by our College Data Analytics Team
[General Visual Performing Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/general-visual-performing-arts/) programs reward a close look at where graduates go on to earn the most. The schools below stand out for the salaries their general visual performing arts graduates go on to command.
For its 2026 highest-paid-graduates ranking, College Factual looked at 12 schools to find where general visual performing arts graduates earn the most.
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Below are the schools whose general visual performing arts graduates go on to earn the most.
The University Of Texas At Dallas tops our 2026 list of the highest-paying general visual performing arts schools in the Southwest Region. The University Of Texas At Dallas is a public school located in the city of Richardson. General Visual Performing Arts graduates of The University Of Texas At Dallas earn a median of about $47,167 a year early in their careers.
A rank of #2 makes The University Of Texas At Austin one of the highest-paying schools for general visual performing arts. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school located in the city of Austin. After graduating, general visual performing arts degree recipients from The University Of Texas At Austin typically earn about $43,173 annually.
Austin Community College District produces some of the highest-paid graduates in general visual performing arts, landing the #3 spot this year. Located in the city of Austin, Austin Community College District is a public institution. Early-career general visual performing arts graduates from Austin Community College District make a median of around $29,669 per year.
Arizona State University produces some of the highest-paid graduates in general visual performing arts, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a public institution. Early-career general visual performing arts graduates from Arizona State University make a median of around $47,489 per year.
Arizona State University Skysong produces some of the highest-paid graduates in general visual performing arts, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Scottsdale, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. After graduating, general visual performing arts degree recipients from Arizona State University Skysong typically earn about $47,489 annually.
Grand Canyon University earned the #6 position for general visual performing arts graduate earnings this year. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school located in the city of Phoenix. Early-career general visual performing arts graduates from Grand Canyon University make a median of around $43,593 per year.
University Of New Mexico Main Campus placed #7 among the highest-paying schools for general visual performing arts. Located in the city of Albuquerque, University Of New Mexico Main Campus is a public institution. Students who complete the general visual performing arts program here go on to a median salary of roughly $39,053.
San Jacinto Community College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the highest-paying general visual performing arts schools. Set in the city of Pasadena, San Jacinto Community College is a public institution. Students who complete the general visual performing arts program here go on to a median salary of roughly $34,414.
University Of Advancing Technology came in at #9 for general visual performing arts graduate earnings this year. University Of Advancing Technology is a private for-profit school located in the city of Tempe. Students who complete the general visual performing arts program here go on to a median salary of roughly $27,824.
Pima Community College landed the #10 spot for general visual performing arts salaries this year. Located in the city of Tucson, Pima Community College is a public institution. General Visual Performing Arts graduates of Pima Community College earn a median of about $19,980 a year early in their careers.
New Mexico State University Main Campus landed the #11 spot for general visual performing arts salaries this year. Set in the suburb of Las Cruces, New Mexico State University Main Campus is a public institution. General Visual Performing Arts graduates of New Mexico State University Main Campus earn a median of about $34,364 a year early in their careers.
University Of Houston Downtown came in at #12 for general visual performing arts graduate earnings this year. Set in the city of Houston, University Of Houston Downtown is a public institution. Early-career general visual performing arts graduates from University Of Houston Downtown make a median of around $28,279 per year.
This list is compiled by College Factual, 2026 edition. The methodology measures the salaries general visual performing arts graduates go on to earn early in their careers, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (College Scorecard field-of-study earnings and IPEDS).
Ranking method: College Major Earnings · 12 schools evaluated.
*Salary figures reflect median early-career earnings (about 5 years after graduation) and may vary by how long a person takes to complete their degree.
More about our data sources and methodologies.