by our College Data Analytics Team
[Art Studies](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/art-studies/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for art studies students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the art studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
For return on investment in art studies, no school beat Lansing Community College this year. Lansing Community College is a large public school located in the city of Lansing. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,100, with out-of-state students paying around $11,300. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $16,700 in student loans. Early-career art studies graduates make about $46,103. Set against $16,700 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Michigan Ann Arbor one of the best values for art studies. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,848, while out-of-state students pay about $63,081. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $19,319. Art Studies graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $31,367 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,319 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%.
Students looking for strong value in art studies will find it at Saginaw Valley State University, which ranked #3. Set in the suburb of University Center, Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,930, with out-of-state students paying around $30,450. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $28,091. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Saginaw Valley State University generally make around $28,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Grand Rapids Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in art studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Grand Rapids, Grand Rapids Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,179, while out-of-state students pay about $12,219. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $11,780 in student loans. Early-career art studies graduates make about $41,689. Set against $11,780 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wayne State University earned it the #5 place for art studies. Wayne State University is a very large public school located in the city of Detroit. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, with out-of-state students paying around $34,650. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $31,000. Art Studies graduates of Wayne State University earn a median of $20,948 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 81%.
Northern Michigan University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value art studies schools. Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Marquette. In-state tuition and fees average $14,322, compared with $19,944 for out-of-state students. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career art studies graduates make about $23,786. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Western Michigan University ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value art studies schools. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Students borrow a median of $28,495 to complete the art studies program here. Art Studies graduates of Western Michigan University earn a median of $21,773 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,495 median debt. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.
Eastern Michigan University placed #8 among the best values for art studies. Set in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $27,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Eastern Michigan University generally make around $28,890. That is a strong return on a $27,250 median debt. Eastern Michigan University admits about 80% of applicants.
Kalamazoo College landed the #9 spot for art studies value this year. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $60,900. Students borrow a median of $26,118 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $37,374. Set against $26,118 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.