Cheapest Visual and Performing Arts Colleges in Virginia

Virginia's visual and performing arts programs show a dramatic $20,965 cost gap between the most affordable option at University of Virginia's College at Wise ($11,180) and the highest at Hampton University ($32,145). Public institutions dominate the lower end, with four of the five cheapest programs coming from state schools. Virginia State University graduates earn just $21,964 annually, while George Mason University alumni command $37,980. The proximity to Washington DC's federal agencies and defense contractors like Northrop Grumman creates opportunities for arts graduates in government communications, cultural programming, and corporate marketing roles.

Programs

$11,180 – $32,145

Net Price Range

$26,731

Avg. Program Earnings

57.9%

Avg. Graduation Rate

14 Visual and Performing Arts, General Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Virginia's College at Wise Wise, Virginia	$11,180	$11,656	49.8%	75.6%
2	Virginia State University Petersburg, Virginia	$14,553	$9,755	40.7%	89.7%
3	George Mason University Fairfax, Virginia	$18,287	$13,815	69.3%	90.0%
4	Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond, Virginia	$19,452	$16,458	65.4%	91.0%
5	Bridgewater College Bridgewater, Virginia	$20,173	$41,350	49.4%	90.4%
6	Emory & Henry University Emory, Virginia	$20,591	$35,280	53.8%	96.9%
7	Longwood University Farmville, Virginia	$20,814	$15,200	61.6%	87.8%
8	University of Mary Washington Fredericksburg, Virginia	$21,108	$14,559	67.4%	85.8%
9	Christopher Newport University Newport News, Virginia	$22,197	$16,351	75.1%	85.4%
10	Sweet Briar College Sweet Briar, Virginia	$23,383	$25,110	48.1%	75.8%
11	Southern Virginia University Buena Vista, Virginia	$24,014	$20,040	38.3%	99.5%
12	Hampden-Sydney College Hampden-Sydney, Virginia	$24,668	$52,388	65.3%	39.8%
13	Shenandoah University Winchester, Virginia	$30,055	$36,028	70.5%	80.4%
14	Hampton University Hampton, Virginia	$32,145	$29,162	55.7%	74.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes University of Virginia's College at Wise the most affordable option?

UVA Wise charges just $11,180 net price with an in-state tuition of $11,656, making it the clear budget leader. The school maintains a 75.57% acceptance rate while graduating 49.80% of students.

How do earnings vary between Virginia's arts programs?

Graduate salaries range from $21,964 at Virginia State University to $37,980 at George Mason University, a $15,016 difference. University of Mary Washington and Christopher Newport University both produce graduates earning around $22,500 annually.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private schools?

Public schools average much lower net prices, with the top five most affordable all being state institutions. Private options like Bridgewater College ($20,173) and Sweet Briar College ($23,383) still remain competitive with mid-tier public choices.

Does location within Virginia affect program costs?

Schools near major metropolitan areas like George Mason University in Fairfax ($18,287) and Christopher Newport in Newport News ($22,197) tend to cost more than rural options. University of Virginia's College at Wise in rural southwestern Virginia offers the lowest net price at $11,180.

More Visual and Performing Arts, General Rankings

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

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

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