[College research](/) / [Rankings](/rankings/)

# Best Art & Design Colleges in New York (2026)

Updated September 30, 2026

Programs in this field[Arts and Entertainment Management](/rankings/best-arts-and-entertainment-management-programs-in-new-york/)[Drama and Theatre Arts](/rankings/best-drama-and-theatre-arts-programs-in-new-york/)[Film, Video and Photographic Arts](/rankings/best-film-video-and-photographic-arts-programs-in-new-york/)[Music](/rankings/best-music-programs-in-new-york/)

This page ranks the 62 schools in New York that offer Art & Design by the median earnings of Art & Design graduates four years after completing. Across the 41 schools with a published figure, median earnings range from $87,358 at [Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute](/school/rensselaer-polytechnic-institute/majors/) to $19,683, with a median of $43,963. The gap between the top two schools is $23,699.

The list includes 23 public and 39 private nonprofit institutions. CUNY Hunter College reports the lowest average net price at $2,984, while Columbia University in the City of New York posts the highest six-year completion rate at 96%.

On Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, CUNY Bernard M Baruch College ranks 2nd.

## The ranked list

62 schools in list order

| Rank | School | Median Art & Design Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| 1 | Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute · Troy, NY | $87,358 | $36,228 | $24,078 | 63.5% |
|  | [Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute](/school/rensselaer-polytechnic-institute/majors/) reports [$87,358 in median earnings](/school/rensselaer-polytechnic-institute/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and ranks 1st on this list. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (41 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (5 graduates) |
| 2 | St. John's University-New York · Queens, NY | $63,659 | $29,999 | $27,787 | 83.4% |
|  | [St. John's University-New York](/school/st-johns-university-new-york/majors/) [admits 83% of applicants](/school/st-johns-university-new-york/admissions/) and posts median earnings of $63,659 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (23 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (7 graduates) |
| 3 | Marist University · Poughkeepsie, NY | $61,116 | $41,544 | $26,083 | 56.5% |
|  | [Marist University](/school/marist-university/majors/) [graduates 80% of its students within six years](/school/marist-university/outcomes/), and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $61,116 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (44 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (37 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($66,010), Fine and Studio Arts ($55,296) |
| 4 | Syracuse University · Syracuse, NY | No published median | $38,793 | $15,817 | 45.9% |
|  | [Syracuse University](/school/syracuse-university/majors/) carries an [average net price of $38,793](/school/syracuse-university/cost/) and an admission rate of 46%, and ranks 4th on this list. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (100 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (61 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (51 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($71,527), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($44,045) |
| 5 | Binghamton University · Vestal, NY | $55,134 | $21,620 | $12,171 | 38.6% |
|  | A public university in Vestal, [Binghamton University](/school/binghamton-university/majors/) shows [median earnings of $55,134](/school/binghamton-university/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (54 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (20 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (15 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($60,299), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($46,579) |
| 6 | Pratt Institute-Main · Brooklyn, NY | $54,719 | $52,659 | $38,545 | 73.3% |
|  | Pratt Institute-Main reports an average net price of $52,659 and median earnings of $54,719 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (273 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (71 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (64 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($59,792), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($46,874), Fine and Studio Arts ($42,282) |
| 7 | Fordham University · Bronx, NY | $53,938 | $44,338 | $32,474 | 59.3% |
|  | [Fordham University](/school/fordham-university/majors/) posts a [six-year completion rate of 82%](/school/fordham-university/outcomes/) and median earnings of $53,938 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (57 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (52 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (32 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($60,515), Dance ($47,036), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($46,317) |
| 8 | Farmingdale State College · Farmingdale, NY | $53,896 | $10,867 | $4,933 | 63.3% |
|  | [Farmingdale State College](/school/farmingdale-state-college/majors/) reports an [average net price of $10,867](/school/farmingdale-state-college/cost/) and median earnings of $53,896 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (43 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($53,896) |
| 9 | The New School · New York, NY | $53,795 | $58,741 | $50,140 | 63.5% |
|  | [The New School](/school/the-new-school/majors/) [admits 63% of applicants](/school/the-new-school/admissions/) and reports median earnings of $53,795 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (476 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (150 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (107 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management ($74,936), Design and Applied Arts ($56,838), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($48,557) |
| 10 | St Lawrence University · Canton, NY | $53,720 | $28,651 | $13,420 | 54.3% |
|  | St Lawrence University graduates 79% of its students within six years, and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $53,720 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (18 graduates), Music (11 graduates) |
| 11 | Rochester Institute of Technology · Rochester, NY | $52,489 | $34,906 | $24,680 | 66.9% |
|  | [Rochester Institute of Technology](/school/rochester-institute-of-technology/majors/) reports an [average net price of $34,906](/school/rochester-institute-of-technology/cost/) and median earnings of $52,489 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (122 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (113 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (9 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($52,970), Design and Applied Arts ($52,043) |
| 12 | Russell Sage College · Troy, NY | $51,485 | $22,917 | $6,662 | 53.3% |
|  | Russell Sage College admits 53% of applicants and reports median earnings of $51,485 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (20 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($51,485) |
| 13 | CUNY New York City College of Technology · Brooklyn, NY | $50,991 | $5,127 | $3,810 | 80.3% |
|  | [CUNY New York City College of Technology](/school/cuny-new-york-city-college-of-technology/majors/) reports [$50,991 in median earnings](/school/cuny-new-york-city-college-of-technology/outcomes/) of Art & Design graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $5,127. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (145 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (25 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($52,562), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($41,880) |
| 14 | Manhattanville University · Purchase, NY | $50,416 | $20,991 | $13,548 | 87.3% |
|  | A private nonprofit university in Purchase, Manhattanville University admits 87% of applicants and graduates 58% of its students within six years. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (24 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (9 graduates) |
| 15 | Skidmore College · Saratoga Springs, NY | $49,947 | $32,297 | $9,932 | 21.1% |
|  | [Skidmore College](/school/skidmore-college/majors/) posts a [six-year completion rate of 83%](/school/skidmore-college/outcomes/) alongside an admission rate of 21%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (42 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (16 graduates), Dance (15 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($53,602) |
| 16 | New York University · New York, NY | $49,634 | $37,050 | $16,977 | 9.2% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 9%](/school/new-york-university/admissions/), [New York University](/school/new-york-university/majors/) ranks 146th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (416 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (407 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, Other (125 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($58,720), Music ($52,841), Fine and Studio Arts ($49,478) |
| 17 | Pace University · New York, NY | $49,492 | $30,892 | $26,473 | 75.9% |
|  | [Pace University](/school/pace-university/majors/) shows [$49,492 in median earnings](/school/pace-university/outcomes/) of Art & Design graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $26,473 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (79 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (75 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (69 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management ($62,064), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($52,368), Fine and Studio Arts ($50,623) |
| 18 | Vassar College · Poughkeepsie, NY | $48,808 | $39,343 | $15,953 | 18.6% |
|  | [Vassar College](/school/vassar-college/majors/) [graduates 91% of its students within six years](/school/vassar-college/outcomes/) and reports $48,808 in median earnings of Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (25 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (24 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (23 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($63,418), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($42,956), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($40,165) |
| 19 | Villa Maria College · Buffalo, NY | $48,379 | $13,494 | $13,049 | 86.6% |
|  | Villa Maria College carries an average net price of $13,494 and an admission rate of 87%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (21 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (6 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (5 graduates) |
| 20 | Hofstra University · Hempstead, NY | $47,954 | $34,176 | $28,219 | 68.1% |
|  | [Hofstra University](/school/hofstra-university/majors/) [ranks 882nd on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/hofstra-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports $47,954 in median earnings of Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (32 graduates), Dance (17 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($56,847), Fine and Studio Arts ($49,233), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($44,388) |
| 21 | Wagner College · Staten Island, NY | $46,636 | $28,241 | $20,993 | 88.0% |
|  | Wagner College admits 88% of applicants and posts a six-year completion rate of 65%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (43 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (16 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management ($65,373), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($39,664) |
| 22 | Ithaca College · Ithaca, NY | No published median | $33,926 | $21,901 | 69.0% |
|  | [Ithaca College](/school/ithaca-college/majors/) [ranks 1290th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/ithaca-college/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and graduates 76% of its students within six years. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (108 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (65 graduates), Music (47 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($51,338), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($46,563), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($44,829) |
| 23 | CUNY Hunter College · New York, NY | No published median | $2,984 | $1,029 | 53.8% |
|  | [CUNY Hunter College](/school/cuny-hunter-college/majors/) reports an [average net price of $2,984](/school/cuny-hunter-college/cost/) and an admission rate of 54%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (90 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (52 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (29 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($56,160), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($46,545), Music ($39,600) |
| 24 | SUNY Oneonta · Oneonta, NY | No published median | $19,158 | $11,044 | 69.6% |
|  | [SUNY Oneonta](/school/suny-oneonta/majors/) shows a [six-year completion rate of 69%](/school/suny-oneonta/outcomes/) and an average net price of $11,044 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (66 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (49 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (30 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management ($47,324), Visual and Performing Arts, General ($47,321), Fine and Studio Arts ($33,299) |
| 25 | CUNY Lehman College · Bronx, NY | No published median | $3,148 | $1,589 | 56.6% |
|  | [CUNY Lehman College](/school/cuny-lehman-college/majors/), a public university in Bronx, reports an [average net price of $3,148](/school/cuny-lehman-college/cost/) and ranks 42nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (48 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (20 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (16 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($50,334) |
| 26 | SUNY at Fredonia · Fredonia, NY | $43,963 | $15,897 | $9,395 | 77.7% |
|  | [SUNY at Fredonia](/school/suny-at-fredonia/majors/) posts [median earnings of $43,963](/school/suny-at-fredonia/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 50%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (47 graduates), Music (38 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (23 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management ($50,671), Design and Applied Arts ($43,087), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($39,770) |
| 27 | University at Buffalo · Buffalo, NY | $43,391 | $20,995 | $14,668 | 74.2% |
|  | With an [admission rate of 74%](/school/university-at-buffalo/admissions/), [University at Buffalo](/school/university-at-buffalo/majors/) reports $43,391 in median earnings for Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (65 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (64 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (31 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($45,677), Fine and Studio Arts ($43,584), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($43,285) |
| 28 | CUNY City College · New York, NY | $43,371 | $3,776 | $1,251 | 60.0% |
|  | [CUNY City College](/school/cuny-city-college/majors/) shows an [average net price of $1,251](/school/cuny-city-college/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 57%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (116 graduates), Music (44 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (34 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($46,801), Fine and Studio Arts ($45,656), Music ($44,058) |
| 29 | CUNY Brooklyn College · Brooklyn, NY | $43,144 | $3,103 | $1,029 | 58.4% |
|  | Median earnings for Art & Design graduates of [CUNY Brooklyn College](/school/cuny-brooklyn-college/majors/) reach $43,144 four years after completing, and the school [ranks 53rd on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/cuny-brooklyn-college/) among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (104 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (57 graduates), Music (27 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($44,032), Fine and Studio Arts ($42,362), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($41,233) |
| 30 | University at Albany · Albany, NY | $42,540 | $17,167 | $11,112 | 69.1% |
|  | Graduates of [University at Albany](/school/university-at-albany/majors/) earn a [median of $42,540](/school/university-at-albany/outcomes/) four years after completing their Art & Design program, and the school admits 69% of applicants. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (33 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (12 graduates), Music (12 graduates) |
| 31 | Barnard College · New York, NY | $41,789 | $28,800 | $11,600 | 8.8% |
|  | Barnard College, a private nonprofit college in New York, reports median earnings of $41,789 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 93%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (40 graduates), Dance (12 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (11 graduates) |
| 32 | CUNY Queens College · Queens, NY | $41,467 | $4,195 | $1,541 | 64.4% |
|  | [CUNY Queens College](/school/cuny-queens-college/majors/) posts an [average net price of $1,541](/school/cuny-queens-college/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and median earnings of $41,467 for Art & Design graduates four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (105 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (43 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (24 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($44,835), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($31,239) |
| 33 | SUNY Brockport · Brockport, NY | No published median | $16,353 | $10,911 | 70.7% |
|  | [SUNY Brockport](/school/suny-brockport/majors/) [admits 71% of applicants](/school/suny-brockport/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $16,353, ranking 344th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (61 graduates), Dance (17 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (7 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($44,092) |
| 34 | Columbia University in the City of New York · New York, NY | No published median | $21,590 | $4,570 | 4.0% |
|  | [Columbia University in the City of New York](/school/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york/majors/) reports a [six-year completion rate of 96%](/school/columbia-university-in-the-city-of-new-york/outcomes/) and an admission rate of 4%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Visual and Performing Arts, Other (74 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (34 graduates), Music (17 graduates) |
| 35 | Marymount Manhattan College · New York, NY | No published median | $36,861 | $30,722 | 82.6% |
|  | [Marymount Manhattan College](/school/marymount-manhattan-college/majors/) reports an [average net price of $30,722](/school/marymount-manhattan-college/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 49%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (99 graduates), Dance (37 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (18 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($40,086), Dance ($38,227) |
| 36 | Alfred University · Alfred, NY | $38,877 | $25,620 | $16,512 | 73.8% |
|  | [Alfred University](/school/alfred-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $38,877](/school/alfred-university/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing and an admission rate of 74%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (69 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($38,877) |
| 37 | Long Island University · Brookville, NY | No published median | $33,062 | $22,019 | 86.2% |
|  | [Long Island University](/school/long-island-university/majors/) is a private nonprofit university in Brookville with an [admission rate of 86%](/school/long-island-university/admissions/) and a six-year completion rate of 57%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (36 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (8 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (7 graduates) |
| 38 | State University of New York at Plattsburgh · Plattsburgh, NY | $38,407 | $17,156 | $9,400 | 78.4% |
|  | [State University of New York at Plattsburgh](/school/state-university-of-new-york-at-plattsburgh/majors/) reports [median earnings of $38,407](/school/state-university-of-new-york-at-plattsburgh/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $17,156. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (19 graduates), Music (6 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($38,407) |
| 39 | SUNY at Purchase College · Purchase, NY | No published median | $18,913 | $11,835 | 74.1% |
|  | [SUNY at Purchase College](/school/suny-at-purchase-college/majors/) holds an [Azimuth composite rank of 907th](/school/suny-at-purchase-college/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and admits 74% of applicants. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (149 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (65 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (62 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management ($51,954), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($43,265), Music ($41,926) |
| 40 | SUNY Buffalo State University · Buffalo, NY | No published median | $11,346 | $7,405 | 73.0% |
|  | An [average net price of $7,405](/school/suny-buffalo-state-university/cost/) for families earning under $30,000 coincides with a six-year completion rate of 33% at [SUNY Buffalo State University](/school/suny-buffalo-state-university/majors/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (29 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (27 graduates), Music (12 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($45,222), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($39,863) |
| 41 | State University of New York at Oswego · Oswego, NY | No published median | $16,236 | $8,714 | 80.6% |
|  | [State University of New York at Oswego](/school/state-university-of-new-york-at-oswego/majors/) ranks 41st on this list and carries an [average net price of $16,236](/school/state-university-of-new-york-at-oswego/cost/). |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (48 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (47 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (20 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($44,939), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($38,429) |
| 42 | SUNY College at Potsdam · Potsdam, NY | No published median | $13,624 | $8,623 | 77.7% |
|  | [SUNY College at Potsdam](/school/suny-college-at-potsdam/majors/) has a [six-year completion rate of 45%](/school/suny-college-at-potsdam/outcomes/) and an average net price of $8,623 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (46 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (19 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (18 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($36,677), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($33,581), Fine and Studio Arts ($30,688) |
| 43 | Cornell University · Ithaca, NY | No published median | $28,690 | $1,776 | 8.8% |
|  | [Cornell University](/school/cornell-university/majors/) [ranks 47th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/cornell-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $1,776 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (37 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, Other (18 graduates), Music (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($41,784) |
| 44 | The Juilliard School · New York, NY | $36,172 | $43,571 | $30,168 | 9.2% |
|  | The Juilliard School reports median earnings of $36,172 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, with a six-year completion rate of 93%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (89 graduates), Dance (21 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (10 graduates) |
| 45 | Adelphi University · Garden City, NY | No published median | $30,783 | $24,095 | 65.9% |
|  | [Adelphi University](/school/adelphi-university/majors/) is a private nonprofit university in Garden City with an [admission rate of 66%](/school/adelphi-university/admissions/) and a six-year completion rate of 67%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (18 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (15 graduates), Dance (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($50,759), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($37,630) |
| 46 | CUNY Bernard M Baruch College · New York, NY | $35,060 | $3,033 | $607 | 47.5% |
|  | [CUNY Bernard M Baruch College](/school/cuny-bernard-m-baruch-college/majors/) reports [median earnings of $35,060](/school/cuny-bernard-m-baruch-college/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing and an average net price of $3,033. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (6 graduates) |
| 47 | State University of New York at New Paltz · New Paltz, NY | No published median | $18,809 | $10,541 | 61.6% |
|  | [State University of New York at New Paltz](/school/state-university-of-new-york-at-new-paltz/majors/) [ranks 462nd on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/state-university-of-new-york-at-new-paltz/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and graduates 72% of its full-time students within six years. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (42 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (33 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (30 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Visual and Performing Arts, General ($41,097), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($39,521) |
| 48 | Stony Brook University · Stony Brook, NY | $34,904 | $18,784 | $12,943 | 49.0% |
|  | [Stony Brook University](/school/stony-brook-university/majors/) reports [median earnings of $34,904](/school/stony-brook-university/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 49%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (45 graduates), Music (16 graduates) |
| 49 | University of Rochester · Rochester, NY | $34,888 | $29,278 | $9,678 | 40.1% |
|  | [University of Rochester](/school/university-of-rochester/majors/) reports [median earnings of $34,888](/school/university-of-rochester/outcomes/) for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate reaches 85%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (128 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (13 graduates), Dance (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($34,888) |
| 50 | Molloy University · Rockville Centre, NY | $34,822 | $24,347 | $17,548 | 81.7% |
|  | [Molloy University](/school/molloy-university/majors/) posts a [six-year completion rate of 70%](/school/molloy-university/outcomes/) and an admission rate of 82%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (23 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (7 graduates) |
| 51 | Bard College · Annandale-On-Hudson, NY | $34,667 | $34,649 | $19,012 | 52.1% |
|  | Bard College carries an average net price of $34,649, while its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $34,667 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (138 graduates), Music (13 graduates) |
| 52 | Le Moyne College · Syracuse, NY | $34,283 | $22,277 | $14,535 | 83.0% |
|  | [Le Moyne College](/school/le-moyne-college/majors/) [ranks 794th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/le-moyne-college/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $22,277. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (10 graduates) |
| 53 | Siena University · Loudonville, NY | No published median | $33,733 | $26,417 | 69.0% |
|  | Siena University, a private nonprofit university in Loudonville, has a six-year completion rate of 75% and an average net price of $26,417 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Visual and Performing Arts, General (7 graduates) |
| 54 | Nazareth University · Rochester, NY | No published median | $29,357 | $22,796 | 74.7% |
|  | [Nazareth University](/school/nazareth-university/majors/) [admits 75% of applicants](/school/nazareth-university/admissions/) and reports an average net price of $22,796 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (16 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (15 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (14 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($36,117) |
| 55 | College of Staten Island CUNY · Staten Island, NY | No published median | $5,579 | $3,903 | 92.3% |
|  | [College of Staten Island CUNY](/school/college-of-staten-island-cuny/majors/) [ranks 93rd on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/college-of-staten-island-cuny/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and carries an average net price of $5,579. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (28 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (20 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (6 graduates) |
| 56 | Manhattan School of Music · New York, NY | No published median | $51,754 | $31,392 | 40.8% |
|  | Manhattan School of Music has a six-year completion rate of 78% and an average net price of $31,392 for families earning under $30,000. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (92 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (28 graduates) |
| 57 | Daemen University · Amherst, NY | $26,353 | $18,693 | $10,773 | 68.3% |
|  | Daemen University reports median earnings of $26,353 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 59%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Visual and Performing Arts, General (9 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (6 graduates) |
| 58 | The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art · New York, NY | $24,920 | $13,269 | $3,749 | 20.7% |
|  | [The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art](/school/the-cooper-union-for-the-advancement-of-science-and-art/majors/) [admits 21% of applicants](/school/the-cooper-union-for-the-advancement-of-science-and-art/admissions/) and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $24,920 four years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (62 graduates) |
| 59 | Hamilton College · Clinton, NY | $24,772 | $28,985 | $8,028 | 13.6% |
|  | Hamilton College reports median earnings of $24,772 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing, and its six-year completion rate reaches 91%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (28 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (9 graduates), Music (8 graduates) |
| 60 | Mercy University · Dobbs Ferry, NY | No published median | $14,072 | $11,974 | 85.8% |
|  | [Mercy University](/school/mercy-university/majors/) [ranks 309th on Azimuth's composite ranking](/school/mercy-university/) among nonprofit four-year institutions and admits 86% of applicants. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (25 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (5 graduates) |
| 61 | SUNY College of Technology at Canton · Canton, NY | $21,964 | $15,268 | $10,908 | 92.2% |
|  | SUNY College of Technology at Canton admits 92% of applicants and reports median earnings of $21,964 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (19 graduates) |
| 62 | Hartwick College · Oneonta, NY | $19,683 | $31,320 | $22,584 | 69.6% |
|  | Hartwick College ranks 62nd on this list with median earnings of $19,683 two years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 53%. |
|  | Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (9 graduates) |

## How this list is ordered

Schools are ordered by the median earnings of their Art & Design graduates four years after completing, highest first. Only schools with a reported Art & Design earnings cohort in New York appear. The figure captures federally aided completers who were working and not enrolled four years after finishing. For 6 of the 62 listed programs the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one. The metric does not adjust for graduate school enrollment, cost, or who enrolls, and it is not a measure of teaching quality. The range and median below cover the 41 schools with a published figure. Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute leads St. John's University-New York by $23,699, and the spread from top to bottom reaches $67,675.

## Related rankings

-   [Best Art & Design Colleges in the United States](/rankings/best-art-and-design-colleges/)
-   [Best Colleges in New York](/rankings/best-colleges-in-new-york/)
-   [Best Art & Design Colleges in Florida](/rankings/best-art-and-design-colleges-in-florida/)
-   [Top Art & Design Colleges in California by Earnings](/rankings/best-art-and-design-colleges-in-california/)
-   [Best Art & Design Colleges in Kentucky](/rankings/best-art-and-design-colleges-in-kentucky/)
-   [Best Art & Design Colleges in Georgia](/rankings/best-art-and-design-colleges-in-georgia/)
-   Art & Design Colleges in New York for Social Mobility