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2025 Best Visual & Performing Arts Schools in the Southeast Region

144 Colleges in the Southeast Region
31,401 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
$27,860 Avg Early-Career Salary
A degree in visual & performing arts is more popular than many other degrees. In fact, it ranks #10 out of 38 on popularity of all such degrees in the nation. This means you won't have too much trouble finding schools that offer the degree.

College Factual looked at 144 colleges and universities when compiling its 2025 Best Visual & Performing Arts Schools in the Southeast Region ranking. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 31,401 degrees in visual & performing arts annually.

What's on this page: * Degree-Level Rankings

Choosing a Great Visual & Performing Arts School

Best Visual & Performing Arts Schools in the Southeast Region The visual & performing arts program you select can have a big impact on your future. That's why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Visual & Performing Arts rankings. We derive our Best Overall Visual & Performing Arts School rankings by rolling up our degree-level rankings after weighting them by the number of degrees awarded at each school.

In order to find the schools that are the best fit for you, you may want to filter to one of the degree levels below.

Visual & Performing Arts Rankings by Degree Level

Associate Degrees in Visual & Performing Arts
Bachelor's Degrees in Visual & Performing Arts
Master's Degrees in Visual & Performing Arts
Doctor's Degrees in Visual & Performing Arts

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we've developed the Best Visual & Performing Arts Schools in the Southeast Region ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision. You can also filter this list by location to find schools closer to you.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

More information on how we come up with our rankings can be found here: College Factual's Data Methodology.

Best Schools for Visual & Performing Arts in the Southeast Region

If you aren't interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the visual & performing arts degrees they offer, see the list below. Only those schools that rank in the top 20% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Top Southeast Region Schools in Visual & Performing Arts

1
Vanderbilt crest
Vanderbilt University
Nashville, TN
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
9th Most Popular In TN
84 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded

It's hard to beat Vanderbilt University if you want to pursue a degree in visual & performing arts. Located in the large city of Nashville, Vanderbilt is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #18 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Vanderbilt is a great university overall.

There were roughly 84 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Vanderbilt in the most recent data year.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Vanderbilt University

2
Belmont crest
Belmont University
Nashville, TN
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
656 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
$29,332 Median Starting Salary

Belmont University is one of the finest schools in the United States for getting a degree in visual & performing arts. Located in the city of Nashville, Belmont is a private not-for-profit university with a medium-sized student population. This university ranks 3rd out of 41 colleges for overall quality in the state of Tennessee.

There were roughly 656 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Belmont in the most recent data year. Graduates who receive their degree from the visual & performing arts program make around $29,332 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Belmont University

3
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,728 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
$25,739 Median Starting Salary

It is hard to beat Savannah College of Art and Design if you wish to pursue a degree in visual & performing arts. Located in the midsize city of Savannah, SCAD is a private not-for-profit college with a fairly large student population.

There were about 1728 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at SCAD in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the visual & performing arts program make around $25,739 in the first couple years of working.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Savannah College of Art and Design

4
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
354 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
$30,419 Median Starting Salary

University of Georgia is a good option for students interested in a degree in visual & performing arts. UGA is a very large public university located in the midsize city of Athens. A Best Colleges rank of #69 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UGA is a great university overall.

There were approximately 354 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at UGA in the most recent data year. Those visual & performing arts students who get their degree from University of Georgia receive $2,559 more than the typical visual & performing arts grad.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from University of Georgia

5
UF crest
University of Florida
Gainesville, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
476 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
6.1% Growth in Graduates

UF is a fairly large public university located in the city of Gainesville. A Best Colleges rank of #56 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UF is a great university overall.

There were roughly 476 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at UF in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the visual & performing arts program earn about $28,572 for their early career.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from University of Florida

6
Florida State crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
559 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
$28,309 Median Starting Salary

Florida State is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Tallahassee. A Best Colleges rank of #117 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means Florida State is a great university overall.

There were roughly 559 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Florida State in the most recent data year. After graduating, visual & performing arts degree recipients generally earn about $28,309 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Florida State University

7
Emory crest
Emory University
Atlanta, GA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
122 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
18.9% Growth in Graduates

Emory is a fairly large private not-for-profit university located in the large city of Atlanta. A Best Colleges rank of #31 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Emory is a great university overall.

There were roughly 122 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Emory in the most recent year we have data available. Those visual & performing arts students who get their degree from Emory University make $5,570 more than the typical visual & performing arts grad.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Emory University

8
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
285 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
$29,453 Median Starting Salary

Located in the medium-sized city of Columbia, UofSC is a public university with a very large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #99 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means UofSC is a great university overall.

There were roughly 285 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at UofSC in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the visual & performing arts program earn about $29,453 in the first couple years of their career.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from University of South Carolina - Columbia

9
U Miami crest
University of Miami
Coral Gables, FL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
383 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
11.0% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Coral Gables, U Miami is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 6th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 383 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at U Miami in the most recent data year. Soon after graduating, visual & performing arts degree recipients generally make an average of $26,891 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from University of Miami

10
JMU crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
290 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
4.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Harrisonburg, JMU is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 7th out of 57 colleges for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were approximately 290 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at JMU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the visual & performing arts degree program at James Madison University make $4,218 above the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from James Madison University

11
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
126 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
1.6% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Chapel Hill, UNC Chapel Hill is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #38 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means UNC Chapel Hill is a great university overall.

There were approximately 126 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at UNC Chapel Hill in the most recent year we have data available. Students who receive their degree from the visual & performing arts program make around $27,901 for their early career.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill

12
Virginia Tech crest
Virginia Tech
Blacksburg, VA
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
182 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
5.5% Growth in Graduates

Virginia Tech is a fairly large public school located in the city of Blacksburg. A Best Colleges rank of #58 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means Virginia Tech is a great school overall.

There were roughly 182 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Tech in the most recent data year. Those visual & performing arts students who get their degree from Virginia Tech receive $14,132 more than the typical visual & performing arts student.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Virginia Tech

13
Auburn crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
218 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
16.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the small city of Auburn, Auburn is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 42 schools for overall quality in the state of Alabama.

There were roughly 217.99999999999997 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Auburn in the most recent year we have data available. Degree recipients from the visual & performing arts degree program at Auburn University make $18,725 more than the standard graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Auburn University

14
Bachelor's Degree Highest Degree Type
110 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
$24,345 Median Starting Salary

Elon is a medium-sized private not-for-profit university located in the suburb of Elon. This university ranks 5th out of 93 schools for overall quality in the state of North Carolina.

There were about 110 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Elon in the most recent year we have data available. Soon after graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients typically make an average of $24,345 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Elon University

15
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
633 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
0.9% Growth in Graduates

VCU is a fairly large public university located in the city of Richmond. This university ranks 8th out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 633 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at VCU in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the visual & performing arts program report average early career wages of $24,350.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Virginia Commonwealth University

16
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
120 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
$23,372 Median Starting Salary

University of Virginia is a very large public university located in the medium-sized suburb of Charlottesville. A Best Colleges rank of #35 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means University of Virginia is a great university overall.

There were about 119.99999999999999 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at University of Virginia in the most recent data year. Students who graduate with their degree from the visual & performing arts program report average early career earnings of $23,372.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from University of Virginia - Main Campus

17
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
276 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
11.2% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Winston Salem, UNCSA is a public university with a small student population.

There were about 276 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at UNCSA in the most recent data year. After graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients usually make an average of $21,787 in their early careers.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from University of North Carolina School of the Arts

18
Clemson crest
Clemson University
Clemson, SC
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
136 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
$42,685 Median Starting Salary

Located in the midsize suburb of Clemson, Clemson is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 2nd out of 45 colleges for overall quality in the state of South Carolina.

There were about 136 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Clemson in the most recent data year. Visual & Performing Arts degree recipients from Clemson University receive an earnings boost of around $14,825 above the average income of visual & performing arts majors.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Clemson University

19
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
287 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
10.1% Growth in Graduates

Located in the city of Lexington, UK is a public university with a fairly large student population. This university ranks 1st out of 39 schools for overall quality in the state of Kentucky.

There were approximately 287 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at UK in the most recent year we have data available. Visual & Performing Arts degree recipients from University of Kentucky get an earnings boost of approximately $10,474 above the typical income of visual & performing arts graduates.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from University of Kentucky

20
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
148 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
15.5% Growth in Graduates

Located in the large city of Raleigh, NC State is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #122 out of 2,152 colleges nationwide means NC State is a great university overall.

There were about 148 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at NC State in the most recent year we have data available. Those visual & performing arts students who get their degree from North Carolina State University earn $19,012 more than the average visual & performing arts student.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from North Carolina State University

21
Doctor's Degree Highest Degree Type
335 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
$29,954 Median Starting Salary

Located in the large suburb of Fairfax, GMU is a public university with a fairly large student population. A Best Colleges rank of #92 out of 2,152 schools nationwide means GMU is a great university overall.

There were roughly 335 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at GMU in the most recent data year. Degree recipients from the visual & performing arts degree program at George Mason University make $2,094 above the standard college graduate in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from George Mason University

22
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
86 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
$20,302 Median Starting Salary

John Tyler Community College is a medium-sized public college located in the large suburb of Chester. This college ranks 36th out of 57 schools for overall quality in the state of Virginia.

There were about 86 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at John Tyler Community College in the most recent data year. After graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients usually make an average of $20,302 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from John Tyler Community College

23
Valencia College crest
Valencia College
Orlando, FL
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
194 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
$19,054 Median Starting Salary

Valencia College is a fairly large public college located in the city of Orlando. This college ranks 4th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 194 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Valencia College in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients typically earn about $19,054 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Valencia College

24
Master's Degree Highest Degree Type
1,163 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
4.9% Growth in Graduates

Located in the suburb of Orlando, UCF is a public university with a very large student population. This university ranks 10th out of 70 schools for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were approximately 1163 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at UCF in the most recent data year. Students who receive their degree from the visual & performing arts program earn an average of $27,820 for their early career.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from University of Central Florida

25
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type
$34,140 Median Starting Salary

Palm Beach State College is a fairly large public college located in the large suburb of Lake Worth. This college ranks 12th out of 70 colleges for overall quality in the state of Florida.

There were roughly 22 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Palm Beach State College in the most recent data year. Those visual & performing arts students who get their degree from Palm Beach State College make $6,280 more than the average visual & performing arts grad.

More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Palm Beach State College

Rest of the Top Best Visual & Performing Arts Schools in the Southeast Region

26
Shenandoah crest
Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA
27
28

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Visual & Performing Arts students in the Southeast Region that almost earned our Best Visual & Performing Arts Schools in the Southeast Region award.

Rank College Location
29 Liberty University Lynchburg, VA
30 Marymount University Arlington, VA
31 Gwinnett Technical College Lawrenceville, GA
32 University of Alabama in Huntsville Huntsville, AL
33 Furman University Greenville, SC
34 Ringling College of Art and Design Sarasota, FL
35 Longwood University Farmville, VA
36 College of Charleston Charleston, SC
37 Samford University Birmingham, AL
38 William & Mary Williamsburg, VA
39 The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL
40 University of North Carolina at Wilmington Wilmington, NC
41 Florida Southern College Lakeland, FL
42 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
43 Wake Technical Community College Raleigh, NC
44 Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College Baton Rouge, LA
45 Loyola University New Orleans New Orleans, LA
46 University of North Carolina at Greensboro Greensboro, NC
47 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV
48 University of North Carolina at Charlotte Charlotte, NC

Best Visual & Performing Arts Colleges by State

Explore the best visual & performing arts colleges for a specific state in the Southeast Region .

State Colleges Degrees Awarded
North Carolina 38 3,192
West Virginia 38 405
Mississippi 38 695
South Carolina 38 1,353
Florida 38 7,266
Virginia 38 3,458
Arkansas 38 821
Alabama 37 1,138
Kentucky 37 1,060
Georgia 37 4,303
Tennessee 37 2,628
Louisiana 37 1,147

View All Rankings >

Visual & Performing Arts Majors to Study

Major Annual Graduates
Design & Applied Arts 8,008
Fine & Studio Arts 6,112
Music 5,431
Film, Video & Photographic Arts 3,857
Drama & Theater Arts 3,274
General Visual & Performing Arts 2,101
Arts & Media Management 1,830
Dance 544
Other Visual Art 204
Crafts, Folk Art & Artisanry 39

View All Visual & Performing Arts Related Majors >

Notes and References

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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