by our College Data Analytics Team
[Fine Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/fine-arts/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. 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 8 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.
Our analysis ranked University Of Nebraska At Omaha the best value for a degree in fine arts in Nebraska. Located in the city of Omaha, University Of Nebraska At Omaha is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,718, with out-of-state students paying around $23,206. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $26,202. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $28,942. That is a strong return on a $26,202 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.
A rank of #2 makes University Of Nebraska Lincoln one of the best values for fine arts. Located in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $10,434, compared with $28,584 for out-of-state students. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $21,500 in student loans. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $28,783. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Hastings College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fine arts, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the town of Hastings, Hastings College is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,770. Students borrow a median of $24,125 to complete the fine arts program here. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $42,417. That is a strong return on a $24,125 median debt. Hastings College admits about 72% of applicants.
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This ranking is produced 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.