by our College Data Analytics Team
[Painting](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/painting/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value painting schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in painting, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in painting, no school beat Washington University In St Louis this year. Located in the suburb of St. Louis, Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,790. Typical student debt for painting graduates is $17,553. Early-career painting graduates make about $68,303. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 12%.
Columbia College Missouri came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value painting schools. Set in the city of Columbia, Columbia College Missouri is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,276 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,213 to complete the painting program here. Soon after graduation, painting degree recipients from Columbia College Missouri generally make around $47,962. Set against $29,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in painting will find it at Kansas City Art Institute, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Kansas City, Kansas City Art Institute is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $44,550 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for painting graduates is $27,000. Early-career painting graduates make about $22,906. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Kansas City Art Institute admits about 55% of applicants.
This list is compiled 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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.