by our College Data Analytics Team
[Art Studies](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/art-studies/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 24 schools to find the best return on investment for art studies students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the art studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Indiana University Southeast earned the #1 spot for value among art studies schools in Indiana. Set in the suburb of New Albany, Indiana University Southeast is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $18,942 in student loans. Early-career art studies graduates make about $31,194. That is a strong return on a $18,942 median debt. The acceptance rate is 84%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Indiana University South Bend earned it the #2 place for art studies. Set in the city of South Bend, Indiana University South Bend is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Students borrow a median of $25,295 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $23,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Southern Indiana is a great value for students pursuing a degree in art studies, landing the #3 spot this year. University Of Southern Indiana is a large public school located in the suburb of Evansville. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,066, compared with $22,907 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,637 to complete the art studies program here. Art Studies graduates of University Of Southern Indiana earn a median of $28,890 early in their careers. Set against $22,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value art studies schools. Located in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,532, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,873 to complete the art studies program here. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne generally make around $27,775. Set against $26,873 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.
Purdue University Main Campus is a great value for students pursuing a degree in art studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Students borrow a median of $21,128 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $27,114. Set against $21,128 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants.
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Indiana University Bloomington landed the #6 spot for art studies value this year. Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public school located in the city of Bloomington. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the art studies program here. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $33,265. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Indiana University Bloomington admits about 78% of applicants.
Indiana State University earned the #7 position for value in art studies this year. Located in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $10,258 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Students borrow a median of $26,959 to complete the art studies program here. Art Studies graduates of Indiana State University earn a median of $53,952 early in their careers. Set against $26,959 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants.
Ball State University placed #8 among the best values for art studies. Located in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Students borrow a median of $25,637 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $28,405. That is a strong return on a $25,637 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%.
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 · 24 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.