Best colleges for Visual and Performing Arts in Massachusetts
Ranked by graduate earnings
Harvard University, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth and Lesley University award the most Visual and Performing Arts degrees in Massachusetts: 85, 20 and 18 graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25). 12 Massachusetts colleges offer Visual and Performing Arts and award 167 degrees and certificates a year in all.
The Visual and Performing Arts program offers a comprehensive exploration of artistic expression through various mediums. This program is designed for students who are passionate about creativity and wish to develop their skills in both…
Top 3 bachelor's programs, ranked by graduate earnings
Ranked by median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard. Programs with fewer than 20 graduates a year, a graduation rate under 30%, or online, degree-completion or graduate-only status rank after the rest.
| # | Institution | Starting salary (1 yr) | Graduates / yr | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth Public · Bachelor's degree | $25,753 | 20 | 52% | — | $27,000 |
| 2 | Northeastern University Boston Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $27,246 | 17 | 91% | $18,925 | — |
| 3 | Lesley University Cambridge Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree Small program | $20,600 | 18 | 58% | $30,837 | $26,000 |
Colleges awarding the most Visual and Performing Arts degrees in Massachusetts
Top 10 by graduates a year (IPEDS 2024–25 completions). Certificate and associate programs, online, degree-completion and graduate-only schools, and schools with a graduation rate under 30% are listed in full below.
| # | Institution | Graduates / yr | Starting salary (1 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Harvard University Cambridge Private not-for-profit | 85 | Not reported |
| 2 | University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth Public | 20 | $25,753 |
| 3 | Lesley University Cambridge Private not-for-profit | 18 | $20,600 |
| 4 | Northeastern University Boston Private not-for-profit | 17 | $27,246 |
| 5 | College of the Holy Cross Worcester Private not-for-profit | 7 | Not reported |
| 6 | Worcester State University Worcester Public | 4 | Not reported |
| 7 | Boston University Boston Private not-for-profit | 2 | Not reported |
| 8 | Endicott College Beverly Private not-for-profit | 1 | Not reported |
| 9 | Lasell University Newton Private not-for-profit | 1 | Not reported |
| 10 | Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts North Adams Public | 1 | Not reported |
ShowHide the other 2 Massachusetts colleges offering Visual and Performing Arts
| Institution | City | Control | Graduates / yr |
|---|---|---|---|
| Berkshire Community College | Pittsfield | Public | 8 |
| Middlesex Community College | Bedford | Public | 3 |
Career outlook
What this program leads to: Graphic Designers (SOC 27-1024).
Top skills
What Graphic Designers earn in Massachusetts
Related careers
Common questions
Answers for students comparing Visual and Performing Arts programs in Massachusetts.
Which Massachusetts colleges award the most Visual and Performing Arts degrees?+
Harvard University (85 graduates a year), University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth (20 graduates a year) and Lesley University (18 graduates a year) award the most Visual and Performing Arts degrees in Massachusetts, per IPEDS 2024–25 completions. In all, 12 Massachusetts colleges offer Visual and Performing Arts.
Which Visual and Performing Arts program in Massachusetts has the highest-earning graduates?+
By median earnings one year after graduation (often called starting salary), College Scorecard, University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth tops the list at $25,753. Compare it against graduates a year, graduation rate, cost, and debt in the ranked table above.
How much do Graphic Designers earn in Massachusetts?+
The average annual wage for Graphic Designers in Massachusetts is $79,690 (median $76,710), across about 4,450 jobs. Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025.
What is the focus of the Visual and Performing Arts program?+
The Visual and Performing Arts program offers a comprehensive exploration of artistic expression through various mediums. This program is designed for students who are passionate about creativity and wish to develop their skills in both…
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop active listening, speaking, critical thinking, writing, and related professional skills.
What is the job outlook for Graphic Designers?+
The national job outlook is about +2.1% growth with around 20,000 annual openings (BLS Employment Projections 2024–2034).
What is the typical education requirement?+
A Bachelor's degree is the typical entry-level education for this field (BLS).
About the data on this page
Every figure comes from an official federal or public source. Here is each one and the release it is currently on.
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