by our College Data Analytics Team
[Fine Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/fine-arts/) 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 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 16 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for fine arts students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in fine arts, balancing cost against outcomes.
Our analysis ranked Hudson County Community College the best value for a degree in fine arts in New Jersey. Set in the city of Jersey City, Hudson County Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,384, with out-of-state students paying around $9,248. Students borrow a median of $6,899 to complete the fine arts program here. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $22,619. That is a strong return on a $6,899 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Raritan Valley Community College one of the best values for fine arts. Located in the rural area of Branchburg, Raritan Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,664, compared with $7,584 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $9,668. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Raritan Valley Community College generally make around $47,248. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
A rank of #3 makes Sussex County Community College one of the best values for fine arts. Located in the rural area of Newton, Sussex County Community College is a mid-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,544, with out-of-state students paying around $9,024. Students borrow a median of $10,750 to complete the fine arts program here. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $27,179. Set against $10,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #4 makes Passaic County Community College one of the best values for fine arts. Located in the suburb of Paterson, Passaic County Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,300, while out-of-state students pay about $10,560. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $9,581. Fine Arts graduates of Passaic County Community College earn a median of $28,957 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $9,581 median debt.
Brookdale Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fine arts, landing the #5 spot this year. Brookdale Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Lincroft. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,270, while out-of-state students pay about $10,140. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $12,651. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $37,374. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Atlantic Cape Community College placed #6 among the best values for fine arts. Set in the rural area of Mays Landing, Atlantic Cape Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,594, compared with $8,350 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,002 to complete the fine arts program here. Fine Arts graduates of Atlantic Cape Community College earn a median of $37,141 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
New Jersey City University came in at #7 for value in fine arts this year. Set in the city of Jersey City, New Jersey City University is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,460 in tuition and fees. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $19,000 in student loans. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $47,083. Set against $19,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New Jersey City University admits about 98% of applicants.
Kean University came in at #8 for value in fine arts this year. Kean University is a large public school located in the suburb of Union. In-state tuition and fees average $14,299, compared with $22,446 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $28,750 to complete the fine arts program here. Fine Arts graduates of Kean University earn a median of $25,928 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 76%.
William Paterson University Of New Jersey ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value fine arts schools. Set in the suburb of Wayne, William Paterson University Of New Jersey is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,704 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $25,344. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from William Paterson University Of New Jersey generally make around $46,981. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.
The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value fine arts schools. The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey is a large public school located in the rural area of Galloway. Students from in state pay about $16,266 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,524. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from The Richard Stockton College Of New Jersey generally make around $25,099. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.
Drew University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best value fine arts schools. Located in the suburb of Madison, Drew University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $47,100 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,449 to complete the fine arts program here. Fine Arts graduates of Drew University earn a median of $34,305 early in their careers. Set against $26,449 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drew University admits about 68% of applicants.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 16 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
