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2027 Best Value Fine Arts Schools in Minnesota

5 Colleges in the United States
$24,317 Avg Student Debt
$59,963 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2027 Best Value Fine Arts Badge [Fine Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/fine-arts/) 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 5 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for fine arts students.

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2027 Best Value Fine Arts Schools in Minnesota

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in fine arts, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Fine Arts Schools

1

For return on investment in fine arts, no school beat University Of Minnesota Duluth this year. Located in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $24,624 in student loans. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Duluth generally make around $25,660. Set against $24,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%.

2

A rank of #2 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values for fine arts. Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public school located in the city of Mankato. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Minnesota State University Mankato generally make around $38,717. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

3
Carleton College crest
Carleton College
Northfield, MN

Students looking for strong value in fine arts will find it at Carleton College, which ranked #3. Carleton College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Northfield. In-state tuition and fees average $68,892. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $17,566 in student loans. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Carleton College generally make around $45,096. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carleton College admits about 20% of applicants.

4

Minneapolis College Of Art And Design is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fine arts, landing the #4 spot this year. Minneapolis College Of Art And Design is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Minneapolis. In-state tuition and fees average $45,484. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $30,250. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $19,524. Set against $30,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.

5
Macalester College crest
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Macalester College earned it the #5 place for fine arts. Located in the city of Saint Paul, Macalester College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,104. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $22,147. Fine Arts graduates of Macalester College earn a median of $42,517 early in their careers. Set against $22,147 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 28% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

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 · 5 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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