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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Fine Arts Schools in Minnesota

3 Colleges in the United States
$24,055 Avg Student Debt
$57,323 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Fine Arts Badge [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 schools below stand out for delivering a strong fine arts education at a price that pays off.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 23 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for fine arts students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Fine Arts Schools in Minnesota

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in fine arts, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Fine Arts Schools

1

For return on investment in fine arts, no school beat University Of Minnesota Morris this year. University Of Minnesota Morris is a small public school located in the town of Morris. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,526, with out-of-state students paying around $16,710. Students borrow a median of $19,797 to complete the fine arts program here. Fine Arts graduates of University Of Minnesota Morris earn a median of $44,479 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,797 median debt. University Of Minnesota Morris admits about 75% of applicants.

2

Minnesota State University Moorhead is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fine arts, landing the #2 spot this year. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Moorhead. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,428. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Fine Arts graduates of Minnesota State University Moorhead earn a median of $30,521 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted.

3

Students looking for strong value in fine arts will find it at University Of Minnesota Duluth, which ranked #3. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public school located in the city of Duluth. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,134. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $24,624. Fine Arts graduates of University Of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of $25,660 early in their careers. Set against $24,624 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

4

A rank of #4 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values for fine arts. Set in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $27,000. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $38,717. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.

5

A rank of #5 makes Minneapolis College Of Art And Design one of the best values for fine arts. Minneapolis College Of Art And Design is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Minneapolis. In-state tuition and fees average $45,484. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $30,250 in student loans. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $19,524. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minneapolis College Of Art And Design admits about 48% of applicants.

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Carleton College crest
Carleton College
Northfield, MN

Carleton College earned the #6 position for value in fine arts this year. Set in the town of Northfield, Carleton College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $68,892. Students borrow a median of $17,566 to complete the fine arts program here. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Carleton College generally make around $45,096. Set against $17,566 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 20% of applicants are accepted.

7
Macalester College crest
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN

Macalester College placed #7 among the best values for fine arts. Located in the city of Saint Paul, Macalester College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $68,104 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $22,147. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Macalester College generally make around $42,517. That is a strong return on a $22,147 median debt. Roughly 28% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

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 · 23 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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