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Cheapest Fine and Studio Arts Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks delivers a remarkable net price of $7,669 for Fine and Studio Arts students, nearly half the cost of Missouri's next cheapest option. This dramatic price difference stems from the college's work-study program where students contribute labor instead of cash. Missouri's creative economy benefits from major employers like Hallmark Cards and local advertising agencies that frequently hire visual artists for marketing campaigns. The state's 15 affordable Fine and Studio Arts programs span net prices from $7,669 to $17,502, with public universities like Missouri Southern State charging just $8,400 in-state tuition. Graduates face varied earning potential, with University of Central Missouri alumni earning $22,192 compared to Avila University's $38,289. The 61% graduation rate gap between top performers like William Jewell College and struggling programs like Lincoln University at 22% reflects significant quality differences across Missouri's art education market.
32
Programs
$7,669 – $29,555
Net Price Range
$27,905
Avg. Program Earnings
54.5%
Avg. Graduation Rate

32 Fine and Studio Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
2 $11,653 $8,400 38.3% 99.5%
3 $12,030 $9,470 68.4% 45.1%
4 $12,323 $13,440 56.9% 51.1%
5 $12,484 $9,290 22.1%
6 $12,638 $9,800 39.8%
7 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
8 $13,375 $8,044 32.1%
9 $14,532 $9,496 55.7% 86.3%
10 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
11 $15,336 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
12 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
13 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
14 $16,939 $38,672 42.6% 67.6%
15 $17,502 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
16 $17,945 $23,000 24.5% 61.2%
17 $18,251 $28,976 56.8% 94.4%
18 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
19 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
20 $19,889 $14,130 76.2% 79.1%
21 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
22 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
23 $21,523 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
24 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%
25 $22,117 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
26 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
27 $24,051 $24,326 45.7%
28 $26,047 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
29 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
30 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
31 $27,075 $53,244 79.8% 84.7%
32 $29,555 $43,550 64.9% 58.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks so much cheaper than other art schools?

College of the Ozarks charges no tuition through its work-study program where students work 15 hours weekly on campus. This reduces the net price to just $7,669 compared to typical private art schools. The college maintains selective 21% admission rates to ensure committed students. Room, board, and fees still apply, but the work program covers most educational costs.

How do Missouri public universities compare for art program costs?

Missouri's public art programs range from $8,400 at Missouri Southern State to $13,440 at UM-St Louis for in-state students. Net prices after aid span $11,653 to $17,502 across public institutions. Missouri State University-Springfield offers strong value with $9,024 tuition and 57% graduation rates. Most public programs maintain high acceptance rates above 85%, making admission accessible.

Is there a significant earnings difference between Missouri art graduates?

Missouri art graduates show dramatic earning variations from $22,192 to $38,289 depending on their school. Avila University leads with $38,289 average earnings despite higher costs. University of Central Missouri graduates earn just $22,192, the lowest among reporting schools. These differences often reflect program focus, with commercial art tracks typically producing higher salaries than fine arts concentrations.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Missouri art schools?

Higher-priced programs generally show better graduation rates, but exceptions exist. College of the Ozarks achieves 61% graduation rates at the lowest net price through its selective admissions. Lincoln University struggles with only 22% graduation rates despite reasonable $12,484 costs. Truman State delivers 68% graduation rates with moderate $12,030 net pricing, showing strong academic support systems.

Where do Missouri art graduates typically find employment?

Missouri's creative sector includes Hallmark Cards, local advertising agencies, and entertainment companies in Kansas City and St Louis. Healthcare systems like BJC HealthCare hire medical illustrators and graphic designers. The state's agriculture industry employs artists for packaging design and marketing materials. Many graduates also pursue freelance work or start small studios serving regional businesses.

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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.