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Cheapest Visual and Performing Arts Colleges

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

Santa Monica College delivers the nation's most affordable Visual and Performing Arts, Other program at just $3,600 net cost, creating an extraordinary entry point into creative fields where graduates typically earn between $22,999 and $30,771. This California community college sits in the heart of the entertainment industry, where major studios like Sony Pictures, Universal, and Disney maintain headquarters within a 25-mile radius. The cost gap between Santa Monica's bargain tuition and private options like Millikin University at $8,837 demonstrates how strategic school selection can save students over $5,000 annually. Public institutions dominate this affordable market, with University of South Florida graduates earning $30,771 despite paying only $10,043 net cost. Several University of California campuses appear on this list, including UCLA at $14,013 and UC San Diego at $11,750, proving that top-tier education remains accessible. Cameron University in Oklahoma represents the opposite extreme with a 21.5% graduation rate, while UCLA boasts a 92.7% completion rate. The wide earnings range reflects varied career paths within this field, from arts administration to multimedia design roles that increasingly drive California's $186 billion creative economy.
50
Programs
$3,600 – $29,932
Net Price Range
$28,765
Avg. Program Earnings
64.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

50 Visual and Performing Arts, Other Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $3,600 $1,156 35.8%
2 $8,837 $26,892 59.1% 75.4%
3 $10,043 $6,410 74.6% 43.9%
4 $10,705 $6,900 21.5%
5 $10,898 $12,559 68.2% 88.1%
6 $11,592 $14,952 44.8% 75.0%
7 $11,750 $15,265 87.6% 23.7%
8 $12,878 $8,342 53.1% 89.6%
9 $12,932 $11,238 53.1% 93.1%
10 $13,485 $12,643 83.7% 47.5%
11 $14,013 $13,747 92.7% 8.6%
12 $14,487 $6,496 82.2% 66.7%
13 $14,582 $12,240 53.8% 76.4%
14 $14,832 $17,228 93.2% 17.7%
15 $15,288 $15,247 85.1% 37.3%
16 $15,745 $10,314 38.7% 54.9%
17 $15,944 $9,820 46.5% 63.6%
18 $17,430 $36,298 49.5% 96.3%
19 $17,546 $9,772 46.7% 89.3%
20 $18,109 $13,484 73.5% 68.4%
21 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
22 $18,967 $66,939 94.9% 5.4%
23 $18,996 $16,021 66.3% 86.2%
24 $19,067 $8,953 61.6% 74.7%
25 $19,125 $7,683 32.3% 42.4%
26 $19,678 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
27 $20,148 $69,045 95.0% 4.0%
28 $20,583 $36,960 49.1% 81.4%
29 $21,423 $25,900 55.2% 96.0%
30 $22,112 $15,554 87.9% 43.0%
31 $22,668 $12,380 52.4%
32 $22,921 $35,166 40.9% 87.7%
33 $23,027 $36,756 65.7% 73.6%
34 $23,156 $13,570 71.5% 86.2%
35 $23,461 $37,504 63.9% 99.5%
36 $23,519 $35,300 63.6% 87.3%
37 $23,560 $44,980 69.8% 90.8%
38 $23,600 $34,100 53.9% 78.4%
39 $23,901 $41,642 55.4% 92.7%
40 $24,563 $55,461 76.4% 72.3%
41 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
42 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
43 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
44 $26,536 $41,416 69.4% 69.8%
45 $27,477 $34,800 65.1% 98.8%
46 $27,654 $37,938 68.6% 77.0%
47 $27,711 $55,160 77.1% 50.3%
48 $28,348 $47,290 68.9% 72.8%
49 $29,562 $64,142 85.0% 39.8%
50 $29,932 $32,150 26.0% 49.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the massive cost difference between Santa Monica College and other programs?

Santa Monica College operates as a community college with California's solid state funding model, resulting in a $3,600 net cost compared to Millikin University's $8,837 private tuition. Community colleges receive significant state subsidies that dramatically reduce student costs. The $5,237 savings at Santa Monica over two years could cover nearly an entire additional year of education. This model works particularly well in California where entertainment industry internships and entry-level positions are abundant near campus.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Visual and Performing Arts, Other?

Higher-cost programs generally show stronger completion rates, with UCLA at $14,013 achieving a 92.7% graduation rate while Cameron University at $10,705 manages only 21.5%. University of Michigan graduates 93.2% of students despite charging $14,832 net cost. However, University of South Florida breaks this pattern with a solid 74.6% graduation rate at just $10,043. These rates often reflect institutional support systems and student preparation levels rather than program quality alone.

Does location impact earning potential for Visual and Performing Arts, Other graduates?

Geographic positioning significantly affects post-graduation earnings, with University of South Florida graduates in Tampa earning $30,771 compared to Millikin University graduates in Illinois earning $22,999. California and Florida offer more entertainment industry opportunities than smaller markets. University of Michigan graduates earn $27,488 in a state with growing film incentive programs. The $7,772 earnings gap between highest and lowest performers often reflects regional job market density rather than program differences.

Where can students find the best value combination of low cost and strong outcomes?

University of South Florida delivers strong value at $10,043 net cost with graduates earning $30,771 and a 74.6% completion rate. UC San Diego offers another strong option at $11,750 with graduates earning $26,353 and an 87.6% graduation rate. University of Washington-Seattle provides solid outcomes at $13,485 with an 83.7% graduation rate. These three schools balance affordability with strong employment prospects and institutional support systems.

Is private education worth the additional cost for Visual and Performing Arts, Other students?

Private options like Millikin University and Brigham Young University charge significantly more but show mixed results compared to public alternatives. BYU graduates earn $25,194 with an 82.2% completion rate at $14,487 net cost, while comparable public programs often deliver similar outcomes for less money. Millikin costs $8,837 but graduates earn only $22,999, suggesting public institutions provide better financial returns. The 75.4% acceptance rate at Millikin indicates less competitive admission standards than top public programs.

More Visual and Performing Arts, Other Rankings

Best Value Visual and Performing Arts, Other Visual and Performing Arts, Other Under $20,000

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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.