by our College Data Analytics Team
[Art Studies](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/art-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong art studies education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 40 schools to find the best return on investment for art studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in art studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
College Of Dupage earned the #1 spot for value among art studies schools in Illinois. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,560, while out-of-state students pay about $12,750. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $12,492 in student loans. Early-career art studies graduates make about $43,025. Set against $12,492 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Western Illinois University one of the best values for art studies. Set in the town of Macomb, Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the art studies program here. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Western Illinois University generally make around $26,196. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Saint Xavier University earned it the #3 place for art studies. Saint Xavier University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,945. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $25,735. Early-career art studies graduates make about $51,753. Set against $25,735 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Northern Illinois University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in art studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $25,781 in student loans. Early-career art studies graduates make about $26,795. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Northeastern Illinois University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value art studies schools. Northeastern Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Chicago. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,383, with out-of-state students paying around $22,726. Students borrow a median of $20,319 to complete the art studies program here. Art Studies graduates of Northeastern Illinois University earn a median of $30,845 early in their careers. Set against $20,319 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted.
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Eastern Illinois University came in at #6 for value in art studies this year. Set in the town of Charleston, Eastern Illinois University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,377, while out-of-state students pay about $15,859. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $25,000. Early-career art studies graduates make about $40,891. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted.
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #7 among the best values for art studies. Set in the suburb of Edwardsville, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,280 to complete the art studies program here. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville generally make around $25,259. Set against $27,280 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.
Illinois State University placed #8 among the best values for art studies. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Students borrow a median of $20,125 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $35,967. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Illinois State University admits about 88% of applicants.
Olivet Nazarene University placed #9 among the best values for art studies. Set in the suburb of Bourbonnais, Olivet Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $38,900 in tuition and fees. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Olivet Nazarene University generally make around $16,290. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Olivet Nazarene University admits about 56% of applicants.
Lake Forest College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value art studies schools. Lake Forest College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Lake Forest. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $56,402. Students borrow a median of $26,661 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $41,168. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lake Forest College admits about 57% of applicants.
Depaul University placed #11 among the best values for art studies. Set in the city of Chicago, Depaul University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,999 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $27,291. Set against $26,999 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 40 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.