2026 Visual & Performing Arts Rankings

Best Colleges for Visual & Performing Arts

Data-driven rankings of 1,693 colleges excelling in Visual & Performing Arts programs

1,693
Schools Ranked
1,677
Full Data Rankings
16
Partial Data Rankings
69
Unique Programs
Rankings based on field productivity, program depth, retention rates, and institutional quality in Visual & Performing Arts.
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Top Colleges for Visual & Performing Arts

Showing 1-50 of 1,693 ranked schools

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#1

New Haven, CT

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
95.5 / 100
95.5
Field Productivity
2.5% productivity
89%
Program Depth
23 programs
98%
Retention
99%
99%

Yale University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 96, ranking in the 100th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 15,081 students with in-state tuition of $64,700.

Field productivity stands at 3% (89th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#2

New York, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
95.4 / 100
95.4
Field Productivity
24.9% productivity
98%
Program Depth
13 programs
91%
Retention
97%
97%

The Juilliard School is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 95, ranking in the 98th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 1,028 students with in-state tuition of $53,300.

Field productivity stands at 25% (98th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#3

New York, NY

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
94.7 / 100
94.7
Field Productivity
19.9% productivity
98%
Program Depth
17 programs
95%
Retention
89%
88%

Fashion Institute of Technology is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 95, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 8,108 students with in-state tuition of $7,170.

Field productivity stands at 20% (98th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#4

Baltimore, MD

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
94.1 / 100
94.1
Field Productivity
25.3% productivity
98%
Program Depth
22 programs
98%
Retention
85%
81%

Maryland Institute College of Art is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 94, ranking in the 98th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 1,861 students with in-state tuition of $53,160.

Field productivity stands at 25% (98th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#5

Orange, CA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
93.6 / 100
93.6
Field Productivity
5.1% productivity
93%
Program Depth
19 programs
97%
Retention
90%
90%

Chapman University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 94, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 9,961 students with in-state tuition of $62,400.

Field productivity stands at 5% (93rd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#6

Evanston, IL

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
93.5 / 100
93.5
Field Productivity
1.9% productivity
83%
Program Depth
25 programs
99%
Retention
97%
97%

Northwestern University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 94, ranking in the 99th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 23,203 students with in-state tuition of $64,887.

Field productivity stands at 2% (83rd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#7

New York, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
93.5 / 100
93.5
Field Productivity
3.3% productivity
91%
Program Depth
15 programs
93%
Retention
96%
96%

New York University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 94, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 57,335 students with in-state tuition of $60,438.

Field productivity stands at 3% (91st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#8

Providence, RI

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
93.3 / 100
93.3
Field Productivity
13.3% productivity
96%
Program Depth
10 programs
81%
Retention
93%
93%

Rhode Island School of Design is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 93, ranking in the 97th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 2,540 students with in-state tuition of $58,690.

Field productivity stands at 13% (96th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#9

Boston, MA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
93.1 / 100
93.1
Field Productivity
42.5% productivity
99%
Program Depth
13 programs
91%
Retention
94%
94%

The New England Conservatory of Music is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 93, ranking in the 99th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 784 students with in-state tuition of $56,780.

Field productivity stands at 42% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#10

Los Angeles, CA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
92.8 / 100
92.8
Field Productivity
2.4% productivity
88%
Program Depth
31 programs
99%
Retention
97%
97%

University of Southern California is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 93, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 47,147 students with in-state tuition of $66,640.

Field productivity stands at 2% (88th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#11

Rochester, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
92.8 / 100
92.8
Field Productivity
2.5% productivity
88%
Program Depth
18 programs
96%
Retention
93%
93%

University of Rochester is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 93, ranking in the 96th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 12,160 students with in-state tuition of $63,150.

Field productivity stands at 2% (88th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#12

Valencia, CA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
91.7 / 100
91.7
Field Productivity
21.3% productivity
98%
Program Depth
18 programs
96%
Retention
86%
83%

California Institute of the Arts is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 92, ranking in the 98th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 1,353 students with in-state tuition of $56,074.

Field productivity stands at 21% (98th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#13

New York, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
91.4 / 100
91.4
Field Productivity
36.5% productivity
99%
Program Depth
11 programs
85%
Retention
93%
93%

Manhattan School of Music is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 99th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 1,097 students with in-state tuition of $53,500.

Field productivity stands at 36% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#14

Boston, MA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
91 / 100
91
Field Productivity
7.5% productivity
95%
Program Depth
10 programs
81%
Retention
88%
86%

Emerson College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 97th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 5,670 students with in-state tuition of $53,824.

Field productivity stands at 7% (95th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#15

Philadelphia, PA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
90.8 / 100
90.8
Field Productivity
26.4% productivity
98%
Program Depth
22 programs
98%
Retention
81%
71%

University of the Arts is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 91, ranking in the 98th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 1,207 students with in-state tuition of $54,010.

Field productivity stands at 26% (98th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#16

Long Beach, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
90 / 100
90
Field Productivity
2.6% productivity
89%
Program Depth
11 programs
85%
Retention
85%
81%

California State University-Long Beach is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 40,278 students with in-state tuition of $5,742.

Field productivity stands at 3% (89th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#17

Pittsburgh, PA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
90 / 100
90
Field Productivity
2.1% productivity
86%
Program Depth
31 programs
99%
Retention
97%
97%

Carnegie Mellon University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 99th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 15,596 students with in-state tuition of $62,260.

Field productivity stands at 2% (86th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#18

Santa Cruz, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
89.8 / 100
89.8
Field Productivity
2.5% productivity
89%
Program Depth
12 programs
88%
Retention
90%
90%

University of California-Santa Cruz is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 97th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 19,764 students with in-state tuition of $11,834.

Field productivity stands at 3% (89th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#19

Middletown, CT

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
89.7 / 100
89.7
Field Productivity
4.3% productivity
93%
Program Depth
8 programs
72%
Retention
95%
95%

Wesleyan University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 99th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 3,271 students with in-state tuition of $66,716.

Field productivity stands at 4% (93rd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#20

Ann Arbor, MI

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
89.7 / 100
89.7
Field Productivity
1.2% productivity
70%
Program Depth
32 programs
100%
Retention
98%
98%

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 100th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 52,065 students with in-state tuition of $17,977.

Field productivity stands at 1% (70th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#21

Coral Gables, FL

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
89.6 / 100
89.6
Field Productivity
1.9% productivity
85%
Program Depth
23 programs
98%
Retention
92%
92%

University of Miami is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 98th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 19,593 students with in-state tuition of $58,104.

Field productivity stands at 2% (85th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#22

Oberlin, OH

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
89.6 / 100
89.6
Field Productivity
7.2% productivity
94%
Program Depth
11 programs
85%
Retention
89%
88%

Oberlin College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 94th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 2,976 students with in-state tuition of $63,700.

Field productivity stands at 7% (94th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#23

Purchase, NY

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
89.6 / 100
89.6
Field Productivity
14.0% productivity
96%
Program Depth
24 programs
99%
Retention
79%
66%

SUNY at Purchase College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 90, ranking in the 99th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 3,229 students with in-state tuition of $7,070.

Field productivity stands at 14% (96th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#24

Brooklyn, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
89.4 / 100
89.4
Field Productivity
15.5% productivity
97%
Program Depth
16 programs
94%
Retention
89%
88%

Pratt Institute-Main is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 89, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 5,232 students with in-state tuition of $57,659.

Field productivity stands at 15% (97th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#25

Winston Salem, NC

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
89.4 / 100
89.4
Field Productivity
29.6% productivity
99%
Program Depth
7 programs
65%
Retention
88%
86%

University of North Carolina School of the Arts is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 89, ranking in the 99th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 1,074 students with in-state tuition of $6,497.

Field productivity stands at 30% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#26

Los Angeles, CA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
89.1 / 100
89.1
Field Productivity
3.8% productivity
92%
Program Depth
8 programs
72%
Retention
88%
86%

Loyola Marymount University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 89, ranking in the 96th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 10,256 students with in-state tuition of $57,602.

Field productivity stands at 4% (92nd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#27

Boston, MA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
89 / 100
89
Field Productivity
18.5% productivity
97%
Program Depth
18 programs
96%
Retention
84%
78%

Massachusetts College of Art and Design is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 89, ranking in the 97th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 1,986 students with in-state tuition of $1,030.

Field productivity stands at 19% (97th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#28

Bloomington, IN

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
88.9 / 100
88.9
Field Productivity
1.5% productivity
78%
Program Depth
25 programs
99%
Retention
91%
91%

Indiana University-Bloomington is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 89, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 47,527 students with in-state tuition of $10,312.

Field productivity stands at 1% (78th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#29

Savannah, GA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
88.8 / 100
88.8
Field Productivity
10.2% productivity
95%
Program Depth
15 programs
93%
Retention
87%
85%

Savannah College of Art and Design is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 89, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 17,575 students with in-state tuition of $40,095.

Field productivity stands at 10% (95th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#30

New York, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
88.8 / 100
88.8
Field Productivity
15.5% productivity
97%
Program Depth
27 programs
99%
Retention
81%
71%

The New School is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 89, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 9,434 students with in-state tuition of $54,995.

Field productivity stands at 16% (97th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#31

Philadelphia, PA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
88.6 / 100
88.6
Field Productivity
31.4% productivity
99%
Program Depth
10 programs
81%
Retention
97%
97%

Curtis Institute of Music is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 89, ranking in the 99th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 159 students.

Field productivity stands at 31% (99th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#32

Tallahassee, FL

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
88.5 / 100
88.5
Field Productivity
1.4% productivity
76%
Program Depth
13 programs
91%
Retention
96%
96%

Florida State University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 89, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 43,234 students with in-state tuition of $4,640.

Field productivity stands at 1% (76th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#33

Philadelphia, PA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
88.1 / 100
88.1
Field Productivity
1.7% productivity
81%
Program Depth
17 programs
95%
Retention
90%
90%

Drexel University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 88, ranking in the 96th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 21,703 students with in-state tuition of $58,293.

Field productivity stands at 2% (81st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#34

Los Angeles, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
87.9 / 100
87.9
Field Productivity
1.2% productivity
71%
Program Depth
16 programs
94%
Retention
97%
97%

University of California-Los Angeles is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 88, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 46,678 students with in-state tuition of $11,834.

Field productivity stands at 1% (71st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#35

Sarasota, FL

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
87.9 / 100
87.9
Field Productivity
14.2% productivity
96%
Program Depth
8 programs
72%
Retention
84%
78%

Ringling College of Art and Design is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 88, ranking in the 96th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 1,722 students with in-state tuition of $50,500.

Field productivity stands at 14% (96th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#36

Irvine, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
87.9 / 100
87.9
Field Productivity
1.4% productivity
76%
Program Depth
12 programs
88%
Retention
94%
94%

University of California-Irvine is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 88, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 36,582 students with in-state tuition of $11,834.

Field productivity stands at 1% (76th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#37

Boston, MA

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
87.4 / 100
87.4
Field Productivity
1.2% productivity
71%
Program Depth
26 programs
99%
Retention
95%
95%

Boston University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 99th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 36,624 students with in-state tuition of $63,798.

Field productivity stands at 1% (71st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#38

Nashville, TN

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
87.3 / 100
87.3
Field Productivity
7.6% productivity
95%
Program Depth
23 programs
98%
Retention
84%
78%

Belmont University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 8,862 students with in-state tuition of $39,400.

Field productivity stands at 8% (95th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#39

Northfield, MN

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
87.3 / 100
87.3
Field Productivity
3.5% productivity
91%
Program Depth
9 programs
77%
Retention
91%
91%

St Olaf College is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 94th percentile for completion rate.

The college enrolls 3,074 students with in-state tuition of $56,970.

Field productivity stands at 3% (91st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#40

Orlando, FL

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
87.3 / 100
87.3
Field Productivity
1.7% productivity
81%
Program Depth
10 programs
81%
Retention
92%
92%

University of Central Florida is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 100th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 69,233 students with in-state tuition of $4,478.

Field productivity stands at 2% (81st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#41

New York, NY

Complete Data Private For-Profit
Overall Score
87.2 / 100
87.2
Field Productivity
15.0% productivity
96%
Program Depth
9 programs
77%
Retention
88%
86%

School of Visual Arts is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 4,016 students with in-state tuition of $49,140.

Field productivity stands at 15% (96th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#42

Rochester, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
87.2 / 100
87.2
Field Productivity
1.9% productivity
84%
Program Depth
13 programs
91%
Retention
88%
86%

Rochester Institute of Technology is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 95th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 16,863 students with in-state tuition of $55,784.

Field productivity stands at 2% (84th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#43

Eugene, OR

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
87.1 / 100
87.1
Field Productivity
1.8% productivity
83%
Program Depth
18 programs
96%
Retention
85%
81%

University of Oregon is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 97th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 23,786 students with in-state tuition of $12,240.

Field productivity stands at 2% (83rd percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#44

Minneapolis, MN

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
86.9 / 100
86.9
Field Productivity
15.5% productivity
97%
Program Depth
11 programs
85%
Retention
82%
74%

Minneapolis College of Art and Design is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 97th percentile for field productivity.

The college enrolls 824 students with in-state tuition of $43,374.

Field productivity stands at 16% (97th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#45

San Jose, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
86.9 / 100
86.9
Field Productivity
1.5% productivity
78%
Program Depth
13 programs
91%
Retention
86%
83%

San Jose State University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 36,062 students with in-state tuition of $5,742.

Field productivity stands at 1% (78th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#46

Austin, TX

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
86.9 / 100
86.9
Field Productivity
1.1% productivity
67%
Program Depth
18 programs
96%
Retention
96%
96%

The University of Texas at Austin is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 98th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 53,082 students with in-state tuition of $11,678.

Field productivity stands at 1% (67th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#47

Santa Barbara, CA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
86.8 / 100
86.8
Field Productivity
1.6% productivity
80%
Program Depth
8 programs
72%
Retention
92%
92%

University of California-Santa Barbara is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 97th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 26,068 students with in-state tuition of $11,834.

Field productivity stands at 2% (80th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#48

Syracuse, NY

Complete Data Private Non-Profit
Overall Score
86.8 / 100
86.8
Field Productivity
1.7% productivity
81%
Program Depth
35 programs
100%
Retention
91%
91%

Syracuse University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 100th percentile for program depth.

The college enrolls 22,948 students with in-state tuition of $61,310.

Field productivity stands at 2% (81st percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#49

New Paltz, NY

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
86.5 / 100
86.5
Field Productivity
2.3% productivity
87%
Program Depth
12 programs
88%
Retention
87%
85%

State University of New York at New Paltz is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 87, ranking in the 88th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 7,420 students with in-state tuition of $7,070.

Field productivity stands at 2% (87th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

#50

Richmond, VA

Complete Data Public
Overall Score
86.4 / 100
86.4
Field Productivity
2.3% productivity
87%
Program Depth
16 programs
94%
Retention
86%
83%

Virginia Commonwealth University is a top-performing institution in the program-field ranking with a score of 86, ranking in the 99th percentile for field scale.

The college enrolls 28,238 students with in-state tuition of $12,850.

Field productivity stands at 2% (87th percentile), indicating strong output in this program area.

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