by our College Data Analytics Team
[Art Studies](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/art-studies/) 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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 14 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes 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.
Leading the list is Montgomery College, our #1 best value for art studies in Maryland. Set in the city of Rockville, Montgomery College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,394, compared with $14,250 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $11,230. Early-career art studies graduates make about $24,833. That is a strong return on a $11,230 median debt.
Salisbury University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in art studies, landing the #2 spot this year. Salisbury University is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Salisbury. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,084, with out-of-state students paying around $22,174. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $24,239 in student loans. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Salisbury University generally make around $20,632. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Towson University one of the best values for art studies. Towson University is a very large public school located in the city of Towson. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $17,978. Early-career art studies graduates make about $29,958. Set against $17,978 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.
Mcdaniel College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value art studies schools. Mcdaniel College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Westminster. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $23,247. Early-career art studies graduates make about $54,904. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
A rank of #5 makes Maryland Institute College Of Art one of the best values for art studies. Maryland Institute College Of Art is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Baltimore. Students from in state pay about $56,800 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $25,693. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
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This ranking is produced 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 · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.