ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Visual & Performing Arts Schools in Michigan

15 Colleges in the United States
2,782 Visual & Performing Arts Degrees Awarded
$36,737 Avg Early-Career Salary

Visual & Performing Arts degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. The schools below stand out for the quality of their visual & performing arts programs.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 64 schools to find the best for visual & performing arts students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 3
DEBUG: ROOT LEVEL MAJOR detected (no cip4), lowering min_relevance to 0.5
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.5, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Arts & Design Associate Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Arts & Design Associate Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Arts & Design Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Arts & Design Bachelors Programs (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "Arts & Design Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Arts & Design Masters Programs (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 3
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 3 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.5
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 3
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 0 offers with relevance >= 0.9
DEBUG: Backfilling with 3 offers with relevance >= 0.8

Best Schools for Visual & Performing Arts in Michigan

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall visual & performing arts education in Michigan.

Top Schools in Visual & Performing Arts

1

Leading the list is University Of Michigan Ann Arbor, our #1 school for visual & performing arts. Set in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public institution. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor graduates 93% of students within six years. There were roughly 536 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent data year. Students who receive their visual & performing arts degree from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn around $29,125 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,671 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

2
Kalamazoo College crest
Kalamazoo College
Kalamazoo, MI

Students looking for a strong visual & performing arts program will find one at Kalamazoo College, which ranked #2. Kalamazoo College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Kalamazoo. The six-year graduation rate is 76%. There were roughly 15 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Kalamazoo College in the most recent data year. Visual & Performing Arts graduates of Kalamazoo College earn a median of $37,374 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,118. More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Kalamazoo College

3
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI

Michigan State University came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best visual & performing arts schools. This very large public university is located in the city of East Lansing. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 426 visual & performing arts degrees were awarded at Michigan State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients from Michigan State University generally make around $36,877. Michigan State University graduates carry a median of $27,185 in student loans. More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Michigan State University

4

Lawrence Technological University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in visual & performing arts, landing the #4 spot this year. Lawrence Technological University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Southfield. The six-year graduation rate is 60%. About 23 visual & performing arts degrees were awarded at Lawrence Technological University in the most recent year. Students who receive their visual & performing arts degree from Lawrence Technological University earn around $74,924 in the first couple years of their career. Lawrence Technological University graduates carry a median of $27,799 in student loans. Get the full visual & performing arts details for Lawrence Technological University

5

Siena Heights University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best visual & performing arts schools. Set in the town of Adrian, Siena Heights University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 39% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 22 visual & performing arts degrees were awarded at Siena Heights University in the most recent year. Students who receive their visual & performing arts degree from Siena Heights University earn around $52,293 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $25,790 to complete this degree. Get the full visual & performing arts details for Siena Heights University

6

Western Michigan University placed #6 among the best visual & performing arts schools. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. About 58% of students finish within six years. Western Michigan University awarded about 247 visual & performing arts degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the visual & performing arts program make about $27,590 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,346. Read more about the visual & performing arts program at Western Michigan University

7

Grand Valley State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best visual & performing arts schools. Set in the town of Allendale, Grand Valley State University is a very large public institution. Grand Valley State University graduates 67% of students within six years. About 172 visual & performing arts degrees were awarded at Grand Valley State University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients from Grand Valley State University generally make around $28,695. Students borrow a median of $28,258 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Grand Valley State University

8
Adrian College crest
Adrian College
Adrian, MI

Adrian College placed #8 among the best visual & performing arts schools. Located in the town of Adrian, Adrian College is a small private not-for-profit university. About 45% of students finish within six years. About 28 visual & performing arts degrees were awarded at Adrian College in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients from Adrian College generally make around $43,444. Adrian College graduates carry a median of $28,071 in student loans. More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Adrian College

9

College For Creative Studies came in at #9 for visual & performing arts this year. This small private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Detroit. The six-year graduation rate is 71%. There were roughly 148 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at College For Creative Studies in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients from College For Creative Studies generally make around $32,084. Typical student debt for the program is $26,235. See the full visual & performing arts program report for College For Creative Studies

10
Cornerstone University crest
Cornerstone University
Grand Rapids, MI

Cornerstone University landed the #10 spot for visual & performing arts this year. Cornerstone University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Grand Rapids. Cornerstone University graduates 63% of students within six years. There were roughly 17 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Cornerstone University in the most recent data year. Visual & Performing Arts graduates of Cornerstone University earn a median of $44,501 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $29,243 to complete this degree. Read more about the visual & performing arts program at Cornerstone University

11
Aquinas College Michigan crest
Aquinas College Michigan
Grand Rapids, MI

Aquinas College Michigan landed the #11 spot for visual & performing arts this year. Aquinas College Michigan is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Grand Rapids. About 65% of students finish within six years. About 14 visual & performing arts degrees were awarded at Aquinas College Michigan in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients from Aquinas College Michigan generally make around $40,708. Typical student debt for the program is $25,925. Read more about the visual & performing arts program at Aquinas College Michigan

12
Central Michigan University crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Central Michigan University placed #12 among the best visual & performing arts schools. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 59%. About 117 visual & performing arts degrees were awarded at Central Michigan University in the most recent year. Students who receive their visual & performing arts degree from Central Michigan University earn around $27,568 in the first couple years of their career. Central Michigan University graduates carry a median of $28,810 in student loans. Read more about the visual & performing arts program at Central Michigan University

13

Eastern Michigan University landed the #13 spot for visual & performing arts this year. Eastern Michigan University is a large public school located in the suburb of Ypsilanti. The six-year graduation rate is 46%. Eastern Michigan University awarded about 128 visual & performing arts degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients from Eastern Michigan University generally make around $32,893. Students borrow a median of $27,323 to complete this degree. See the full visual & performing arts program report for Eastern Michigan University

14

Wayne State University came in at #14 for visual & performing arts this year. Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public university. Wayne State University graduates 58% of students within six years. Wayne State University awarded about 152 visual & performing arts degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their visual & performing arts degree from Wayne State University earn around $26,802 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $27,279 to complete this degree. Read more about the visual & performing arts program at Wayne State University

15
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University landed the #15 spot for visual & performing arts this year. Set in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public institution. About 56% of students finish within six years. Ferris State University awarded about 128 visual & performing arts degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients from Ferris State University generally make around $30,924. Typical student debt for the program is $26,918. More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Ferris State University

16
Calvin College crest
Calvin College
Grand Rapids, MI

Calvin College landed the #16 spot for visual & performing arts this year. Located in the city of Grand Rapids, Calvin College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. About 74% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 28 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Calvin College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the visual & performing arts program make about $15,906 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,928. See the full visual & performing arts program report for Calvin College

17

Northern Michigan University earned the #17 position for visual & performing arts this year. Located in the town of Marquette, Northern Michigan University is a moderately-sized public university. About 53% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 69 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Northern Michigan University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients from Northern Michigan University generally make around $23,786. Northern Michigan University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Northern Michigan University

18
Saginaw Valley State University crest
Saginaw Valley State University
University Center, MI

Saginaw Valley State University placed #18 among the best visual & performing arts schools. Set in the suburb of University Center, Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Saginaw Valley State University graduates 48% of students within six years. Saginaw Valley State University awarded about 39 visual & performing arts degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their visual & performing arts degree from Saginaw Valley State University earn around $27,762 in the first couple years of their career. Saginaw Valley State University graduates carry a median of $26,125 in student loans. See the full visual & performing arts program report for Saginaw Valley State University

19
Oakland University crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI

Oakland University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best visual & performing arts schools. This large public university is located in the suburb of Rochester Hills. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. Oakland University awarded about 159 visual & performing arts degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their visual & performing arts degree from Oakland University earn around $26,453 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $27,239 to complete this degree. Get the full visual & performing arts details for Oakland University

20

Jackson Community College landed the #20 spot for visual & performing arts this year. Jackson Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the rural area of Jackson. Jackson Community College graduates 33% of students within six years. Jackson Community College awarded about 48 visual & performing arts degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, visual & performing arts degree recipients from Jackson Community College generally make around $41,322. Jackson Community College graduates carry a median of $16,960 in student loans. Get the full visual & performing arts details for Jackson Community College

21

Grand Rapids Community College came in at #21 for visual & performing arts this year. Grand Rapids Community College is a large public school located in the city of Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Community College awarded about 47 visual & performing arts degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the visual & performing arts program make about $41,689 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $11,780. See the full visual & performing arts program report for Grand Rapids Community College

22

Muskegon Community College placed #22 among the best visual & performing arts schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the city of Muskegon. About 17 visual & performing arts degrees were awarded at Muskegon Community College in the most recent year. Graduates of the visual & performing arts program make about $48,267 in their early career. Muskegon Community College graduates carry a median of $14,928 in student loans. More information about a degree in visual & performing arts from Muskegon Community College

23

Washtenaw Community College placed #23 among the best visual & performing arts schools. Set in the suburb of Ann Arbor, Washtenaw Community College is a very large public institution. There were roughly 31 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at Washtenaw Community College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the visual & performing arts program make about $45,332 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $17,616 to complete this degree. Read more about the visual & performing arts program at Washtenaw Community College

24

St Clair County Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best visual & performing arts schools. Set in the suburb of Port Huron, St Clair County Community College is a mid-sized public institution. There were roughly 15 visual & performing arts students who graduated with this degree at St Clair County Community College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the visual & performing arts program make about $45,735 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,379. Read more about the visual & performing arts program at St Clair County Community College

25
Oakland Community College crest
Oakland Community College
Auburn Hills, MI

Oakland Community College came in at #25 for visual & performing arts this year. Set in the suburb of Auburn Hills, Oakland Community College is a very large public institution. About 24 visual & performing arts degrees were awarded at Oakland Community College in the most recent year. Students who receive their visual & performing arts degree from Oakland Community College earn around $43,205 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $15,865 to complete this degree. Get the full visual & performing arts details for Oakland Community College

Rest of the Top 31 Visual & Performing Arts Schools

These schools also placed among the best for visual & performing arts this year:

26
Delta College crest
Delta College
University Center, MI
27
28
29
30
31
Dsdt crest
Dsdt
Detroit, MI

ADBLOCK #173
View All Visual & Performing Arts Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 64 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options