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.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 14 schools to find the best return on investment for art history students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in art history, balancing cost against outcomes.
University Of Minnesota Morris tops our 2026 list of the best value art history schools in Minnesota. University Of Minnesota Morris is a small public school located in the town of Morris. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,526, while out-of-state students pay about $16,710. Art History graduates carry a median of $19,797 in student loans. Early-career art history graduates make about $44,479. That is a strong return on a $19,797 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%.
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value art history schools. Set in the city of Minneapolis, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $17,214 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $23,956 to complete the art history program here. Soon after graduation, art history degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $20,192. Set against $23,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 80%.
Minnesota State University Moorhead is a great value for students pursuing a degree in art history, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Moorhead, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. Art History graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career art history graduates make about $30,521. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 59% of applicants are accepted.
University Of Minnesota Duluth is a great value for students pursuing a degree in art history, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Duluth, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Students borrow a median of $24,624 to complete the art history program here. Early-career art history graduates make about $25,660. That is a strong return on a $24,624 median debt. University Of Minnesota Duluth admits about 89% of applicants.
A rank of #5 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values for art history. Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public school located in the city of Mankato. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Typical student debt for art history graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, art history degree recipients from Minnesota State University Mankato generally make around $53,088. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
St Olaf College earned the #6 position for value in art history this year. St Olaf College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Northfield. In-state tuition and fees average $59,760. Typical student debt for art history graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, art history degree recipients from St Olaf College generally make around $26,870. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 48%.
Gustavus Adolphus College landed the #7 spot for art history value this year. Located in the town of Saint Peter, Gustavus Adolphus College is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $56,076. Art History graduates carry a median of $26,197 in student loans. Early-career art history graduates make about $44,396. That is a strong return on a $26,197 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%.
Carleton College landed the #8 spot for art history value this year. Located in the town of Northfield, Carleton College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,892. Art History graduates carry a median of $17,566 in student loans. Early-career art history graduates make about $45,096. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carleton College admits about 20% of applicants.
Macalester College landed the #9 spot for art history value this year. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Macalester College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,104. Typical student debt for art history graduates is $22,147. Soon after graduation, art history degree recipients from Macalester College generally make around $42,517. That is a strong return on a $22,147 median debt. Roughly 28% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 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 · 14 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.