 82.9%
25 $13,591 $24,150 39.1%
26 $13,710 $29,982 68.2% 77.5%
27 $13,726 $8,834 56.0% 89.1%
28 $13,778 $8,605 46.9% 98.6%
29 $13,782 $8,816 60.9% 73.9%
30 $13,824 $7,278 24.5%
31 $13,980 $28,670 31.0% 78.2%
32 $14,013 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
33 $14,224 $9,618 50.6% 98.8%
34 $14,295 $8,712 47.9% 82.7%
35 $14,317 $35,558 55.9% 75.0%
36 $14,459 $29,790 54.8% 70.9%
37 $14,528 $27,650 60.6% 66.8%
38 $14,693 $6,152 26.3%
39 $14,715 $9,192 49.9% 93.5%
40 $15,044 $6,706 28.2%
41 $15,235 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
42 $15,270 $9,118 43.4% 72.0%
43 $15,342 $11,790 81.2% 82.4%
44 $15,644 $8,771 53.5% 84.6%
45 $15,745 $10,314 38.7% 54.9%
46 $15,975 $33,220 38.3% 74.5%
47 $16,378 $10,234 65.9% 70.6%
48 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
49 $16,547 $8,881 58.8% 70.2%
50 $16,774 $36,258 47.4% 93.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Ohio University's regional campuses so affordable for this major?

Ohio University operates six regional campuses that offer Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management with net prices between $4,503 and $6,483. These campuses share resources with the main Athens campus while serving smaller student populations. The Eastern Campus in Saint Clairsville provides the lowest cost option at $4,503 net annually. However, graduation rates at these regional locations range from 12.1% to 20%, significantly lower than traditional four-year institutions.

How much can graduates expect to earn after completing these affordable programs?

Graduate earnings vary significantly, ranging from $20,687 to $29,685 annually among schools reporting salary data. California State University-Fullerton graduates earn the highest at $29,685, while Florida Atlantic University graduates start at $20,687. The University of North Alabama falls in the middle at $25,194 annually. These earnings reflect entry-level positions in arts administration, event management, and media production roles.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private institutions?

Public institutions dominate the most affordable options, with 13 of the 15 schools being state-funded. EDP University of Puerto Rico represents the most affordable private option at $4,989 net annually. Millikin University, the only mainland private institution in this affordable range, costs $8,837 net annually but offers a 59.1% graduation rate. Public schools typically provide better value, especially for in-state students who pay even less than the net prices listed.

Does program affordability correlate with graduation rates?

The data reveals an inverse relationship between cost and graduation rates in many cases. Ohio's most affordable regional campuses show graduation rates between 12.1% and 20%, while California State University-Fullerton achieves 69.2% graduation rates at $5,646 net annually. University of Central Florida demonstrates this balance well, with a 75.1% graduation rate at $10,650 net cost. Students should weigh immediate savings against completion likelihood when choosing programs.

Where do these affordable programs provide the best job market access?

Florida and California schools offer proximity to major entertainment markets, with Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton near Miami's media industry and Cal State Fullerton serving the Los Angeles metropolitan area. Texas programs like UT El Paso provide access to the growing Southwest entertainment sector. Ohio's regional campuses serve local arts organizations and smaller market opportunities. Geographic location significantly impacts internship availability and post-graduation networking opportunities in this field.

More Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management Rankings

Best Value Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management Under $20,000

Related

All Arts, Entertainment,and Media Management Programs All College Rankings Highest-Paying Majors 2026

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