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Cheapest Visual and Performing Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Cheyney University stands out among Pennsylvania's Visual and Performing Arts programs with a net price of just $9,837, making it nearly $6,000 cheaper than the next most affordable option. This dramatic cost difference reflects Pennsylvania's mix of public state universities and private institutions, where net prices range from under $10,000 to over $25,000. The state's arts scene connects strongly to Philadelphia's theater district and Pittsburgh's cultural sector, where UPMC and other major employers increasingly value creative professionals for marketing and patient engagement roles. Temple University graduates in this field earn a median of $21,703, providing insight into entry-level expectations across Pennsylvania's arts market. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with East Stroudsburg at $15,089 and University of Pittsburgh-Bradford at $16,630 offering significantly lower costs than private alternatives. Pennsylvania's PA State Grant program helps reduce these expenses further for qualifying residents. The graduation rate spread tells an interesting story, from Cheyney's 16.20% to Haverford's 89.40%, suggesting that cost and completion rates don't always correlate directly in arts programs.
20
Programs
$9,837 – $43,369
Net Price Range
$21,703
Avg. Program Earnings
63.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

20 Visual and Performing Arts, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
2 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
3 $16,630 $14,620 43.4% 93.6%
4 $17,034 $14,630 39.6% 97.6%
5 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
6 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
7 $21,409 $35,570 57.9% 94.3%
8 $23,206 $37,951 69.5% 80.9%
9 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
10 $25,210 $68,300 89.4% 14.2%
11 $25,717 $43,810 66.2% 66.3%
12 $25,885 $37,420 56.0% 63.2%
13 $28,714 $37,300 46.1% 85.5%
14 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
15 $30,074 $21,524 84.3% 49.1%
16 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
17 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
18 $35,487 $51,340 79.8% 88.7%
19 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
20 $43,369 $50,279 63.4% 53.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive price gap between Cheyney University at $9,837 and other Pennsylvania arts programs?

Cheyney University, as a historically black public university, receives additional state funding that helps keep costs extremely low for Visual and Performing Arts students. The next cheapest option, East Stroudsburg University, costs $15,089, representing a $5,252 difference. This gap reflects Pennsylvania's funding structure for different types of public institutions. Cheyney's low graduation rate of 16.20% may also reflect the challenges facing students who choose primarily based on affordability.

How do Pennsylvania's public universities compare to private schools for Visual and Performing Arts affordability?

Public universities in Pennsylvania dominate the affordable tier, with five schools under $18,000 compared to private institutions starting around $21,409 at La Salle University. The University of Pittsburgh system offers three campuses with net prices between $16,630 and $30,074, giving students geographic options. Private schools like Haverford College reach $25,210 despite generous aid, while maintaining much higher graduation rates of 89.40%. Pennsylvania residents benefit significantly from in-state tuition rates and the PA State Grant program.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Pennsylvania's Visual and Performing Arts programs?

The data reveals a complex relationship where higher-priced programs generally show better graduation rates, but with notable exceptions. Cheyney University at $9,837 has a 16.20% graduation rate, while Haverford College at $25,210 achieves 89.40%. However, mid-range public options like Indiana University of Pennsylvania at $17,216 deliver solid 52.40% graduation rates. Private institutions consistently exceed 55% graduation rates despite their higher costs.

What career earning potential exists for Visual and Performing Arts graduates in Pennsylvania?

Temple University data shows Visual and Performing Arts graduates earning a median of $21,703, which reflects entry-level positions in Pennsylvania's arts and media sectors. The state's major employers like Comcast in Philadelphia and UPMC in Pittsburgh increasingly hire creative professionals for content development and marketing roles. Pennsylvania's theater scene, particularly in Philadelphia, provides additional opportunities for performing arts graduates. Students should consider that arts careers often require building experience through internships and part-time creative work initially.

Where can students find the best value combination of affordability and graduation success in Pennsylvania?

Indiana University of Pennsylvania offers strong value at $17,216 with a 52.40% graduation rate and 91.94% acceptance rate, making it accessible yet successful. Kutztown University provides another solid option at $21,205 with a 54.10% graduation rate for students seeking public university benefits. Among private schools, La Salle University in Philadelphia at $21,409 delivers 57.90% graduation rates with proximity to the city's arts scene. Students should weigh location benefits, as Philadelphia and Pittsburgh offer more internship and networking opportunities.

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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.