2026 Best Value General Visual & Performing Arts Schools in the New England Region

1

Capital Community College
New Britain, CT

For return on investment in general visual & performing arts, no school beat Capital Community College this year. Located in the city of New Britain, Capital Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,338 in tuition and fees, compared with $15,596 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,059 to complete the general visual & performing arts program here. General Visual & Performing Arts graduates of Capital Community College earn a median of $43,086 early in their careers. Set against $12,059 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

A rank of #2 makes Harvard University one of the best values for general visual & performing arts. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $61,676. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete the general visual & performing arts program here. General Visual & Performing Arts graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $115,516 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,616 median debt. The acceptance rate is 4%.

3

University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth
North Dartmouth, MA

University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value general visual & performing arts schools. Located in the suburb of North Dartmouth, University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,612, while out-of-state students pay about $32,567. Typical student debt for general visual & performing arts graduates is $27,000. General Visual & Performing Arts graduates of University Of Massachusetts Dartmouth earn a median of $25,753 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

4

Lesley University
Cambridge, MA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Lesley University earned it the #4 place for general visual & performing arts. Located in the city of Cambridge, Lesley University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,256. General Visual & Performing Arts graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general visual & performing arts degree recipients from Lesley University generally make around $20,600. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lesley University admits about 97% of applicants.

5

Northeastern University
Boston, MA

Students looking for strong value in general visual & performing arts will find it at Northeastern University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Boston, Northeastern University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $66,162. General Visual & Performing Arts graduates carry a median of $25,611 in student loans. Early-career general visual & performing arts graduates make about $27,246. Set against $25,611 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%.

6

Bennington College
Bennington, VT

Bennington College earned the #6 position for value in general visual & performing arts this year. Located in the town of Bennington, Bennington College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,262. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general visual & performing arts program here. Early-career general visual & performing arts graduates make about $20,809. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 44% of applicants are accepted.

7

Champlain College
Burlington, VT

Champlain College came in at #7 for value in general visual & performing arts this year. Located in the city of Burlington, Champlain College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $47,850 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the general visual & performing arts program here. Early-career general visual & performing arts graduates make about $30,138. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 83%.