2026 Best Value Fine Arts Schools in Indiana
[Fine Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/fine-arts/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 24 schools to find the best return on investment for fine arts students.
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2026 Best Value Fine Arts Schools in Indiana
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the fine arts degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Fine Arts Schools
Our analysis ranked Ivy Tech Community College the best value for a degree in fine arts in Indiana. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, while out-of-state students pay about $9,935. Students borrow a median of $11,889 to complete the fine arts program here. Fine Arts graduates of Ivy Tech Community College earn a median of $40,734 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,889 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis one of the best values for fine arts. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,750 to complete the fine arts program here. Fine Arts graduates of Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis earn a median of $27,595 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,750 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Indiana University Southeast is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fine arts, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of New Albany, Indiana University Southeast is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,424, compared with $22,811 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $18,942. Fine Arts graduates of Indiana University Southeast earn a median of $31,194 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
Indiana University South Bend came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value fine arts schools. Indiana University South Bend is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of South Bend. In-state tuition and fees average $8,424, while out-of-state students pay about $22,811. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $25,295 in student loans. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $23,308. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne one of the best values for fine arts. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a large public school located in the city of Fort Wayne. Students from in state pay about $9,532 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,887. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $26,873. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne generally make around $27,775. That is a strong return on a $26,873 median debt. Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne admits about 84% of applicants.
Purdue University Main Campus earned the #6 position for value in fine arts this year. Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public school located in the city of West Lafayette. Students from in state pay about $9,992 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Students borrow a median of $21,128 to complete the fine arts program here. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Purdue University Main Campus generally make around $27,114. Set against $21,128 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 50% of applicants are accepted.
Indiana University Bloomington placed #7 among the best values for fine arts. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $19,500. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Indiana University Bloomington generally make around $33,265. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Indiana State University came in at #8 for value in fine arts this year. Located in the city of Terre Haute, Indiana State University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $26,959 in student loans. Fine Arts graduates of Indiana State University earn a median of $53,952 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Indiana State University admits about 81% of applicants.
Ball State University came in at #9 for value in fine arts this year. Ball State University is a very large public school located in the city of Muncie. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. Students borrow a median of $25,637 to complete the fine arts program here. Fine Arts graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $28,405 early in their careers. Set against $25,637 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Notre Dame earned the #10 position for value in fine arts this year. Located in the suburb of Notre Dame, University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $19,891. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from University Of Notre Dame generally make around $69,494. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 24 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
