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 5 schools to find the best return on investment for art studies students.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the art studies degrees they offer, see the list below.
Community College Of Rhode Island tops our 2026 list of the best value art studies schools in Rhode Island. Set in the city of Warwick, Community College Of Rhode Island is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,550, compared with $14,834 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,250 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $18,544. Set against $10,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Rhode Island is a great value for students pursuing a degree in art studies, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Rhode Island is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kingston. Students from in state pay about $16,942 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $37,146. Students borrow a median of $16,625 to complete the art studies program here. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from University Of Rhode Island generally make around $21,167. Set against $16,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Rhode Island admits about 72% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brown University earned it the #3 place for art studies. Brown University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Providence. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $71,312. Students borrow a median of $17,300 to complete the art studies program here. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Brown University generally make around $23,180. Set against $17,300 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 5% of applicants are accepted.
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This list is compiled 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.