2026 Best Value Fine Arts Schools in Washington

1

Eastern Washington University
Cheney, WA

For return on investment in fine arts, no school beat Eastern Washington University this year. Eastern Washington University is a large public school located in the town of Cheney. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,586, with out-of-state students paying around $26,583. Students borrow a median of $19,060 to complete the fine arts program here. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Eastern Washington University generally make around $47,144. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%.

2

Washington State University
Pullman, WA

A rank of #2 makes Washington State University one of the best values for fine arts. Set in the town of Pullman, Washington State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,950 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,903 to complete the fine arts program here. Fine Arts graduates of Washington State University earn a median of $54,697 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $21,903 median debt. Washington State University admits about 87% of applicants.

3

Central Washington University
Ellensburg, WA

A rank of #3 makes Central Washington University one of the best values for fine arts. Located in the town of Ellensburg, Central Washington University is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,417, while out-of-state students pay about $27,526. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $25,000. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Central Washington University generally make around $26,123. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Central Washington University admits about 91% of applicants.

4

Pacific Lutheran University
Tacoma, WA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Pacific Lutheran University earned it the #4 place for fine arts. Pacific Lutheran University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Tacoma. Students from in state pay about $50,916 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,000 to complete the fine arts program here. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $23,766. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.

5

Whitman College
Walla Walla, WA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Whitman College earned it the #5 place for fine arts. Whitman College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Walla Walla. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,050. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $17,518. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Whitman College generally make around $32,345. Set against $17,518 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted.