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. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong art studies education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value art studies schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in art studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in art studies, no school beat Snow College this year. Set in the town of Ephraim, Snow College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,338, compared with $14,288 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $10,440. Early-career art studies graduates make about $42,776. Set against $10,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Weber State University one of the best values for art studies. Set in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,557 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Students borrow a median of $19,176 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $53,920. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in art studies will find it at Southern Utah University, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,962, while out-of-state students pay about $21,192. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $12,886 in student loans. Art Studies graduates of Southern Utah University earn a median of $44,998 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.
Utah State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value art studies schools. Utah State University is a very large public school located in the city of Logan. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $17,500. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Utah State University generally make around $33,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Utah State University admits about 92% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in art studies will find it at University Of Utah, which ranked #5. University Of Utah is a very large public school located in the city of Salt Lake City. In-state tuition and fees average $9,620, compared with $30,860 for out-of-state students. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $23,506 in student loans. Art Studies graduates of University Of Utah earn a median of $33,081 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Utah admits about 86% of applicants.
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Brigham Young University Provo placed #6 among the best values for art studies. Located in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $16,656 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $34,241. That is a strong return on a $16,656 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.
Dixie State College Of Utah earned the #7 position for value in art studies this year. Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public school located in the city of Saint George. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,306, with out-of-state students paying around $18,246. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $23,524. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The ranking above is published 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.