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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Art Studies Schools in Virginia

7 Colleges in the United States
$21,900 Avg Student Debt
$63,322 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Art Studies Badge [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 21 schools to find the best return on investment for art studies students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Art Studies Schools in Virginia

If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the art studies degrees they offer, see the list below.

Best Value Art Studies Schools

1

Our analysis ranked Northern Virginia Community College the best value for a degree in art studies in Virginia. Located in the suburb of Annandale, Northern Virginia Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,891 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,410 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,413 to complete the art studies program here. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Northern Virginia Community College generally make around $40,126. That is a strong return on a $14,413 median debt.

2

Students looking for strong value in art studies will find it at Old Dominion University, which ranked #2. Set in the city of Norfolk, Old Dominion University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,750, compared with $33,780 for out-of-state students. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Art Studies graduates of Old Dominion University earn a median of $27,535 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $31,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%.

3

A rank of #3 makes Thomas Nelson Community College one of the best values for art studies. Thomas Nelson Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Hampton. In-state tuition and fees average $5,088, compared with $11,526 for out-of-state students. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $14,402 in student loans. Early-career art studies graduates make about $36,758. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Students looking for strong value in art studies will find it at Norfolk State University, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Norfolk, Norfolk State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,180 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,682. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Norfolk State University generally make around $54,971. The acceptance rate is 88%.

5
Radford University crest
Radford University
Radford, VA

Radford University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in art studies, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Radford, Radford University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $12,548 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,633. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Art Studies graduates of Radford University earn a median of $23,308 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

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6

George Mason University earned the #6 position for value in art studies this year. George Mason University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Fairfax. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, while out-of-state students pay about $38,688. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Art Studies graduates of George Mason University earn a median of $63,131 early in their careers. Set against $23,529 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

7
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University landed the #7 spot for art studies value this year. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,966, while out-of-state students pay about $31,312. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $23,001. Art Studies graduates of James Madison University earn a median of $33,501 early in their careers. Set against $23,001 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.

8

College Of William And Mary placed #8 among the best values for art studies. College Of William And Mary is a large public school located in the suburb of Williamsburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,734, with out-of-state students paying around $51,038. Students borrow a median of $18,935 to complete the art studies program here. Art Studies graduates of College Of William And Mary earn a median of $29,752 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,935 median debt. The acceptance rate is 34%.

9

University Of Virginia Main Campus placed #9 among the best values for art studies. University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public school located in the suburb of Charlottesville. Students from in state pay about $23,118 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $61,591. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $23,372. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 17% of applicants are accepted.

10

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University placed #10 among the best values for art studies. Set in the city of Blacksburg, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,948, compared with $37,764 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $26,323. Art Studies graduates of Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn a median of $36,927 early in their careers. Set against $26,323 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 21 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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