Best institutions to study Visual and Performing Arts
Compare 67 U.S. colleges offering Visual and Performing Arts by graduate earnings, cost, and outcomes. Federal data across 28 states.
Visual and Performing Arts programs report a median of $24,229 one year after graduation (College Scorecard, 2024), and map to CIP 50.99 and the Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary occupation (BLS SOC).
About Visual and Performing Arts programs
The Visual and Performing Arts program encompasses a broad range of artistic disciplines, providing students with the opportunity to explore various forms of visual and performing arts. This program is designed for individuals passionate about creativity and expression, whether through visual arts, music, theater, or dance. Students will engage in hands-on experiences that foster artistic development and critical thinking. This program is ideal for those looking to deepen their understanding of artistic techniques and theories while preparing for a career in the arts. With a focus on both practical skills and theoretical knowledge, students will be well-equipped to navigate the diverse landscape of the visual and performing arts field.
Students in the Visual and Performing Arts program will develop essential skills such as critical thinking, active learning, and effective communication. Coursework typically covers fine arts, education and training, and history, alongside practical training in artistic techniques. This comprehensive approach prepares students for various roles within the arts community.
Top 4 institutions, ranked by graduate earnings
Earnings = median 1 year after graduation (College Scorecard, predominant credential).
| # | Institution | Grad earnings (1 yr) | Completions | Grad rate | Net price | Median debt |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | New York University New York, NY Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $28,990 | 325 | 88% | $29,023 | $25,000 |
| 2 | Clemson University Clemson, SC Public · Bachelor's degree | $24,229 | 18 | 87% | — | $26,972 |
| 3 | Millikin University Decatur, IL Private not-for-profit · Bachelor's degree | $22,815 | 7 | 55% | $8,373 | $26,000 |
| 4 | Brightpoint Community College Chester, VA Public · Associate degree | $20,781 | 41 | 38% | — | $5,000 |
Offered across 28 states
The same program, compared state by state. Pick a state for in-state earnings and institutions.
| State | Institutions | Median earnings | Top institution by earnings |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 5 | $28,990 | New York University |
| South Carolinalimited | 1 | $24,229 | Clemson University |
| Illinois | 3 | $22,815 | Millikin University |
| Virginia | 4 | $20,781 | Brightpoint Community College |
| Arizonalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Arkansaslimited | 2 | — | — |
| California | 13 | — | — |
| Coloradolimited | 1 | — | — |
| Delawarelimited | 1 | — | — |
| Florida | 3 | — | — |
| Iowa | 3 | — | — |
| Kentuckylimited | 1 | — | — |
| Louisianalimited | 2 | — | — |
| Maryland | 3 | — | — |
| Massachusetts | 5 | — | — |
| Michiganlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Nebraskalimited | 1 | — | — |
| New Jerseylimited | 1 | — | — |
| North Carolinalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Ohiolimited | 2 | — | — |
| Oklahomalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Oregonlimited | 1 | — | — |
| Pennsylvanialimited | 2 | — | — |
| South Dakotalimited | 1 | — | — |
| Utahlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Washingtonlimited | 2 | — | — |
| Wisconsin | 3 | — | — |
| Hawaiilimited | 1 | — | — |
Careers & outlook
The payoff after graduation: occupation 25-1121, Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary, and its national outlook.
The career outlook for graduates in the Visual and Performing Arts field shows little or no change, with an annual opening of approximately 9,000 positions. The median wage for professionals in this area is around $80,190, and a master's degree is typically required for advanced opportunities. Graduates can expect to find diverse roles in education, performance, and arts administration.
Top-paying metros
Related careers
CIP-to-SOC crosswalk for Visual and Performing Arts
The SOC occupations NCES officially maps to CIP 50.99.
Under the NCES CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 crosswalk, CIP 50.99 (Visual and Performing Arts, Other) maps to 1 Standard Occupational Classification (SOC) occupation, the jobs the U.S. Department of Labor links to this field of study.
| SOC code | Occupation |
|---|---|
| 25-1121 | Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondaryprimary |
Source: National Center for Education Statistics, CIP 2020 to SOC 2018 Crosswalk.
Skills & knowledge in Visual and Performing Arts programs
From the U.S. Dept. of Labor for the occupation this program most leads to.
Skills you'll build
Knowledge areas
What graduates do on the job
- Explain and demonstrate artistic techniques.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, performances, projects, assignments, and papers.
- Prepare students for performances, exams, or assessments.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as acting techniques, fundamentals of music, and art history.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
Concentrations within Visual and Performing Arts
Specializations under this field (NCES CIP 2020).
- Visual and Performing Arts, OtherCIP 50.9999
Any instructional program in visual and performing arts not listed above.
Common questions
What types of careers can I pursue with a degree in Visual and Performing Arts?+
Graduates can pursue careers in education, performance, arts administration, and more.
What skills will I develop in this program?+
You will develop skills in critical thinking, communication, and artistic techniques.
What is the job outlook for Visual and Performing Arts graduates?+
The job outlook shows little or no change, with about 9,000 annual openings.
What level of education is typically required for careers in this field?+
A master's degree is typically required for advanced positions in the Visual and Performing Arts.
How much do Visual and Performing Arts graduates earn?+
Visual and Performing Arts graduates report median earnings of $24,229 one year after graduation, per College Scorecard (2024); the Art, Drama, and Music Teachers, Postsecondary occupation pays about $94,700 on average nationally (BLS OEWS May 2025).
What is the CIP code for Visual and Performing Arts?+
Visual and Performing Arts maps to CIP 50.99 in the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP), the U.S. Department of Education taxonomy used for College Scorecard Field of Study earnings and IPEDS completions.
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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