by our College Data Analytics Team
[Art Studies](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/art-studies/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong art studies education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for art studies students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in art studies, balancing cost against outcomes.
Leading the list is Normandale Community College, our #1 best value for art studies in Minnesota. Set in the city of Bloomington, Normandale Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,329. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $20,162 in student loans. Early-career art studies graduates make about $53,871. That is a strong return on a $20,162 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in art studies will find it at University Of Minnesota Twin Cities, which ranked #2. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $23,956. Early-career art studies graduates make about $20,192. Set against $23,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants.
Anoka Ramsey Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in art studies, landing the #3 spot this year. Anoka Ramsey Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Coon Rapids. Students from in state pay about $5,682 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $22,593. Early-career art studies graduates make about $44,293. Set against $22,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Winona State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in art studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Winona State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Winona. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,576, with out-of-state students paying around $17,308. Students borrow a median of $24,551 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $53,109. Set against $24,551 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Winona State University admits about 76% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in art studies will find it at University Of Minnesota Duluth, which ranked #5. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Duluth. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Art Studies graduates carry a median of $24,624 in student loans. Art Studies graduates of University Of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of $25,660 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #6 among the best values for art studies. Located in the city of Mankato, Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $27,000. Art Studies graduates of Minnesota State University Mankato earn a median of $38,717 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%.
Gustavus Adolphus College ranked #7 on our 2027 list of the best value art studies schools. Set in the town of Saint Peter, Gustavus Adolphus College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $56,076 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,197 to complete the art studies program here. Early-career art studies graduates make about $44,396. That is a strong return on a $26,197 median debt. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted.
St Olaf College placed #8 among the best values for art studies. Set in the town of Northfield, St Olaf College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $59,760. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $25,000. Early-career art studies graduates make about $26,870. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 48%.
College Of Saint Benedict ranked #9 on our 2027 list of the best value art studies schools. Located in the suburb of Saint Joseph, College Of Saint Benedict is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $55,756 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for art studies graduates is $26,619. Art Studies graduates of College Of Saint Benedict earn a median of $47,105 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,619 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%.
This ranking is produced 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.