by our College Data Analytics Team
[Art Education](/majors/education/teacher-education-and-development/art-education/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 4 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for art education students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in art education, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Kean University the best value for a degree in art education in New Jersey. Located in the suburb of Union, Kean University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for art education graduates is $29,625. Early-career art education graduates make about $48,705. Set against $29,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at New Jersey City University earned it the #2 place for art education. Located in the city of Jersey City, New Jersey City University is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $14,460 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for art education graduates is $22,107. Early-career art education graduates make about $47,083. Set against $22,107 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New Jersey City University admits about 98% of applicants.
A rank of #3 makes Rider University one of the best values for art education. Set in the suburb of Lawrenceville, Rider University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,120. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the art education program here. Art Education graduates of Rider University earn a median of $48,601 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.
The College Of New Jersey came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value art education schools. Located in the suburb of Ewing, The College Of New Jersey is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $19,632, with out-of-state students paying around $25,752. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the art education program here. Art Education graduates of The College Of New Jersey earn a median of $60,604 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The College Of New Jersey admits about 62% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.