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Cheapest Visual and Performing Arts Colleges in Oregon

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

Southern Oregon University delivers the state's most affordable Visual and Performing Arts program at $16,470 net cost, nearly $24,000 less than Pacific Northwest College of Art's $40,846 price tag. Public universities dominate affordability with five of seven schools keeping costs under $20,000. Oregon's creative economy spans from Portland's film industry to the Oregon Shakespeare Festival in Ashland, creating demand for arts graduates despite the $21,312 median starting salary across programs.
7
Programs
$16,470 – $40,846
Net Price Range
$21,312
Avg. Program Earnings
55.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Visual and Performing Arts, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $16,470 $12,093 44.2% 88.0%
2 $17,722 $12,594 51.2% 79.0%
3 $18,290 $11,025 44.8% 83.4%
4 $19,568 $13,494 70.6% 82.5%
5 $27,341 $49,530 65.2% 88.7%
6 $35,350 $54,466 64.8% 92.3%
7 $40,846 $47,126 45.7% 94.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Oregon's cheapest and most expensive arts programs?

Public universities like Southern Oregon ($16,470) and Oregon State Cascades ($17,722) receive state funding that keeps costs low. Private schools like Pacific Northwest College of Art charge $40,846, reflecting specialized facilities and smaller class sizes without state subsidies.

How do graduation rates compare across Oregon's arts programs?

Oregon State University leads with a 70.6% graduation rate, while most other programs cluster between 44-65%. Southern Oregon University graduates 44.2% of students despite offering the lowest cost, suggesting affordability doesn't guarantee completion.

Does location within Oregon affect program costs?

Geographic patterns emerge clearly in pricing. Rural Ashland and Bend offer the cheapest options at $16,470 and $17,722 respectively, while Portland's specialized Pacific Northwest College of Art commands the highest price at $40,846 in the state's largest arts market.

More Visual and Performing Arts, General Rankings

Best Value Visual and Performing Arts, General in Oregon Visual and Performing Arts, General Under $20,000 in Oregon

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All Visual and Performing Arts, General Programs Best Colleges in Oregon Best Visual and Performing Arts, General in Oregon

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