Best Art & Design Colleges in the Midwest (2026)
Updated
Regional list from Best Art & Design Colleges in the United States
This page ranks the 186 schools with Art & Design in the Midwest by the median earnings of Art & Design graduates four years after completing. Lawrence Technological University ranks 1st on this list, reporting median earnings of $99,444 for its graduates four years after completing.
Across the 128 schools with a published figure, median earnings range from $99,444 to $15,922, with a median of $40,522. For 35 of the listed schools the figure is the two-year completion median rather than the four-year one.
The list includes 91 public and 95 private nonprofit schools. Trinity International University-Illinois posts the lowest average net price at $2,835, while University of Michigan-Ann Arbor ranks 16th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions.
The ranked list
| Rank | School | Median Art & Design Earnings | Average net price | Net price, families under $30K | Admission rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Lawrence Technological University · Southfield, MI | $99,444 | $32,918 | $25,980 | 55.9% |
| Lawrence Technological University reports $99,444 in median earnings 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 (20 graduates) | |||||
| 2 | University of Notre Dame · Notre Dame, IN | $70,286 | $26,780 | $7,244 | 11.3% |
| University of Notre Dame admits 11% of applicants and posts a six-year completion rate of 95%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (68 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (28 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (12 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($64,880) | |||||
| 3 | Washington University in St Louis · St. Louis, MO | $67,771 | $21,786 | $1,716 | 12.1% |
| With an average net price of $21,786, Washington University in St Louis ranks 3rd on this list. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (62 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (43 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (14 graduates) | |||||
| 4 | Miami University-Oxford · Oxford, OH | $60,935 | $28,384 | $16,015 | 75.4% |
| Miami University-Oxford, a public university in Oxford, graduates 80% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (59 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (25 graduates), Music (23 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($67,981), Fine and Studio Arts ($55,891) | |||||
| 5 | University of Cincinnati-Main Campus · Cincinnati, OH | No published median | $25,648 | $17,974 | 85.3% |
| University of Cincinnati-Main Campus ranks 250th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and admits 85% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (219 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (70 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (62 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($71,605), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($54,000), Fine and Studio Arts ($37,025) | |||||
| 6 | University of Michigan-Ann Arbor · Ann Arbor, MI | No published median | $13,138 | $1,043 | 15.6% |
| An average net price of $1,043 for families earning under $30,000 coincides with a six-year completion rate of 93% at University of Michigan-Ann Arbor. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (153 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (86 graduates), Music (83 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($66,846), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($57,059), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($45,888) | |||||
| 7 | Bemidji State University · Bemidji, MN | $54,642 | $15,261 | $10,073 | 56.0% |
| Bemidji State University reports $54,642 in median earnings for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (17 graduates), Music (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($54,642) | |||||
| 8 | University of Wisconsin-Stout · Menomonie, WI | $54,376 | $17,490 | $10,966 | 87.7% |
| University of Wisconsin-Stout admits 88% of applicants and has an average net price of $17,490. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (144 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (31 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (16 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($57,718) | |||||
| 9 | University of Dayton · Dayton, OH | No published median | $29,533 | $21,736 | 65.5% |
| Graduating 80% of its students within six years, University of Dayton ranks 9th on this list. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (18 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (6 graduates), Music (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($66,679) | |||||
| 10 | College for Creative Studies · Detroit, MI | No published median | $34,617 | $30,267 | 91.9% |
| College for Creative Studies has an average net price of $30,267 for families earning under $30,000 and admits 92% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (86 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (13 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($61,222), Crafts/Craft Design, Folk Art and Artisanry ($41,739), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($35,797) | |||||
| 11 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign · Champaign, IL | No published median | $14,355 | $2,038 | 42.4% |
| University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign ranks 35th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and has an average net price of $14,355. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (100 graduates), Music (56 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (37 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($65,186), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($49,323) | |||||
| 12 | Purdue University-Main Campus · West Lafayette, IN | No published median | $14,600 | $5,098 | 49.9% |
| Purdue University-Main Campus admits 50% of applicants and graduates 83% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (65 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (36 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (15 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($58,917) | |||||
| 13 | South Dakota State University · Brookings, SD | $52,630 | $19,841 | $14,266 | 98.3% |
| South Dakota State University reports median earnings of $52,630 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 62%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (22 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($52,630) | |||||
| 14 | Maryville University of Saint Louis · Saint Louis, MO | $52,185 | $22,066 | $16,528 | 95.1% |
| With an admission rate of 95%, Maryville University of Saint Louis ranks 14th on this list and shows median earnings of $52,185 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (51 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($52,185) | |||||
| 15 | Iowa State University · Ames, IA | $51,828 | $18,589 | $10,582 | 88.7% |
| Iowa State University posts a six-year completion rate of 75% and an average net price of $18,589, alongside median earnings of $51,828 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (221 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (15 graduates), Music (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($52,671) | |||||
| 16 | University of Minnesota-Twin Cities · Minneapolis, MN | $51,353 | $16,778 | $6,642 | 79.8% |
| University of Minnesota-Twin Cities carries an average net price of $16,778 and reports median earnings of $51,353 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (123 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (94 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (51 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($62,414), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($47,707), Fine and Studio Arts ($44,850) | |||||
| 17 | Michigan State University · East Lansing, MI | $51,055 | $19,680 | $7,068 | 84.8% |
| Michigan State University ranks 69th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $51,055 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (98 graduates), Music (56 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (31 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($53,250), Music ($52,132), Fine and Studio Arts ($50,098) | |||||
| 18 | North Central College · Naperville, IL | $50,763 | $21,044 | $12,507 | 77.3% |
| A private nonprofit university in Naperville, North Central College admits 77% of applicants and reports median earnings of $50,763 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (23 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (18 graduates), Music (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($57,192), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($46,605) | |||||
| 19 | University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh · Oshkosh, WI | $50,189 | $14,305 | $9,236 | 86.5% |
| University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh reports median earnings of $50,189 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, with a six-year completion rate of 46%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (21 graduates), Music (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($50,189) | |||||
| 20 | Northwestern University · Evanston, IL | No published median | $29,167 | $1,764 | 7.7% |
| Northwestern University ranks 85th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and admits 8% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (90 graduates), Music (86 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (14 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($53,875), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($49,316) | |||||
| 21 | University of Illinois Chicago · Chicago, IL | $50,015 | $10,974 | $7,529 | 77.4% |
| University of Illinois Chicago shows an average net price of $10,974 and median earnings of $50,015 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (79 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (34 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (34 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($59,188), Fine and Studio Arts ($41,924), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($36,792) | |||||
| 22 | Drake University · Des Moines, IA | $50,011 | $29,127 | $25,824 | 63.9% |
| Drake University ranks 22nd on this list, with a six-year completion rate of 74% and median earnings of $50,011 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (24 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (15 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($54,950) | |||||
| 23 | Kent State University at Kent · Kent, OH | $49,978 | $20,787 | $15,280 | 86.3% |
| Kent State University at Kent admits 86% of applicants and reports median earnings of $49,978 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (250 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (58 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (49 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($56,540), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($36,429), Fine and Studio Arts ($35,710) | |||||
| 24 | Mount Mary University · Milwaukee, WI | $49,881 | $20,144 | $18,155 | 62.3% |
| Mount Mary University ranks 701st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $49,881 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($49,881) | |||||
| 25 | Ohio State University-Main Campus · Columbus, OH | No published median | $17,339 | $4,885 | 60.6% |
| Ohio State University-Main Campus, a public university in Columbus, ranks 25th on this list and reports a six-year completion rate of 88%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (85 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (48 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (42 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($68,151), Music ($51,310), Fine and Studio Arts ($46,899) | |||||
| 26 | Illinois State University · Normal, IL | $49,562 | $19,398 | $11,568 | 88.2% |
| Illinois State University reports median earnings of $49,562 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $19,398. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (90 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (75 graduates), Music (33 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($54,767), Fine and Studio Arts ($51,386), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($40,258) | |||||
| 27 | Ferris State University · Big Rapids, MI | $49,443 | $8,624 | $2,556 | 91.4% |
| With an admission rate of 91%, Ferris State University ranks 27th on this list and posts median earnings of $49,443 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (101 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (14 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($50,658), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management ($48,367), Fine and Studio Arts ($39,165) | |||||
| 28 | Cedarville University · Cedarville, OH | No published median | $24,468 | $18,987 | 65.3% |
| Cedarville University ranks 28th on this list and carries an average net price of $24,468, with a six-year completion rate of 73%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (45 graduates), Music (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($51,813) | |||||
| 29 | Kenyon College · Gambier, OH | No published median | $38,512 | $18,242 | 31.0% |
| Kenyon College admits 31% of applicants and ranks 29th on this list, with an average net price of $38,512. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (23 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (15 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (9 graduates) | |||||
| 30 | Winona State University · Winona, MN | $48,258 | $17,503 | $10,224 | 75.5% |
| Winona State University reports median earnings of $48,258 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate stands at 57%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (17 graduates) | |||||
| 31 | University of Missouri-Columbia · Columbia, MO | $48,204 | $20,268 | $13,841 | 78.5% |
| University of Missouri-Columbia ranks 31st on this list and reports median earnings of $48,204 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, with an admission rate of 78%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Visual and Performing Arts, General (46 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (32 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (30 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($51,254) | |||||
| 32 | Park University · Parkville, MO | $48,105 | $21,032 | $18,687 | Not reported |
| Park University posts median earnings of $48,105 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 38%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (27 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (8 graduates) | |||||
| 33 | Central Michigan University · Mount Pleasant, MI | $48,085 | $17,597 | $12,185 | 89.8% |
| Central Michigan University admits 90% of applicants and reports median earnings of $48,085 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (55 graduates), Music (22 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (19 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($54,254), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($43,916), Music ($43,089) | |||||
| 34 | DePaul University · Chicago, IL | $48,051 | $30,902 | $27,359 | 75.9% |
| DePaul University ranks 34th on this list and reports median earnings of $48,051 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 68%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (176 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (97 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (70 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($55,213), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($46,969), Music ($44,756) | |||||
| 35 | Dominican University · River Forest, IL | $47,930 | $11,745 | $9,759 | 90.3% |
| Dominican University reports median earnings of $47,930 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its average net price is $11,745. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (9 graduates) | |||||
| 36 | Loyola University Chicago · Chicago, IL | $47,818 | $36,079 | $28,992 | 81.6% |
| Loyola University Chicago ranks 36th on this list with median earnings of $47,818 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and it admits 82% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (28 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (20 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (13 graduates) | |||||
| 37 | Kansas State University · Manhattan, KS | $47,344 | $19,406 | $13,178 | 81.7% |
| Kansas State University reports median earnings of $47,344 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate reaches 71%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (56 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (36 graduates), Music (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($39,991) | |||||
| 38 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater · Whitewater, WI | $46,941 | $14,158 | $8,440 | 85.7% |
| With an average net price of $14,158, University of Wisconsin-Whitewater admits 86% of applicants and ranks 385th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (36 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (33 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (29 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($49,506), Visual and Performing Arts, General ($47,819), Music ($45,306) | |||||
| 39 | Columbus College of Art & Design · Columbus, OH | $46,310 | $29,439 | $24,204 | 67.7% |
| Columbus College of Art & Design, a private nonprofit institution in Columbus, posts a six-year completion rate of 56% alongside median earnings of $46,310 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (123 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (18 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($48,204), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($43,661), Fine and Studio Arts ($32,061) | |||||
| 40 | Huntington University · Huntington, IN | $46,073 | $19,310 | $10,796 | 75.6% |
| Huntington University ranks 40th on this list and reports an average net price of $10,796 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (18 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (6 graduates) | |||||
| 41 | Taylor University · Upland, IN | No published median | $24,865 | $16,143 | 73.5% |
| Admitting 74% of applicants, Taylor University graduates 74% of its students within six years and carries an average net price of $24,865. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (29 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (9 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (5 graduates) | |||||
| 42 | University of Evansville · Evansville, IN | $45,838 | $18,499 | $14,451 | 77.6% |
| Median earnings for Art & Design graduates of University of Evansville reach $45,838 four years after completing, and the school's admission rate stands at 78%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (24 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (7 graduates) | |||||
| 43 | North Dakota State University-Main Campus · Fargo, ND | No published median | $15,543 | $9,370 | 95.0% |
| A public university in Fargo, North Dakota State University-Main Campus ranks 367th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports a six-year completion rate of 64%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (20 graduates), Music (16 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (14 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($57,663) | |||||
| 44 | School of the Art Institute of Chicago · Chicago, IL | $45,602 | $49,790 | $43,798 | 77.5% |
| School of the Art Institute of Chicago posts median earnings of $45,602 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $43,798 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (589 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($45,602) | |||||
| 45 | Nebraska Wesleyan University · Lincoln, NE | $45,420 | $18,327 | $14,925 | 79.8% |
| With an admission rate of 80%, Nebraska Wesleyan University reports a six-year completion rate of 66% and median earnings of $45,420 for its 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 (7 graduates) | |||||
| 46 | University of Minnesota-Duluth · Duluth, MN | No published median | $18,743 | $7,256 | 88.8% |
| University of Minnesota-Duluth admits 89% of applicants and carries an average net price of $7,256 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (40 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (23 graduates), Music (16 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($52,727), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($42,438) | |||||
| 47 | University of Kansas · Lawrence, KS | No published median | $18,059 | $12,544 | 93.5% |
| Ranking 183rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, University of Kansas reports a six-year completion rate of 69% and an average net price of $18,059. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (74 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (50 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (43 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($59,441), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($41,191), Fine and Studio Arts ($38,355) | |||||
| 48 | Western Michigan University · Kalamazoo, MI | $45,223 | $15,273 | $5,263 | 84.6% |
| Western Michigan University reports median earnings of $45,223 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its average net price is $15,273. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (68 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (64 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (37 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($58,634), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($45,391), Dance ($45,108) | |||||
| 49 | Bradley University · Peoria, IL | No published median | $22,719 | $17,269 | 76.8% |
| Bradley University, a private nonprofit university in Peoria, admits 77% of applicants and reports a six-year completion rate of 76%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (32 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (20 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (12 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($60,888) | |||||
| 50 | Luther College · Decorah, IA | No published median | $23,097 | $12,517 | 71.5% |
| Luther College posts an average net price of $12,517 for families earning under $30,000 and ranks 1262nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (37 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (17 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($50,947) | |||||
| 51 | University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire · Eau Claire, WI | $45,100 | $16,550 | $10,270 | 82.3% |
| University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire reports median earnings of $45,100 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $16,550. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (50 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (47 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (12 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($47,079), Fine and Studio Arts ($42,995) | |||||
| 52 | Eastern Illinois University · Charleston, IL | $44,865 | $12,786 | $9,828 | 65.4% |
| Graduates of Eastern Illinois University earn a median of $44,865 four years after completing, and the public university admits 65% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (26 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (23 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (7 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($49,236) | |||||
| 53 | Bowling Green State University-Main Campus · Bowling Green, OH | $44,698 | $24,022 | $18,396 | 81.0% |
| Bowling Green State University-Main Campus ranks 53rd on this list, with a six-year completion rate of 64% and an average net price of $18,396 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (59 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (39 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (29 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($54,274), Visual and Performing Arts, General ($46,944), Music ($44,037) | |||||
| 54 | University of Wisconsin-Madison · Madison, WI | No published median | $17,354 | $4,200 | 45.2% |
| University of Wisconsin-Madison admits 45% of applicants and graduates 90% of its students within six years, while posting an average net price of $4,200 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (72 graduates), Music (42 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (31 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($65,874), Fine and Studio Arts ($48,684) | |||||
| 55 | Edgewood University · Madison, WI | $44,540 | $26,113 | $22,291 | 75.7% |
| Edgewood University reports median earnings of $44,540 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and ranks 937th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (7 graduates) | |||||
| 56 | Columbia College Chicago · Chicago, IL | $44,465 | $26,598 | $20,924 | 89.5% |
| With an admission rate of 89%, Columbia College Chicago posts a six-year completion rate of 52% and an average net price of $26,598. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (239 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (176 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (144 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management ($50,592), Design and Applied Arts ($48,601), Fine and Studio Arts ($42,176) | |||||
| 57 | University of Iowa · Iowa City, IA | $44,432 | $22,531 | $15,316 | 83.6% |
| University of Iowa earns a median of $44,432 four years after completing, and the public university in Iowa City admits 84% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (106 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (52 graduates), Music (49 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Dance ($60,188), Music ($50,180), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($47,892) | |||||
| 58 | Northeastern Illinois University · Chicago, IL | $44,312 | $14,109 | $13,709 | 74.6% |
| Northeastern Illinois University ranks 172nd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and reports an average net price of $13,709 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (22 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (9 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($44,312) | |||||
| 59 | Oakland University · Rochester Hills, MI | No published median | $9,120 | $4,422 | 87.8% |
| Oakland University admits 88% of applicants and posts an average net price of $4,422 for families earning under $30,000, alongside a six-year completion rate of 58%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (61 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (24 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (17 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($47,432), Fine and Studio Arts ($44,270), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($43,186) | |||||
| 60 | University of Nebraska at Omaha · Omaha, NE | $43,928 | $13,441 | $10,534 | 87.0% |
| University of Nebraska at Omaha reports median earnings of $43,928 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and the public university graduates 47% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (71 graduates), Music (28 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($44,386), Music ($42,768) | |||||
| 61 | Lawrence University · Appleton, WI | $43,652 | $23,401 | $10,419 | 63.9% |
| Lawrence University reports median earnings of $43,652 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate reaches 77%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (57 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (23 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (8 graduates) | |||||
| 62 | Ball State University · Muncie, IN | $43,524 | $14,940 | $7,834 | 85.5% |
| With an admission rate of 86%, Ball State University posts median earnings of $43,524 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (81 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (74 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (32 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($43,082), Fine and Studio Arts ($42,594) | |||||
| 63 | St Olaf College · Northfield, MN | $43,521 | $23,874 | $10,404 | 48.3% |
| St Olaf College graduates 84% of its students within six years, and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $43,521 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (47 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (39 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (14 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($44,287), Music ($42,439) | |||||
| 64 | University of Missouri-St Louis · Saint Louis, MO | $43,350 | $15,071 | $13,031 | 62.7% |
| University of Missouri-St Louis carries an average net price of $15,071, while its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $43,350 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (28 graduates), Music (21 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($45,491), Music ($40,496) | |||||
| 65 | Ohio University-Main Campus · Athens, OH | $43,308 | $21,637 | $15,673 | 85.0% |
| Ohio University-Main Campus ranks 65th on this list and reports median earnings of $43,308 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (42 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (35 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (29 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($49,553), Music ($44,593), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($42,796) | |||||
| 66 | University of Minnesota-Morris · Morris, MN | $43,305 | $8,837 | $1,694 | 74.9% |
| University of Minnesota-Morris carries an average annual net price of $1,694 for families earning under $30,000, alongside median earnings of $43,305 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (8 graduates) | |||||
| 67 | Cleveland Institute of Art · Cleveland, OH | $43,288 | $29,208 | $23,423 | 61.4% |
| Cleveland Institute of Art admits 61% of applicants, and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $43,288 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (65 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (25 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (11 graduates) | |||||
| 68 | Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design · Milwaukee, WI | $43,147 | $26,541 | $21,419 | 60.5% |
| Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design reports a six-year completion rate of 67% alongside median earnings of $43,147 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (124 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (45 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($43,944), Fine and Studio Arts ($40,952) | |||||
| 69 | Capital University · Columbus, OH | $43,125 | $22,576 | $19,062 | 70.2% |
| Capital University posts an average net price of $22,576, and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $43,125 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (28 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (5 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($43,125) | |||||
| 70 | Saint Cloud State University · Saint Cloud, MN | $43,001 | $13,529 | $8,909 | 94.8% |
| Saint Cloud State University ranks 70th on this list with median earnings of $43,001 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing and an admission rate of 95%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (13 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (10 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($47,619), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($35,421) | |||||
| 71 | Anderson University · Anderson, IN | $42,697 | $25,021 | $23,119 | 79.3% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 54%, Anderson University reports median earnings of $42,697 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (10 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (6 graduates), Dance (5 graduates) | |||||
| 72 | University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee · Milwaukee, WI | $42,649 | $15,014 | $10,329 | 90.7% |
| University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee admits 91% of applicants, and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $42,649 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (104 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (83 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (29 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($44,788), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($44,232), Music ($37,616) | |||||
| 73 | Lindenwood University · Saint Charles, MO | No published median | $19,638 | $15,678 | 56.8% |
| Lindenwood University, a private nonprofit university in Saint Charles, ranks 73rd on this list and posts a six-year completion rate of 49%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (21 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (13 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($43,329) | |||||
| 74 | Minnesota State University Moorhead · Moorhead, MN | $42,160 | $17,997 | $11,129 | 58.8% |
| Minnesota State University Moorhead reports median earnings of $42,160 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $17,997. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (24 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (24 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (23 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($48,976), Fine and Studio Arts ($40,960) | |||||
| 75 | Indiana University-Southeast · New Albany, IN | $42,084 | $7,888 | $3,782 | 84.5% |
| With an admission rate of 84%, Indiana University-Southeast ranks 75th on this page and shows a six-year completion rate of 39%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (18 graduates) | |||||
| 76 | Missouri State University-Springfield · Springfield, MO | $42,037 | $17,613 | $13,718 | 90.5% |
| Missouri State University-Springfield graduates 58% of its students within six years and reports median earnings of $42,037 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (55 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (43 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (37 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($50,814), Fine and Studio Arts ($40,386), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($37,959) | |||||
| 77 | University of Central Missouri · Warrensburg, MO | $42,008 | $14,462 | $10,965 | 63.8% |
| University of Central Missouri ranks 77th on this list, with an average net price of $14,462 and median earnings of $42,008 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (25 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (15 graduates), Music (15 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($48,179), Design and Applied Arts ($42,778), Music ($42,610) | |||||
| 78 | Saginaw Valley State University · University Center, MI | $41,999 | $10,775 | $9,844 | 72.1% |
| Saginaw Valley State University admits 72% of applicants and reports median earnings of $41,999 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (32 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (16 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($41,864) | |||||
| 79 | Minnesota State University-Mankato · Mankato, MN | $41,923 | $19,139 | $12,339 | 88.4% |
| Minnesota State University-Mankato ranks 79th on this list, with a six-year completion rate of 54% and an average net price of $19,139. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (37 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (20 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (7 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($47,822), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($32,199) | |||||
| 80 | University of Northern Iowa · Cedar Falls, IA | No published median | $15,901 | $10,863 | 92.7% |
| University of Northern Iowa, a public university in Cedar Falls, ranks 80th on this page and graduates 68% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (38 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (18 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($47,736), Fine and Studio Arts ($40,288), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($39,816) | |||||
| 81 | Indiana State University · Terre Haute, IN | No published median | $10,873 | $6,455 | 80.8% |
| Indiana State University ranks 81st on this list, with an admission rate of 81% and an average net price of $6,455 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (27 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (18 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (7 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($49,711) | |||||
| 82 | Northern Illinois University · Dekalb, IL | $41,729 | $13,391 | $10,126 | 69.8% |
| Northern Illinois University reports median earnings of $41,729 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 49%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (88 graduates), Music (37 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (34 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($44,202), Music ($40,398), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($36,777) | |||||
| 83 | Missouri Western State University · Saint Joseph, MO | $41,728 | $13,251 | $11,243 | Not reported |
| Missouri Western State University ranks 83rd on this list, with median earnings of $41,728 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 39%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (16 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (9 graduates), Music (9 graduates) | |||||
| 84 | Butler University · Indianapolis, IN | No published median | $36,041 | $25,278 | 85.1% |
| Butler University, a private nonprofit university in Indianapolis, ranks 84th on this page and posts a six-year completion rate of 80%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (27 graduates), Music (18 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (10 graduates) | |||||
| 85 | Southern Illinois University-Carbondale · Carbondale, IL | No published median | $13,297 | $9,415 | 86.9% |
| Southern Illinois University-Carbondale admits 87% of applicants and reports a six-year completion rate of 62%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (28 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (26 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (9 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($44,902), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($40,592), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($39,926) | |||||
| 86 | University of Nebraska-Lincoln · Lincoln, NE | No published median | $17,747 | $12,751 | 87.5% |
| University of Nebraska-Lincoln has an average net price of $17,747, and its six-year completion rate is 67%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (52 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (32 graduates), Music (23 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($44,825), Fine and Studio Arts ($41,549) | |||||
| 87 | Upper Iowa University · Fayette, IA | $41,109 | $20,942 | $17,715 | 96.5% |
| Upper Iowa University reports median earnings of $41,109 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and it admits 96% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (8 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (5 graduates) | |||||
| 88 | Indiana University-Indianapolis · Indianapolis, IN | No published median | $11,668 | $5,701 | 76.4% |
| Indiana University-Indianapolis ranks 139th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its average net price is $11,668. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (105 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (17 graduates), Music (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($41,629) | |||||
| 89 | University of Nebraska at Kearney · Kearney, NE | No published median | $16,242 | $13,066 | 89.5% |
| University of Nebraska at Kearney has a six-year completion rate of 58% and an average net price of $13,066 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (14 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (13 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($49,521) | |||||
| 90 | University of Wisconsin-Green Bay · Green Bay, WI | No published median | $13,369 | $9,144 | 88.6% |
| An average net price of $9,144 for families earning under $30,000 is reported by University of Wisconsin-Green Bay, which ranks 606th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (19 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (17 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (9 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($46,376) | |||||
| 91 | Mount Vernon Nazarene University · Mount Vernon, OH | $40,641 | $22,421 | $22,358 | 84.2% |
| Mount Vernon Nazarene University reports median earnings of $40,641 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 68%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (6 graduates) | |||||
| 92 | Missouri Southern State University · Joplin, MO | $40,402 | $12,007 | $9,759 | 97.0% |
| Missouri Southern State University has an average net price of $12,007 and reports median earnings of $40,402 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (11 graduates), Music (10 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($40,402) | |||||
| 93 | University of Northwestern-St Paul · Saint Paul, MN | No published median | $27,705 | $26,696 | 93.5% |
| University of Northwestern-St Paul has a six-year completion rate of 68% and an average net price of $26,696 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (15 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (8 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (6 graduates) | |||||
| 94 | Grand View University · Des Moines, IA | No published median | $21,774 | $18,512 | 99.1% |
| Grand View University admits 99% of applicants and reports a six-year completion rate of 54%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (10 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($41,944) | |||||
| 95 | Wheaton College · Wheaton, IL | $39,915 | $26,975 | $20,001 | 87.4% |
| Wheaton College reports median earnings of $39,915 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 85%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (30 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($40,329) | |||||
| 96 | Millikin University · Decatur, IL | $39,891 | $21,989 | $18,659 | 66.7% |
| Millikin University has an admission rate of 67% and reports median earnings of $39,891 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (63 graduates), Music (13 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, Other (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($43,388), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($38,666) | |||||
| 97 | Wayne State College · Wayne, NE | $39,701 | $15,360 | $12,844 | Not reported |
| Wayne State College reports median earnings of $39,701 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 52%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (14 graduates), Music (6 graduates) | |||||
| 98 | Purdue University Fort Wayne · Fort Wayne, IN | $39,652 | $13,171 | $8,306 | 83.9% |
| With an average net price of $8,306 for families earning under $30,000, Purdue University Fort Wayne admits 84% of applicants and ranks 98th on this list. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (18 graduates), Music (16 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($37,718) | |||||
| 99 | DePauw University · Greencastle, IN | $39,430 | $22,264 | $11,820 | 57.2% |
| DePauw University, a private nonprofit university in Greencastle, posts a six-year completion rate of 75% and an admission rate of 57%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (16 graduates), Music (16 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (6 graduates) | |||||
| 100 | Oberlin College · Oberlin, OH | No published median | $38,645 | $18,774 | 34.2% |
| Oberlin College ranks 1261st on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and has an average net price of $38,645. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (140 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (35 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (21 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($43,343) | |||||
| 101 | Fort Hays State University · Hays, KS | $39,280 | $12,569 | $7,661 | 90.3% |
| Graduates of Fort Hays State University earn a median of $39,280 four years after completing their Art & Design program, and the school admits 90% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (34 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($39,280) | |||||
| 102 | Kansas City Art Institute · Kansas City, MO | $39,258 | $27,650 | $26,293 | 54.8% |
| Kansas City Art Institute reports median earnings of $39,258 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside an average net price of $27,650. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (69 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (41 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($43,070), Fine and Studio Arts ($37,718), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($34,253) | |||||
| 103 | Grand Valley State University · Allendale, MI | No published median | $16,317 | $12,272 | 83.0% |
| Ranking 210th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, Grand Valley State University has a six-year completion rate of 67%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (79 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (51 graduates), Music (24 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($49,111), Fine and Studio Arts ($39,307), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($39,082) | |||||
| 104 | Baldwin Wallace University · Berea, OH | No published median | $27,603 | $21,296 | 75.7% |
| Baldwin Wallace University admits 76% of applicants and reports an average net price of $21,296 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (31 graduates), Music (30 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (16 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($36,251) | |||||
| 105 | Indiana University-Bloomington · Bloomington, IN | No published median | $16,264 | $6,324 | 78.2% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 80%, Indiana University-Bloomington ranks 96th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (145 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (48 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (46 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management ($60,046), Design and Applied Arts ($54,630), Fine and Studio Arts ($43,816) | |||||
| 106 | Indiana University-South Bend · South Bend, IN | $38,663 | $8,653 | $4,637 | 83.8% |
| Indiana University-South Bend reports median earnings of $38,663 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $8,653. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (25 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (6 graduates) | |||||
| 107 | University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point · Stevens Point, WI | No published median | $14,559 | $8,833 | 91.8% |
| University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point admits 92% of applicants and has an average net price of $8,833 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (27 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (23 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (23 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management ($49,413), Fine and Studio Arts ($42,771) | |||||
| 108 | Southern Illinois University Edwardsville · Edwardsville, IL | $38,401 | $14,889 | $8,483 | 97.5% |
| Ranking 108th on this list, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville posts a six-year completion rate of 57% and an admission rate of 98%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (37 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (12 graduates), Music (6 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($39,698), Fine and Studio Arts ($36,717) | |||||
| 109 | Wayne State University · Detroit, MI | No published median | $12,766 | $11,090 | 81.2% |
| Wayne State University ranks 109th on this list and holds an Azimuth composite rank of 80th among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (53 graduates), Music (47 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (34 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($50,340), Fine and Studio Arts ($39,271), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($32,525) | |||||
| 110 | Cornell College · Mount Vernon, IA | $38,299 | $23,634 | $16,409 | 79.9% |
| Cornell College reports median earnings of $38,299 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 80%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (14 graduates) | |||||
| 111 | University of Chicago · Chicago, IL | $38,289 | $14,860 | -$1,264* | 4.5% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 96%, University of Chicago admits 4% of applicants and reports median earnings of $38,289 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (21 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, Other (16 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (13 graduates) | |||||
| 112 | Avila University · Kansas City, MO | $38,289 | $16,053 | $15,694 | 87.8% |
| Avila University posts a six-year completion rate of 52% and an average net price of $16,053. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (8 graduates) | |||||
| 113 | University of Missouri-Kansas City · Kansas City, MO | $38,258 | $13,310 | $10,576 | 72.2% |
| University of Missouri-Kansas City reports median earnings of $38,258 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $10,576 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (32 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (19 graduates), Dance (17 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($42,708), Fine and Studio Arts ($39,194) | |||||
| 114 | Eastern Michigan University · Ypsilanti, MI | No published median | $15,407 | $13,250 | 79.6% |
| Eastern Michigan University ranks 114th on this list and admits 80% of applicants, with a six-year completion rate of 46%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (65 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (41 graduates), Music (19 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($49,388), Fine and Studio Arts ($41,225) | |||||
| 115 | Art Academy of Cincinnati · Cincinnati, OH | $38,077 | $34,253 | $33,835 | 34.5% |
| Art Academy of Cincinnati reports median earnings of $38,077 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 41%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (25 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (15 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($42,224), Fine and Studio Arts ($31,166) | |||||
| 116 | Western Illinois University · Macomb, IL | $38,022 | $12,937 | $6,941 | 71.2% |
| Western Illinois University posts an average net price of $6,941 for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 45%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (19 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (13 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, Other (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Music ($39,609), Fine and Studio Arts ($35,703) | |||||
| 117 | Saint Norbert College · De Pere, WI | No published median | $26,172 | $19,721 | 85.7% |
| Saint Norbert College ranks 117th on this list and holds an Azimuth composite rank of 1390th among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (6 graduates) | |||||
| 118 | University of Wisconsin-River Falls · River Falls, WI | No published median | $14,054 | $8,472 | 81.7% |
| University of Wisconsin-River Falls admits 82% of applicants and posts an average net price of $8,472 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (23 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (11 graduates), Music (7 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($41,705) | |||||
| 119 | Cleveland State University · Cleveland, OH | $37,688 | $14,764 | $11,958 | 91.3% |
| Cleveland State University reports median earnings of $37,688 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing and a six-year completion rate of 51%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (60 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (17 graduates), Music (17 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($46,635), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($37,745), Fine and Studio Arts ($36,603) | |||||
| 120 | Cleveland Institute of Music · Cleveland, OH | $37,656 | $28,226 | $23,782 | 47.3% |
| A six-year completion rate of 72% and an average net price of $28,226 are reported by Cleveland Institute of Music. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (45 graduates) | |||||
| 121 | Judson University · Elgin, IL | No published median | $18,558 | $15,701 | 47.6% |
| Judson University ranks 121st on this list and posts a six-year completion rate of 60%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (7 graduates), Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (6 graduates) | |||||
| 122 | Mount St. Joseph University · Cincinnati, OH | $36,941 | $16,530 | $11,689 | 59.1% |
| Mount St. Joseph University reports median earnings of $36,941 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (7 graduates) | |||||
| 123 | University of Wisconsin-Platteville · Platteville, WI | No published median | $16,032 | $9,009 | 89.4% |
| University of Wisconsin-Platteville, a public university in Platteville, has an average net price of $16,032. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (12 graduates), Music (9 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($42,271) | |||||
| 124 | Minneapolis College of Art and Design · Minneapolis, MN | No published median | $29,926 | $23,662 | 48.5% |
| Minneapolis College of Art and Design admits 48% of applicants and holds an Azimuth composite rank of 1389th among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (54 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (21 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (11 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($39,467), Fine and Studio Arts ($32,667) | |||||
| 125 | Wright State University-Main Campus · Dayton, OH | $35,979 | $15,415 | $11,952 | 96.3% |
| Wright State University-Main Campus reports median earnings of $35,979 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (38 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (24 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (19 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($35,148), Fine and Studio Arts ($34,704) | |||||
| 126 | Webster University · Saint Louis, MO | No published median | $27,047 | $22,359 | 86.2% |
| Webster University has an average net price of $22,359 for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 64%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (53 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (36 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (31 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($39,604), Film/Video and Photographic Arts ($35,407) | |||||
| 127 | Shawnee State University · Portsmouth, OH | $35,757 | $14,381 | $12,310 | Not reported |
| Shawnee State University reports median earnings of $35,757 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $14,381. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (29 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (11 graduates) | |||||
| 128 | Wichita State University · Wichita, KS | No published median | $13,194 | $9,734 | 94.0% |
| Wichita State University admits 94% of applicants and ranks 330th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Visual and Performing Arts, General (83 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (17 graduates), Music (13 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($37,604), Visual and Performing Arts, General ($37,012), Design and Applied Arts ($36,723) | |||||
| 129 | University of Toledo · Toledo, OH | $35,458 | $17,249 | $13,524 | 92.0% |
| University of Toledo reports median earnings of $35,458 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, alongside an admission rate of 92%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (19 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (5 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (5 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($33,409) | |||||
| 130 | University of Akron Main Campus · Akron, OH | No published median | $13,946 | $10,413 | 59.7% |
| An average net price of $10,413 for families earning under $30,000 and a six-year completion rate of 52% are reported by University of Akron Main Campus. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (31 graduates), Music (22 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (16 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($50,484), Fine and Studio Arts ($36,233) | |||||
| 131 | University of Wisconsin-Parkside · Kenosha, WI | $35,332 | $11,772 | $7,425 | 75.4% |
| University of Wisconsin-Parkside reports median earnings of $35,332 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing and an average net price of $11,772. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (19 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (16 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (9 graduates) | |||||
| 132 | Stephens College · Columbia, MO | $35,235 | $23,459 | $9,918 | 77.2% |
| Stephens College admits 77% of applicants and reports median earnings of $35,235 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (21 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (6 graduates) | |||||
| 133 | Ohio Northern University · Ada, OH | $34,445 | $24,478 | $18,525 | 74.4% |
| Ohio Northern University reports median earnings of $34,445 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate reaches 75%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (12 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (6 graduates) | |||||
| 134 | Elmhurst University · Elmhurst, IL | $34,419 | $24,185 | $17,892 | 73.6% |
| With an admission rate of 74%, Elmhurst University admits a broad share of applicants and shows a six-year completion rate of 70%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (24 graduates), Music (17 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (14 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management ($41,122), Music ($32,448) | |||||
| 135 | Emporia State University · Emporia, KS | $34,355 | $16,261 | $11,452 | 97.7% |
| Emporia State University posts an average net price of $16,261, and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $34,355 four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (15 graduates), Music (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($34,355) | |||||
| 136 | Southeast Missouri State University · Cape Girardeau, MO | $34,296 | $15,882 | $12,704 | 73.5% |
| Southeast Missouri State University ranks 136th on this list and reports a six-year completion rate of 58% alongside median earnings of $34,296 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Visual and Performing Arts, General (49 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (22 graduates), Music (14 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($36,531), Visual and Performing Arts, General ($33,293) | |||||
| 137 | University of Indianapolis · Indianapolis, IN | $33,993 | $21,602 | $15,346 | 66.5% |
| University of Indianapolis reports median earnings of $33,993 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing, and its average net price is $21,602. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (10 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (8 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (8 graduates) | |||||
| 138 | Concordia University-Wisconsin · Mequon, WI | $33,993 | $36,201 | $34,991 | 78.2% |
| Concordia University-Wisconsin shows a six-year completion rate of 68% and an average net price of $34,991 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (8 graduates) | |||||
| 139 | University of South Dakota · Vermillion, SD | No published median | $19,858 | $14,921 | 98.8% |
| University of South Dakota ranks 723rd on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and admits 99% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (16 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (13 graduates), Music (7 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($43,945) | |||||
| 140 | Youngstown State University · Youngstown, OH | No published median | $12,767 | $9,328 | 84.5% |
| Youngstown State University posts an average net price of $9,328 for families earning under $30,000, and its six-year completion rate is 50%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (26 graduates), Music (15 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($36,539) | |||||
| 141 | Roosevelt University · Chicago, IL | $33,243 | $20,194 | $18,018 | 97.2% |
| Roosevelt University reports median earnings of $33,243 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 35%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (40 graduates), Music (20 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($37,748) | |||||
| 142 | Midland University · Fremont, NE | No published median | $26,267 | $21,086 | 66.1% |
| Midland University ranks 1280th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and reports an average net price of $26,267. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management (6 graduates) | |||||
| 143 | Valparaiso University · Valparaiso, IN | $32,925 | $18,578 | $11,043 | 89.4% |
| Valparaiso University reports median earnings of $32,925 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing, and its six-year completion rate is 70%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (12 graduates), Music (6 graduates) | |||||
| 144 | Northern Michigan University · Marquette, MI | No published median | $14,085 | $7,697 | 84.0% |
| Northern Michigan University posts an average net price of $7,697 for families earning under $30,000, and its admission rate is 84%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (57 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (10 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (7 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($36,228) | |||||
| 145 | University of Wisconsin-La Crosse · La Crosse, WI | No published median | $16,210 | $8,224 | 75.5% |
| University of Wisconsin-La Crosse admits 76% of applicants and reports a six-year completion rate of 71%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (20 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (12 graduates), Music (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Fine and Studio Arts ($34,880) | |||||
| 146 | Otterbein University · Westerville, OH | No published median | $19,237 | $12,458 | 84.5% |
| A private nonprofit university in Westerville, Otterbein University has an average net price of $19,237. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (20 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (15 graduates), Music (8 graduates) | |||||
| 147 | Carthage College · Kenosha, WI | No published median | $26,565 | $23,293 | 87.1% |
| Carthage College ranks 1158th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions and graduates 64% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (16 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (15 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (10 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($48,431) | |||||
| 148 | Drury University · Springfield, MO | $31,133 | $20,831 | $18,759 | 57.6% |
| Drury University reports median earnings of $31,133 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing, alongside an average net price of $20,831. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (23 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (6 graduates) | |||||
| 149 | Viterbo University · La Crosse, WI | $31,051 | $21,260 | $13,657 | 72.4% |
| Graduates of Viterbo University earn a median of $31,051 four years after completing, and the school admits 72% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (14 graduates) | |||||
| 150 | University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne · Fort Wayne, IN | No published median | $18,196 | $12,720 | 96.0% |
| University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne has an admission rate of 96% and an average net price of $12,720 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (10 graduates), Visual and Performing Arts, General (8 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Design and Applied Arts ($40,619) | |||||
| 151 | Trinity International University-Illinois · Deerfield, IL | $30,409 | $2,835 | $1,242 | 100.0% |
| Trinity International University-Illinois reports median earnings of $30,409 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing, and its average net price is $2,835. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (5 graduates) | |||||
| 152 | Illinois Wesleyan University · Bloomington, IL | No published median | $28,199 | $17,732 | 39.3% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 75%, Illinois Wesleyan University admits 39% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (23 graduates), Music (8 graduates) Highest four-year median earnings by program: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft ($31,172) | |||||
| 153 | Concordia College at Moorhead · Moorhead, MN | $30,047 | $24,902 | $20,950 | 62.7% |
| Concordia College at Moorhead reports median earnings of $30,047 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing and an average net price of $24,902. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (12 graduates) | |||||
| 154 | Black Hills State University · Spearfish, SD | $29,733 | $15,911 | $11,863 | 96.3% |
| A public university in Spearfish, Black Hills State University graduates 43% of its students within six years. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (13 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (6 graduates) | |||||
| 155 | Saint Xavier University · Chicago, IL | $29,685 | $10,970 | $7,572 | 84.3% |
| Saint Xavier University reports median earnings of $29,685 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing, and its average net price is $10,970. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (10 graduates) | |||||
| 156 | University of Michigan-Flint · Flint, MI | $29,685 | $7,007 | $1,517 | 70.5% |
| University of Michigan-Flint has an average net price of $1,517 for families earning under $30,000 and admits 70% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (9 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (8 graduates) | |||||
| 157 | Washburn University · Topeka, KS | $29,659 | $15,280 | $20,310 | Not reported |
| Washburn University reports median earnings of $29,659 for its Art & Design graduates four years after completing, and its six-year completion rate stands at 53%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (14 graduates), Music (7 graduates) | |||||
| 158 | Truman State University · Kirksville, MO | $29,323 | $12,780 | $6,046 | 83.8% |
| With an admission rate of 84%, Truman State University posts median earnings of $29,323 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (23 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (18 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (6 graduates) | |||||
| 159 | Simpson College · Indianola, IA | No published median | $21,936 | $17,941 | 86.2% |
| Simpson College, a private nonprofit in Indianola, admits 86% of applicants and carries an average net price of $21,936. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (6 graduates) | |||||
| 160 | Gustavus Adolphus College · Saint Peter, MN | No published median | $22,900 | $12,015 | 61.0% |
| Gustavus Adolphus College graduates 77% of its students within six years and shows an average net price of $12,015 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (17 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (10 graduates), Music (6 graduates) | |||||
| 161 | Aquinas College · Grand Rapids, MI | $28,816 | $16,626 | $10,725 | 89.9% |
| Aquinas College reports median earnings of $28,816 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 65%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (6 graduates) | |||||
| 162 | Northern State University · Aberdeen, SD | $28,598 | $15,812 | $10,762 | 93.0% |
| Northern State University admits 93% of applicants and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $28,598 two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (6 graduates), Music (6 graduates) | |||||
| 163 | University of North Dakota · Grand Forks, ND | $28,236 | $18,551 | $13,126 | 76.9% |
| University of North Dakota ranks 399th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $28,236 two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (19 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (8 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (8 graduates) | |||||
| 164 | Coe College · Cedar Rapids, IA | $28,236 | $18,745 | $11,479 | 64.0% |
| Coe College reports an average net price of $11,479 for families earning under $30,000, and its Art & Design graduates earn a median of $28,236 two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (9 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (6 graduates) | |||||
| 165 | Morningside University · Sioux City, IA | $27,669 | $31,320 | $33,738 | 71.0% |
| Morningside University posts a six-year completion rate of 50% and an average net price of $31,320 across all family incomes. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (5 graduates) | |||||
| 166 | Knox College · Galesburg, IL | $27,439 | $24,595 | $17,134 | 70.8% |
| Knox College reports median earnings of $27,439 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing, and its admission rate is 71%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (11 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (10 graduates) | |||||
| 167 | Augustana College · Rock Island, IL | No published median | $22,736 | $15,787 | 62.7% |
| Augustana College graduates 73% of its students within six years and admits 63% of applicants. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (18 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (8 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (7 graduates) | |||||
| 168 | Southwest Minnesota State University · Marshall, MN | $26,896 | $15,291 | $10,559 | 62.2% |
| Southwest Minnesota State University reports an average net price of $10,559 for families earning under $30,000, and its six-year completion rate is 45%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (5 graduates) | |||||
| 169 | Indiana University-Northwest · Gary, IN | $26,353 | $5,130 | $1,419 | 73.4% |
| Indiana University-Northwest reports median earnings of $26,353 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing, and an average net price of $1,419 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (11 graduates) | |||||
| 170 | Lake Forest College · Lake Forest, IL | $25,967 | $28,673 | $19,605 | 56.8% |
| With a six-year completion rate of 78%, Lake Forest College ranks 170th on this list and reports median earnings of $25,967 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (10 graduates), Music (7 graduates) | |||||
| 171 | Goshen College · Goshen, IN | $25,194 | $14,493 | $12,761 | 84.1% |
| Goshen College admits 84% of applicants and its Art & Design graduates earned a median of $25,194 two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Music (9 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (5 graduates) | |||||
| 172 | Olivet Nazarene University · Bourbonnais, IL | $24,267 | $20,729 | $17,232 | 55.9% |
| Olivet Nazarene University ranks 172nd on this list, with median earnings of $24,267 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing and an average net price of $20,729. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (14 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (9 graduates), Music (7 graduates) | |||||
| 173 | Hope College · Holland, MI | No published median | $27,182 | $17,606 | 79.2% |
| Hope College has a six-year completion rate of 80% and an average net price of $17,606 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Dance (8 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (7 graduates) | |||||
| 174 | Hamline University · Saint Paul, MN | $24,035 | $20,744 | $15,371 | 87.6% |
| Hamline University reports median earnings of $24,035 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing, and an admission rate of 88%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Visual and Performing Arts, General (12 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (5 graduates), Music (5 graduates) | |||||
| 175 | Ohio Wesleyan University · Delaware, OH | $23,649 | $20,897 | $15,412 | 55.6% |
| Ohio Wesleyan University ranks 1157th on Azimuth's composite ranking among nonprofit four-year institutions, and its Art & Design graduates earned a median of $23,649 two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (7 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (6 graduates) | |||||
| 176 | Concordia University-Saint Paul · Saint Paul, MN | $23,351 | $18,462 | $16,406 | 78.9% |
| With an average net price of $18,462, Concordia University-Saint Paul reports median earnings of $23,351 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Design and Applied Arts (11 graduates) | |||||
| 177 | Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion · Marion, IN | $22,423 | $22,866 | $19,793 | 88.9% |
| Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion admits 89% of applicants and reports a six-year completion rate of 67%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (16 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (11 graduates), Music (7 graduates) | |||||
| 178 | Carleton College · Northfield, MN | $21,964 | $25,407 | $7,881 | 20.4% |
| Carleton College has an admission rate of 20% and its Art & Design graduates earned a median of $21,964 two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (18 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (15 graduates), Music (9 graduates) | |||||
| 179 | Calvin University · Grand Rapids, MI | No published median | $22,992 | $19,281 | 70.9% |
| Calvin University reports a six-year completion rate of 74% and an average net price of $19,281 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (10 graduates), Design and Applied Arts (9 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (7 graduates) | |||||
| 180 | Saint Mary's University of Minnesota · Winona, MN | $21,052 | $11,704 | $16,182 | 92.8% |
| Saint Mary's University of Minnesota ranks 180th on this list, with an admission rate of 93% and median earnings of $21,052 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (13 graduates) | |||||
| 181 | Marquette University · Milwaukee, WI | $20,824 | $31,487 | $22,269 | 81.3% |
| Marquette University reports median earnings of $20,824 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing, alongside a six-year completion rate of 83%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Film/Video and Photographic Arts (36 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (14 graduates) | |||||
| 182 | Grinnell College · Grinnell, IA | $20,140 | $17,648 | $9,970 | 14.5% |
| With an admission rate of 15%, Grinnell College admits a small share of applicants and shows median earnings of $20,140 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (26 graduates), Music (9 graduates) | |||||
| 183 | Beloit College · Beloit, WI | $20,140 | $21,526 | $15,176 | 63.0% |
| Beloit College ranks 183rd on this list and posts an average net price of $15,176 for families earning under $30,000. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (8 graduates), Fine and Studio Arts (5 graduates), Music (5 graduates) | |||||
| 184 | Denison University · Granville, OH | $18,966 | $40,007 | $16,656 | 17.4% |
| Graduates of Denison University earn a median of $18,966 two years after completing their Art & Design program, and the school's six-year completion rate stands at 79%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (9 graduates), Film/Video and Photographic Arts (8 graduates), Music (5 graduates) | |||||
| 185 | The College of Wooster · Wooster, OH | $16,663 | $23,458 | $12,512 | 59.5% |
| The College of Wooster has an average net price of $23,458 and reports median earnings of $16,663 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (13 graduates), Drama/Theatre Arts and Stagecraft (9 graduates), Music (6 graduates) | |||||
| 186 | Earlham College · Richmond, IN | $15,922 | $24,714 | $17,178 | 73.1% |
| Ranked 186th, Earlham College shows median earnings of $15,922 for its Art & Design graduates two years after completing and an admission rate of 73%. | |||||
Largest programs by graduates in the earnings cohort: Fine and Studio Arts (12 graduates), Music (5 graduates) | |||||
* Net price can be negative: when grants and scholarships exceed the listed cost of attendance, students can receive the difference as a refund for other expenses.
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 the Midwest appear. The figure covers federally aided completers who were working and not enrolled four years after completing. For 35 of the 186 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 128 schools with a published figure. The gap between first-ranked Lawrence Technological University and second-ranked University of Notre Dame is $29,158.
Related rankings
- Best Art & Design Colleges in the United States
- Best Colleges in the Midwest
- Best Art & Design Colleges in the West
- Best Art & Design Colleges in the Northeast
- Best Art & Design Colleges in the South
- Art & Design Colleges in the Midwest for Social Mobility