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Cheapest Fine and Studio Arts Colleges in North Carolina

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

Elizabeth City State University offers North Carolina's most affordable Fine and Studio Arts program at just $7,237 annually, while Chapel Hill graduates earn $27,048 despite charging nearly double that cost. This dramatic spread reflects how art education value varies across the state's 20 programs, with net prices ranging from $7,237 to $19,314. North Carolina's growing creative economy provides opportunities in Charlotte's banking sector design teams, the Research Triangle's tech companies, and Asheville's thriving arts district. Public universities dominate the affordable options, with 13 of the 15 cheapest programs offered by state institutions. Graduation rates tell an important story about student success, spanning from 28.5% at Chowan University to an impressive 92.1% at UNC Chapel Hill. The state's Need-Based Scholarship program helps bridge funding gaps for talented artists from low-income families, making quality arts education accessible across varied economic backgrounds.
38
Programs
$7,237 – $41,048
Net Price Range
$22,523
Avg. Program Earnings
57.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

38 Fine and Studio Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
2 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
3 $9,918 $3,571 44.5% 89.7%
4 $10,170 $7,593 57.9% 91.9%
5 $10,980 $6,748 55.3% 56.4%
6 $12,579 $4,532 59.1% 84.8%
7 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
8 $12,983 $8,989 92.1% 17.1%
9 $13,393 $6,735 48.6% 73.4%
10 $14,745 $7,214 67.7% 79.6%
11 $15,028 $6,542 46.0% 84.4%
12 $16,189 $27,110 28.5% 86.7%
13 $16,487 $7,541 73.1% 83.1%
14 $16,514 $7,361 62.1% 92.3%
15 $16,931 $8,895 84.6% 47.2%
16 $17,740 $16,896 33.2% 58.9%
17 $17,893 $25,950 47.5% 74.6%
18 $18,127 $60,300 91.9% 17.0%
19 $18,835 $32,236 56.3% 87.5%
20 $19,314 $20,400 40.8% 84.3%
21 $19,472 $7,317 70.7% 68.8%
22 $20,197 $43,936 65.0% 73.2%
23 $20,313 $37,270 41.9% 74.2%
24 $21,200 $41,140 47.7% 83.5%
25 $21,371 $40,196 46.8% 86.2%
26 $21,376 $31,250 39.0% 39.9%
27 $21,953 $33,930 42.6% 69.1%
28 $23,393 $30,900 51.0% 82.9%
29 $23,665 $35,600 51.5% 94.6%
30 $23,719 $40,290 43.2% 84.0%
31 $23,991 $40,410 55.9% 88.6%
32 $24,137 $33,450 61.7% 75.0%
33 $24,978 $39,664 40.1% 75.7%
34 $27,786 $43,285 65.9% 71.3%
35 $28,746 $64,758 90.9% 21.4%
36 $34,454 $65,805 95.8% 6.4%
37 $40,721 $44,208 70.0% 78.9%
38 $41,048 $44,536 83.0% 74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Elizabeth City State University the most affordable option at $7,237?

Elizabeth City State University offers the lowest net price for Fine and Studio Arts in North Carolina at $7,237, with in-state tuition of just $3,412. The school maintains a 48.1% graduation rate and accepts 74.15% of applicants. This makes it an accessible entry point for students seeking quality arts education without significant debt burden.

How do earnings compare between the cheapest and most expensive programs?

UNC Charlotte graduates earn the highest at $29,064 annually, despite charging $14,745 in net costs. Meanwhile, UNC Pembroke graduates earn just $13,969 but pay only $9,918 in net costs. Chapel Hill graduates earn $27,048 while paying $12,983, showing that higher program costs often correlate with better post-graduation earning potential.

Is there a significant difference between public and private options?

Public universities clearly dominate affordable Fine and Studio Arts education in North Carolina. Only one private institution, Chowan University at $16,189, appears among the 15 cheapest programs. Chowan charges $27,110 in tuition but offers substantial aid, though its 28.5% graduation rate raises concerns about student success.

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

Higher-priced programs generally show better graduation rates, with Chapel Hill leading at 92.1% despite charging $12,983. North Carolina State achieves 84.6% graduation rates at $16,931, while the cheapest option at Elizabeth City State maintains a respectable 48.1%. This suggests that program investment often reflects in student completion success.

Where do Fine and Studio Arts graduates find work in North Carolina?

North Carolina's creative economy spans Charlotte's banking design teams, Research Triangle tech companies, and Asheville's arts scene. Graduates earning $29,064 at UNC Charlotte benefit from proximity to major corporations needing graphic design and marketing talent. The state's growing healthcare sector also creates demand for medical illustration and therapeutic arts positions.

More Fine and Studio Arts Rankings

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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.