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. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong art studies education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 12 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 Oklahoma City Community College, our #1 best value for art studies in Oklahoma. Located in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Community College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $4,059 in tuition and fees, compared with $9,810 for out-of-state students. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $13,919 in student loans. Early-career art studies graduates make about $39,848. Set against $13,919 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in art studies will find it at East Central University, which ranked #2. Set in the town of Ada, East Central University is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,032, with out-of-state students paying around $17,842. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $21,840. Early-career art studies graduates make about $42,103. That is a strong return on a $21,840 median debt. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Oklahoma State University Main Campus one of the best values for art studies. Located in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $21,111 in student loans. Art Studies graduates of Oklahoma State University Main Campus earn a median of $36,547 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants.
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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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.