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Cheapest Visual and Performing Arts Colleges

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

Visual and Performing Arts, General programs reveal striking cost disparities, with net prices spanning from $3,307 at Navajo Technical University to $37,143 at private institutions like Antioch College. Public universities dominate the affordable end, particularly Ohio University's regional campuses where students pay around $6,178 in-state tuition across five locations. The earnings outlook varies dramatically, from $8,462 for graduates of Puerto Rico's art and design school to $48,041 for University of Florida alumni. Creative industries continue expanding across the Southeast and Southwest, where entertainment companies, digital media firms, and cultural organizations seek graduates with broad artistic foundations. Several schools on this list maintain open admission policies, making arts education accessible to students regardless of academic background. Regional campuses offer particular value, allowing students to complete foundational coursework before potentially transferring to main campuses for specialized training.
50
Programs
$3,307 – $13,670
Net Price Range
$25,782
Avg. Program Earnings
44.1%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Visual and Performing Arts, General Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,307 $4,250 19.7%
2 $3,482 $7,410 49.3% 55.3%
3 $4,503 $6,178 20.0%
4 $4,702 $3,876 77.7% 64.6%
5 $5,090 $3,105 14.3%
6 $5,231 $4,902 44.9% 100.0%
7 $5,328 $6,178 19.3%
8 $5,732 $8,054 56.2%
9 $5,881 $7,352 22.3% 87.7%
10 $5,971 $6,178 17.7%
11 $6,133 $6,178 13.7%
12 $6,351 $6,381 91.5% 23.4%
13 $6,483 $6,178 12.1%
14 $6,602 $37,143 26.3% 83.0%
15 $6,747 $8,147 52.2% 78.1%
16 $7,237 $3,412 48.1% 74.2%
17 $7,360 $3,969 35.2% 81.2%
18 $7,912 $7,868 34.9%
19 $8,130 $7,327 33.2% 88.9%
20 $8,327 $8,942 48.7% 96.9%
21 $8,471 $8,050 46.0% 83.1%
22 $8,683 $5,498 25.2%
23 $9,792 $6,817 53.5% 89.7%
24 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
25 $9,900 $8,379 46.6% 92.1%
26 $10,044 $7,855 39.8% 72.8%
27 $10,082 $6,340 47.9% 94.7%
28 $10,145 $5,068 35.4% 56.3%
29 $10,299 $10,208 54.8% 88.4%
30 $10,319 $6,118 56.0% 74.4%
31 $10,550 $7,739 54.2% 95.2%
32 $10,650 $6,368 75.1% 41.0%
33 $10,785 $5,009 36.8% 69.6%
34 $11,147 $7,630 29.3%
35 $11,180 $11,656 49.8% 75.6%
36 $11,480 $7,272 37.1%
37 $11,609 $5,392 45.2% 43.1%
38 $11,669 $24,705 32.1% 95.5%
39 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
40 $11,812 $7,912 22.1% 64.8%
41 $12,313 $14,338 60.3% 78.7%
42 $12,322 $5,801 24.5% 100.0%
43 $12,640 $58,128 95.7% 8.7%
44 $12,714 $14,520 99.2%
45 $12,744 $14,167 69.1% 89.5%
46 $12,865 $7,461 55.0% 74.3%
47 $13,172 $9,315 63.9% 89.1%
48 $13,198 $8,092 37.8% 99.1%
49 $13,584 $14,694 56.9% 90.1%
50 $13,670 $12,051 67.8% 89.8%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap between Visual and Performing Arts graduates?

Earnings range from $8,462 to $48,041 depending on location and institutional focus. University of Florida graduates earn $48,041 annually, while those from specialized art schools like Escuela de Artes Plasticas earn $8,462. Regional job markets significantly impact outcomes, with major metropolitan areas offering more opportunities in media, entertainment, and cultural sectors. Program structure also matters, as general arts degrees provide broad skills that translate differently across various creative industries.

How do Ohio University's regional campuses compare for arts students?

Ohio University operates five regional campuses with identical $6,178 in-state tuition but varying graduation rates from 12.1% to 20%. Eastern Campus in Saint Clairsville shows the highest completion rate at 20%, while Chillicothe struggles at 12.1%. Net costs range from $4,503 to $6,483 across locations. These campuses serve rural communities where students can begin arts training close to home before potentially transferring to the main Athens campus.

Is free admission available for Visual and Performing Arts programs?

Escuela de Artes Plasticas y Diseno de Puerto Rico accepts 100% of applicants, making it the most accessible option on this list. Several other schools maintain high acceptance rates, including CUNY Medgar Evers at 87.65% and Antioch College at 82.95%. Open admission policies reflect these institutions' mission to serve varied student populations. However, graduation rates at open-admission schools vary widely, from 14.3% at Atlanta Metropolitan to 56.2% at NUC University.

Does attending public versus private schools affect debt levels?

Public schools dominate the most affordable options, with 12 of the 15 cheapest programs offered at public institutions. University of Florida students graduate with $18,657 in debt despite the school's strong reputation and 91.5% graduation rate. New Mexico State University graduates carry $28,500 in debt but earn $19,455 annually. Private institutions like Antioch College charge significantly more, though specific debt data varies by school and student financial aid packages.

Where do CUNY schools rank among affordable arts programs?

Two CUNY campuses appear in the top affordable options: Lehman College at $3,482 net cost and Medgar Evers at $5,881. Lehman College achieves a 49.3% graduation rate with 55.31% acceptance, while Medgar Evers graduates 22.3% of students. Both schools charge around $7,400 in-state tuition, making them accessible to New York City residents. CUNY schools serve large populations of first-generation college students who benefit from proximity to the city's extensive creative industries.

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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.