by our College Data Analytics Team
[Painting](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/painting/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong painting education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 4 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for painting students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in painting, balancing cost against outcomes.
Ferris State University earned the #1 spot for value among painting schools in Michigan. Ferris State University is a large public school located in the town of Big Rapids. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Painting graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career painting graduates make about $24,540. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 91%.
Oakland University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value painting schools. Located in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,167, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for painting graduates is $25,972. Soon after graduation, painting degree recipients from Oakland University generally make around $22,840. That is a strong return on a $25,972 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Aquinas College Michigan came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value painting schools. Located in the city of Grand Rapids, Aquinas College Michigan is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $40,218 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,925 to complete the painting program here. Painting graduates of Aquinas College Michigan earn a median of $40,708 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,925 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
1
2
3
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 4 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.