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2026 Best Value Painting Schools in the Middle Atlantic 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 Suny College At Buffalo the best value for a degree in painting in the Middle Atlantic Region. Set in the city of Buffalo, Suny College At Buffalo is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,533, while out-of-state students pay about $19,653. Students borrow a median of $23,000 to complete the painting program here. Painting graduates of Suny College At Buffalo earn a median of $24,041 early in their careers. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Suny College At Buffalo admits about 73% of applicants.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Suny At Fredonia earned it the #2 place for painting. Located in the town of Fredonia, Suny At Fredonia is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $8,831 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,771. Students borrow a median of $25,806 to complete the painting program here. Painting graduates of Suny At Fredonia earn a median of $34,764 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.
State University Of New York At New Paltz is a great value for students pursuing a degree in painting, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the town of New Paltz, State University Of New York At New Paltz is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,822. Painting graduates carry a median of $23,562 in student loans. Soon after graduation, painting degree recipients from State University Of New York At New Paltz generally make around $18,842. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.
Suny At Purchase College came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value painting schools. Suny At Purchase College is a mid-sized public school located in the suburb of Purchase. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,016, while out-of-state students pay about $19,266. Students borrow a median of $23,850 to complete the painting program here. Painting graduates of Suny At Purchase College earn a median of $14,984 early in their careers. Set against $23,850 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%.
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a great value for students pursuing a degree in painting, landing the #5 spot this year. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Slippery Rock. Students from in state pay about $10,568 in tuition and fees, compared with $14,676 for out-of-state students. Painting graduates carry a median of $28,850 in student loans. Early-career painting graduates make about $44,294. That is a strong return on a $28,850 median debt. The acceptance rate is 72%.
ADBLOCK #101
Alfred University came in at #6 for value in painting this year. Located in the rural area of Alfred, Alfred University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $38,138. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the painting program here. Painting graduates of Alfred University earn a median of $22,178 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Alfred University admits about 74% of applicants.
Temple University earned the #7 position for value in painting this year. Temple University is a very large public school located in the city of Philadelphia. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Painting graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Painting graduates of Temple University earn a median of $24,558 early in their careers. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Maryland Institute College Of Art ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value painting schools. Located in the city of Baltimore, Maryland Institute College Of Art is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,800. Typical student debt for painting graduates is $27,000. Early-career painting graduates make about $25,693. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 77%.
Syracuse University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value painting schools. Set in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,528. Typical student debt for painting graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, painting degree recipients from Syracuse University generally make around $54,785. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%.
Pennsylvania Academy Of The Fine Arts ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value painting schools. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Academy Of The Fine Arts is a small private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $44,600. Students borrow a median of $26,750 to complete the painting program here. Early-career painting graduates make about $17,887. Set against $26,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
[Painting](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/painting/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong painting education at a price that pays off.
