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.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 15 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for fine arts students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in fine arts, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Arizona Western College, our #1 best value for fine arts in Arizona. Arizona Western College is a large public school located in the city of Yuma. Students from in state pay about $3,060 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,870. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Arizona Western College generally make around $44,895.
Phoenix College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value fine arts schools. Located in the city of Phoenix, Phoenix College is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $15,204. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $51,053. That is a strong return on a $15,204 median debt.
Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fine arts, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Glendale, Glendale Community College Glendale Az is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Students borrow a median of $15,996 to complete the fine arts program here. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Glendale Community College Glendale Az generally make around $51,483. Set against $15,996 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
South Mountain Community College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value fine arts schools. South Mountain Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Phoenix. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, compared with $8,958 for out-of-state students. Graduates go on to earn a median of $39,825 ten years after entry.
Students looking for strong value in fine arts will find it at Estrella Mountain Community College, which ranked #5. Estrella Mountain Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Avondale. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $21,752 in student loans. Fine Arts graduates of Estrella Mountain Community College earn a median of $78,359 early in their careers. Set against $21,752 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
1
2
3
4
5
Chandler Gilbert Community College landed the #6 spot for fine arts value this year. Set in the city of Chandler, Chandler Gilbert Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $10,447 in student loans. Fine Arts graduates of Chandler Gilbert Community College earn a median of $46,943 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Gateway Community College Phoenix earned the #7 position for value in fine arts this year. Located in the city of Phoenix, Gateway Community College Phoenix is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $15,736. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Gateway Community College Phoenix generally make around $50,350. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Mesa Community College came in at #8 for value in fine arts this year. Set in the city of Mesa, Mesa Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $13,750 to complete the fine arts program here. Fine Arts graduates of Mesa Community College earn a median of $54,730 early in their careers. Set against $13,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Paradise Valley Community College placed #9 among the best values for fine arts. Located in the city of Phoenix, Paradise Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, compared with $8,959 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $14,204. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $71,136. That is a strong return on a $14,204 median debt.
Scottsdale Community College placed #10 among the best values for fine arts. Scottsdale Community College is a large public school located in the rural area of Scottsdale. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $11,187. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $48,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Northern Arizona University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value fine arts schools. Set in the city of Flagstaff, Northern Arizona University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,619, with out-of-state students paying around $20,044. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $18,665. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $24,172. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Arizona landed the #12 spot for fine arts value this year. University Of Arizona is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,573, compared with $39,903 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $19,290. Fine Arts graduates of University Of Arizona earn a median of $29,893 early in their careers. Set against $19,290 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona admits about 86% 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 · 15 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.