by our College Data Analytics Team
[Fine & Studio Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/) 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 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 22 schools to find the best return on investment for fine & studio arts students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the fine & studio arts degrees they offer, see the list below.
Berea College tops our 2026 list of the best value fine & studio arts schools in Kentucky. Berea College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the town of Berea. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $51,658. Fine & Studio Arts graduates carry a median of $5,801 in student loans. Fine & Studio Arts graduates of Berea College earn a median of $20,036 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $5,801 median debt. The acceptance rate is 19%.
Northern Kentucky University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value fine & studio arts schools. Set in the suburb of Highland Heights, Northern Kentucky University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,088, with out-of-state students paying around $21,912. Fine & Studio Arts graduates carry a median of $25,724 in student loans. Soon after graduation, fine & studio arts degree recipients from Northern Kentucky University generally make around $31,448. Set against $25,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Murray State University earned it the #3 place for fine & studio arts. Murray State University is a large public school located in the town of Murray. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,900, while out-of-state students pay about $19,836. Typical student debt for fine & studio arts graduates is $24,619. Fine & Studio Arts graduates of Murray State University earn a median of $21,715 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Murray State University admits about 86% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in fine & studio arts will find it at Eastern Kentucky University, which ranked #4. Eastern Kentucky University is a large public school located in the town of Richmond. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,375 to complete the fine & studio arts program here. Soon after graduation, fine & studio arts degree recipients from Eastern Kentucky University generally make around $25,596. That is a strong return on a $27,375 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
A rank of #5 makes Morehead State University one of the best values for fine & studio arts. Morehead State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Morehead. Students from in state pay about $10,024 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $14,980. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the fine & studio arts program here. Fine & Studio Arts graduates of Morehead State University earn a median of $17,301 early in their careers. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
Western Kentucky University placed #6 among the best values for fine & studio arts. Set in the city of Bowling Green, Western Kentucky University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,652, with out-of-state students paying around $27,000. Fine & Studio Arts graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career fine & studio arts graduates make about $28,291. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%.
University Of Kentucky placed #7 among the best values for fine & studio arts. Set in the city of Lexington, University Of Kentucky is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Fine & Studio Arts graduates carry a median of $23,614 in student loans. Soon after graduation, fine & studio arts degree recipients from University Of Kentucky generally make around $49,568. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Kentucky admits about 93% of applicants.
University Of Louisville landed the #8 spot for fine & studio arts value this year. Set in the city of Louisville, University Of Louisville is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,136, with out-of-state students paying around $29,482. Fine & Studio Arts graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, fine & studio arts degree recipients from University Of Louisville generally make around $28,485. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. University Of Louisville admits about 79% of applicants.
Thomas More College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value fine & studio arts schools. Set in the suburb of Crestview Hills, Thomas More College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,025. Students borrow a median of $31,608 to complete the fine & studio arts program here. Fine & Studio Arts graduates of Thomas More College earn a median of $57,440 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 22 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.