
[General Visual & Performing Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/general-visual-performing-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.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 12 schools to find the best return on investment for general visual & performing arts students.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in general visual & performing arts, balancing cost against outcomes.
Albany State University tops our 2026 list of the best value general visual & performing arts schools in Georgia. Located in the city of Albany, Albany State University is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,656, with out-of-state students paying around $17,008. General Visual & Performing Arts graduates carry a median of $30,660 in student loans. Soon after graduation, general visual & performing arts degree recipients from Albany State University generally make around $29,798. Set against $30,660 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Kennesaw State University one of the best values for general visual & performing arts. Set in the suburb of Kennesaw, Kennesaw State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,004 to complete the general visual & performing arts program here. Early-career general visual & performing arts graduates make about $27,636. That is a strong return on a $27,004 median debt. The acceptance rate is 69%.
More General Visual & Performing Arts Rankings
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 12 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 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.