by our College Data Analytics Team
[Art History](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/art-history/) 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.
College Factual analyzed 11 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value art history schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the art history degrees they offer, see the list below.
Our analysis ranked Lansing Community College the best value for a degree in art history in Michigan. Lansing Community College is a large public school located in the city of Lansing. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,100, compared with $11,300 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $16,700 to complete the art history program here. Early-career art history graduates make about $46,103. That is a strong return on a $16,700 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in art history will find it at Ferris State University, which ranked #2. Ferris State University is a large public school located in the town of Big Rapids. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Typical student debt for art history graduates is $27,000. Early-career art history graduates make about $54,608. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earned it the #3 place for art history. Located in the city of Ann Arbor, University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $18,848, compared with $63,081 for out-of-state students. Art History graduates carry a median of $19,319 in student loans. Soon after graduation, art history degree recipients from University Of Michigan Ann Arbor generally make around $31,367. That is a strong return on a $19,319 median debt. Roughly 16% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in art history will find it at Oakland University, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,167, with out-of-state students paying around $24,735. Students borrow a median of $25,972 to complete the art history program here. Art History graduates of Oakland University earn a median of $22,840 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,972 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in art history will find it at Wayne State University, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Detroit, Wayne State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $16,159 in tuition and fees, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for art history graduates is $31,000. Art History graduates of Wayne State University earn a median of $20,948 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted.
Western Michigan University ranked #6 on our 2027 list of the best value art history schools. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Typical student debt for art history graduates is $28,495. Soon after graduation, art history degree recipients from Western Michigan University generally make around $21,773. That is a strong return on a $28,495 median debt. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.
Eastern Michigan University landed the #7 spot for art history value this year. Located in the suburb of Ypsilanti, Eastern Michigan University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $16,990 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for art history graduates is $27,250. Art History graduates of Eastern Michigan University earn a median of $47,887 early in their careers. Set against $27,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Grand Valley State University came in at #8 for value in art history this year. Grand Valley State University is a very large public school located in the town of Allendale. Students from in state pay about $15,502 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,894. Typical student debt for art history graduates is $27,000. Art History graduates of Grand Valley State University earn a median of $24,135 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted.
Central Michigan University placed #9 among the best values for art history. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Art History graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, art history degree recipients from Central Michigan University generally make around $18,117. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%.
Kalamazoo College earned the #10 position for value in art history this year. Located in the city of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo College is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $60,900. Students borrow a median of $26,118 to complete the art history program here. Art History graduates of Kalamazoo College earn a median of $37,374 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,118 median debt. Kalamazoo College admits about 75% of applicants.
Michigan State University placed #11 among the best values for art history. Located in the city of East Lansing, Michigan State University is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Art History graduates carry a median of $30,875 in student loans. Early-career art history graduates make about $19,566. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%.
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 · 11 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 11 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.