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Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in visual & performing arts, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Chattanooga State Community College, our #1 best value for visual & performing arts in Tennessee. Set in the city of Chattanooga, Chattanooga State Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,772, compared with $17,756 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,681 to complete the visual & performing arts program here. Early-career visual & performing arts graduates make about $20,165. Set against $11,681 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southwest Tennessee Community College earned it the #2 place for visual & performing arts. Located in the city of Memphis, Southwest Tennessee Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,766, while out-of-state students pay about $17,750. Visual & Performing Arts graduates carry a median of $11,406 in student loans. Visual & Performing Arts graduates of Southwest Tennessee Community College earn a median of $43,592 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,406 median debt.
Pellissippi State Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value visual & performing arts schools. Pellissippi State Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Knoxville. Students from in state pay about $4,786 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,770. Typical student debt for visual & performing arts graduates is $8,951. Early-career visual & performing arts graduates make about $43,816. That is a strong return on a $8,951 median debt.
The University Of Tennessee Martin came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value visual & performing arts schools. Set in the town of Martin, The University Of Tennessee Martin is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,560, compared with $16,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $22,625 to complete the visual & performing arts program here. Visual & Performing Arts graduates of The University Of Tennessee Martin earn a median of $25,660 early in their careers. Set against $22,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%.
A rank of #5 makes Middle Tennessee State University one of the best values for visual & performing arts. Set in the city of Murfreesboro, Middle Tennessee State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,266, while out-of-state students pay about $31,574. Students borrow a median of $22,385 to complete the visual & performing arts program here. Soon after graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients from Middle Tennessee State University generally make around $27,700. Set against $22,385 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Middle Tennessee State University admits about 69% of applicants.
ADBLOCK #101
Tennessee State University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value visual & performing arts schools. Tennessee State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Nashville. In-state tuition and fees average $8,616, compared with $22,416 for out-of-state students. Visual & Performing Arts graduates carry a median of $29,489 in student loans. Early-career visual & performing arts graduates make about $23,868. Set against $29,489 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 70%.
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga earned the #7 position for value in visual & performing arts this year. Set in the city of Chattanooga, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,448, while out-of-state students pay about $18,512. Typical student debt for visual & performing arts graduates is $25,000. Visual & Performing Arts graduates of The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga earn a median of $25,536 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga admits about 81% of applicants.
Tennessee Technological University came in at #8 for value in visual & performing arts this year. Located in the town of Cookeville, Tennessee Technological University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $11,376, while out-of-state students pay about $15,576. Typical student debt for visual & performing arts graduates is $16,185. Visual & Performing Arts graduates of Tennessee Technological University earn a median of $31,608 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.
Volunteer State Community College came in at #9 for value in visual & performing arts this year. Volunteer State Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Gallatin. Students from in state pay about $4,756 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,740. Typical student debt for visual & performing arts graduates is $12,462. Soon after graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients from Volunteer State Community College generally make around $40,137. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Trevecca Nazarene University ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value visual & performing arts schools. Trevecca Nazarene University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. In-state tuition and fees average $31,300. Typical student debt for visual & performing arts graduates is $24,962. Early-career visual & performing arts graduates make about $52,004. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%.
[Visual & Performing Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
