by our College Data Analytics Team
[Fine Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/fine-arts/) 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 10 schools to find the best return on investment for fine arts students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the fine arts degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Cecil College, our #1 best value for fine arts in Maryland. Cecil College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of North East. Students from in state pay about $5,640 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,830. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,952.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Maryland College Park earned it the #2 place for fine arts. Located in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,809, with out-of-state students paying around $41,186. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from University Of Maryland College Park generally make around $32,031. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. Roughly 45% of applicants are accepted.
Frostburg State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fine arts, landing the #3 spot this year. Frostburg State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Frostburg. In-state tuition and fees average $10,220, with out-of-state students paying around $25,814. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $24,834. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Frostburg State University generally make around $24,649. That is a strong return on a $24,834 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Salisbury University one of the best values for fine arts. Located in the suburb of Salisbury, Salisbury University is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,084, compared with $22,174 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $24,239. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $20,632. That is a strong return on a $24,239 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Towson University earned it the #5 place for fine arts. Located in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $17,978 in student loans. Fine Arts graduates of Towson University earn a median of $29,958 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants.
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University Of Maryland Baltimore County placed #6 among the best values for fine arts. University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a large public school located in the suburb of Baltimore. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. Students borrow a median of $24,625 to complete the fine arts program here. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from University Of Maryland Baltimore County generally make around $23,879. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted.
St Marys College Of Maryland landed the #7 spot for fine arts value this year. St Marys College Of Maryland is a small public school located in the rural area of St. Mary's City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,298, while out-of-state students pay about $31,374. Students borrow a median of $22,655 to complete the fine arts program here. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $41,665. Set against $22,655 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. St Marys College Of Maryland admits about 69% of applicants.
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 · 10 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.