2027 Best Value Fine Arts Schools in Connecticut

[Fine Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/fine-and-studio-arts/fine-arts/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong fine arts education at a price that pays off.
College Factual analyzed 7 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value fine arts schools.
What’s on this page:
2027 Best Value Fine Arts Schools in Connecticut
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in fine arts, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Fine Arts Schools
Leading the list is Capital Community College, our #1 best value for fine arts in Connecticut. Located in the city of New Britain, Capital Community College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,338, while out-of-state students pay about $15,596. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $12,059 in student loans. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Capital Community College generally make around $22,100. That is a strong return on a $12,059 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Connecticut State University earned it the #2 place for fine arts. Set in the city of Danbury, Western Connecticut State University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,401, while out-of-state students pay about $16,901. Students borrow a median of $25,332 to complete the fine arts program here. Early-career fine arts graduates make about $47,559. That is a strong return on a $25,332 median debt. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.
Students looking for strong value in fine arts will find it at Southern Connecticut State University, which ranked #3. Located in the city of New Haven, Southern Connecticut State University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,442 in tuition and fees, compared with $16,942 for out-of-state students. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $25,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Southern Connecticut State University generally make around $26,549. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Eastern Connecticut State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fine arts, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the town of Willimantic, Eastern Connecticut State University is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $13,928, compared with $17,426 for out-of-state students. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Eastern Connecticut State University generally make around $23,534. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 83%.
University Of Connecticut is a great value for students pursuing a degree in fine arts, landing the #5 spot this year. University Of Connecticut is a very large public school located in the town of Storrs. In-state tuition and fees average $21,044, while out-of-state students pay about $43,712. Typical student debt for fine arts graduates is $23,750. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from University Of Connecticut generally make around $24,419. That is a strong return on a $23,750 median debt. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted.
Wesleyan University placed #6 among the best values for fine arts. Located in the city of Middletown, Wesleyan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $70,042 in tuition and fees. Fine Arts graduates carry a median of $16,125 in student loans. Fine Arts graduates of Wesleyan University earn a median of $39,764 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $16,125 median debt. The acceptance rate is 16%.
Connecticut College landed the #7 spot for fine arts value this year. Connecticut College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of New London. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $67,242. Students borrow a median of $23,250 to complete the fine arts program here. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Connecticut College generally make around $36,564. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 37% of applicants are accepted.
View All Fine Arts Rankings >
Notes and References
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 · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 7 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.