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. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 3 schools to find the best return on investment 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.
Our analysis ranked Central New Mexico Community College the best value for a degree in art studies in New Mexico. Set in the city of Albuquerque, Central New Mexico Community College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,060, while out-of-state students pay about $8,684. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $10,112. Early-career art studies graduates make about $34,751. Set against $10,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Santa Fe Community College one of the best values for art studies. Located in the rural area of Santa Fe, Santa Fe Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $1,851, compared with $4,131 for out-of-state students. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $15,267 in student loans. Art Studies graduates of Santa Fe Community College earn a median of $51,935 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,267 median debt.
University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in art studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Albuquerque, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,140, with out-of-state students paying around $33,060. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $22,500. Early-career art studies graduates make about $21,994. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.