Cheapest Fine and Studio Arts Colleges in Wisconsin

Wisconsin's Fine and Studio Arts programs span a remarkable cost range, with University of Wisconsin-Parkside offering the most affordable option at just $10,044 annually while private institutions like Mount Mary University reach $18,295. The state's manufacturing heritage creates unique opportunities for arts graduates, particularly in design roles at major employers like Kimberly-Clark and GE Healthcare, where creative professionals contribute to product development and marketing. Public universities dominate the affordable market, with 13 of the 15 most budget-friendly programs coming from the UW system. Graduation rates vary significantly across price points, from UW-Parkside's 39.8% to UW-Madison's impressive 89.3%. Post-graduation earnings show UW-Platteville leading at $34,704 annually, while some programs report earnings as low as $22,192. The Wisconsin Grant provides additional support for in-state students, making these already affordable programs even more accessible. Students can pursue studio concentrations in ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, and digital media while building connections to Wisconsin's creative economy.

Programs

$10,044 – $27,514

Net Price Range

$27,268

Avg. Program Earnings

60.3%

Avg. Graduation Rate

29 Fine and Studio Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Wisconsin-Parkside Kenosha, Wisconsin	$10,044	$7,855	39.8%	72.8%
2	University of Wisconsin-Green Bay Green Bay, Wisconsin	$12,878	$8,342	53.1%	89.6%
3	University of Wisconsin-Superior Superior, Wisconsin	$13,405	$8,487	44.1%	95.6%
4	University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Stevens Point, Wisconsin	$13,726	$8,834	56.0%	89.1%
5	University of Wisconsin-River Falls River Falls, Wisconsin	$14,714	$8,606	60.9%	84.5%
6	University of Wisconsin-Platteville Platteville, Wisconsin	$14,754	$8,315	61.5%	85.4%
7	University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh Oshkosh, Wisconsin	$14,761	$8,212	57.9%	88.5%
8	University of Wisconsin-Whitewater Whitewater, Wisconsin	$14,785	$8,250	64.3%	82.4%
9	University of Wisconsin-La Crosse La Crosse, Wisconsin	$15,374	$9,651	71.2%	74.3%
10	University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,177	$10,020	51.2%	86.3%
11	Alverno College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$16,722	$32,794	50.5%	89.9%
12	University of Wisconsin-Madison Madison, Wisconsin	$16,928	$11,205	89.3%	49.1%
13	University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire Eau Claire, Wisconsin	$16,948	$9,277	67.6%	76.6%
14	University of Wisconsin-Stout Menomonie, Wisconsin	$17,365	$10,142	52.5%	86.3%
15	Mount Mary University Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$18,295	$34,390	58.9%	69.5%
16	Northland College Ashland, Wisconsin	$20,780	$42,491	43.3%	68.4%
17	Ripon College Ripon, Wisconsin	$21,176	$50,700	59.9%	81.3%
18	Wisconsin Lutheran College Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$21,315	$35,080	62.7%	93.8%
19	Beloit College Beloit, Wisconsin	$21,924	$58,554	67.2%	65.9%
20	Lakeland University Plymouth, Wisconsin	$22,092	$32,286	55.7%	99.5%
21	Viterbo University La Crosse, Wisconsin	$22,633	$32,350	65.2%	72.4%
22	Marian University Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin	$23,341	$33,000	41.2%	71.6%
23	Carroll University Waukesha, Wisconsin	$24,362	$37,230	69.6%	72.1%
24	Lawrence University Appleton, Wisconsin	$24,563	$55,461	76.4%	72.3%
25	Carthage College Kenosha, Wisconsin	$24,813	$36,500	60.5%	81.8%
26	Edgewood College Madison, Wisconsin	$25,634	$34,850	67.4%	98.6%
27	Saint Norbert College De Pere, Wisconsin	$25,674	$44,432	73.6%	83.6%
28	Concordia University-Wisconsin Mequon, Wisconsin	$26,067	$34,250	64.3%	70.4%
29	Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Milwaukee, Wisconsin	$27,514	$42,268	63.3%	64.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes UW-Parkside the most affordable Fine Arts option in Wisconsin?

UW-Parkside offers the lowest net cost at $10,044 annually with in-state tuition of just $7,855. The university accepts 72.83% of applicants, making admission relatively accessible. However, students should consider that the graduation rate stands at 39.8%, significantly lower than other programs in the state. The program provides foundational studio training at an unmatched price point.

How do earnings compare between Wisconsin Fine Arts programs?

UW-Platteville graduates earn the highest median salary at $34,704, substantially above other programs. UW-Whitewater follows at $33,192, while UW-Eau Claire reaches $31,825. UW-Stevens Point shows the lowest earnings at $22,192 despite moderate program costs. These earnings reflect the varied career paths available to Fine Arts graduates in Wisconsin's economy.

Does UW-Madison offer good value despite higher costs?

UW-Madison costs $16,928 annually but delivers strong outcomes with an 89.3% graduation rate, the highest among all programs. Graduates carry relatively low debt at $16,750 and earn $28,236 annually. The university accepts only 49.06% of applicants, making it the most selective Fine Arts program. Students gain access to top-tier facilities and faculty in the state's premier research environment.

Where can students find the best graduation rates among affordable programs?

UW-La Crosse achieves a 71.2% graduation rate at $15,374 annually, offering strong completion rates at moderate costs. UW-Whitewater follows with 64.3% at $14,785, while UW-Platteville reaches 61.5% at $14,754. These three programs balance affordability with student success better than lower-cost alternatives. Graduation rates generally correlate with program selectivity and institutional resources.

Is private education worth the extra cost for Fine Arts students?

Private institutions like Alverno College and Mount Mary University cost $16,722 and $18,295 respectively, significantly more than public options. Alverno achieves a 50.5% graduation rate while Mount Mary reaches 58.9%. Both accept most applicants but lack earnings data for comparison. Public universities generally provide better value, with similar or superior outcomes at substantially lower costs.

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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.