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2026 Best Value Painting Schools in the Great Lakes Region
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the painting degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Painting Schools
Our analysis ranked Ferris State University the best value for a degree in painting in the Great Lakes Region. Located in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the painting program here. Painting graduates of Ferris State University earn a median of $24,540 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Oakland University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in painting, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,167 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,735. Typical student debt for painting graduates is $25,972. Painting graduates of Oakland University earn a median of $22,840 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Shawnee State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in painting, landing the #3 spot this year. Shawnee State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Portsmouth. In-state tuition and fees average $9,448, while out-of-state students pay about $16,032. Typical student debt for painting graduates is $28,750. Painting graduates of Shawnee State University earn a median of $42,878 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Aquinas College Michigan earned it the #4 place for painting. Aquinas College Michigan is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Grand Rapids. In-state tuition and fees average $40,218. Typical student debt for painting graduates is $25,925. Early-career painting graduates make about $40,708. Set against $25,925 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Kent State University At Kent one of the best values for painting. Kent State University At Kent is a very large public school located in the suburb of Kent. Students from in state pay about $12,220 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,575 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for painting graduates is $28,501. Painting graduates of Kent State University At Kent earn a median of $44,776 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
ADBLOCK #101
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #6 spot for painting value this year. Located in the town of Athens, Ohio University Main Campus is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the painting program here. Soon after graduation, painting degree recipients from Ohio University Main Campus generally make around $29,756. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.
Art Academy Of Cincinnati placed #7 among the best values for painting. Set in the city of Cincinnati, Art Academy Of Cincinnati is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,007. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the painting program here. Early-career painting graduates make about $13,252. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Art Academy Of Cincinnati admits about 34% of applicants.
Cleveland Institute Of Art came in at #8 for value in painting this year. Set in the city of Cleveland, Cleveland Institute Of Art is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,700. Painting graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, painting degree recipients from Cleveland Institute Of Art generally make around $18,839. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 61%.
Narrow Painting Schools by State
[Painting](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/painting/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
