2026 Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools
Looking for the best-value Instructional Media Design programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 385 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To arm you with the information you need, Grad Degree reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Instructional Media Design Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
La Salle University earned the #1 spot in this year's best-value ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Philadelphia, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $25,462. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,416 ten years after entry. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on La Salle University
A rank of #2 makes Mayville State University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Mayville, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,979, while out-of-state students pay about $11,237. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,464. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,828. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Mayville State University profile
Concordia University Irvine came in at #3 on this year's best-value Instructional Media Design ranking in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Irvine, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. Graduates carry a median of $26,085 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,083. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. More on Concordia University Irvine
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #5 place in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Western Governors University came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,658. Students borrow a median of $23,277 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $60,615 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt. More on Western Governors University
University Of Sioux Falls placed #7 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux Falls, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $21,750. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $26,103. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,521. Set against $26,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Sioux Falls report
Wisconsin Lutheran College ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,110. Graduates carry a median of $26,916 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,664 ten years after entry. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read the full report on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Minnesota State University Mankato offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $25,260. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Minnesota State University Mankato profile
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Set in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,237. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $25,819. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Bellevue University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt. Read more about Bellevue University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,471. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,703 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
Mcdaniel College landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. Students borrow a median of $23,247 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $60,663 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Mcdaniel College report
Doane College Crete ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,985. Doane College Crete Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $28,802 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,316. Set against $28,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Doane College Crete admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Doane College Crete report
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $23,585. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on Northwest Missouri State University
Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,026 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,871. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. The acceptance rate is 79%. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
Wilson College placed #17 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chambersburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,100. Students borrow a median of $34,814 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,326 ten years after entry. Set against $34,814 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wilson College report
Buena Vista University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Set in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,798. Buena Vista University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $29,317 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,156 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Buena Vista University admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Buena Vista University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Set in Winona, MN, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. Graduates carry a median of $27,081 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,170 ten years after entry. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Baldwin Wallace College placed #20 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Set in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,832. Students borrow a median of $27,307 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,122. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Baldwin Wallace College has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Baldwin Wallace College profile
Concordia University Chicago placed #21 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Set in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,956. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Concordia University Chicago
William Woods University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Located in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,340. William Woods University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,512 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,401. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. William Woods University admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about William Woods University
Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Based in Madison, SD, Dakota State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,654, while out-of-state students pay about $12,756. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $28,724. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,970 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,724 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Dakota State University report
Wilmington University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,054 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Wilmington University profile
Northern Illinois University ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Students borrow a median of $25,209 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public school based in Edwardsville, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Students borrow a median of $23,917 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Instructional Media Design Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $23,742. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Arizona State University Skysong report
Nicholls State University placed #28 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Nicholls State University is a public school based in Thibodaux, LA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,149, with out-of-state students paying around $9,242. Students borrow a median of $24,513 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,454. Set against $24,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. More on Nicholls State University
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Walden University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,067. Walden University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $49,361 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,810. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Walden University report
Marian University Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Based in Fond Du Lac, WI, Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,204. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,242. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,501. That is a strong return on a $27,242 median debt. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. See the full Marian University Wisconsin profile
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Saint Cloud State University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Saint Cloud State University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,076 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. That is a strong return on a $25,076 median debt. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
Piedmont College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,700. Piedmont College Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $29,975 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,130. Set against $29,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Piedmont College report
Grand Canyon University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,508. Students borrow a median of $30,027 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,186. That is a strong return on a $30,027 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. See the full Grand Canyon University profile
Aurora University came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Aurora, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,170. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $24,507. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,709. That is a strong return on a $24,507 median debt. Aurora University has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read more about Aurora University
Concordia University Wisconsin placed #36 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,470. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,172. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,075. That is a strong return on a $27,172 median debt. Concordia University Wisconsin admits about 78% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Wisconsin
Emmanuel College Massachusetts landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Boston, MA, Emmanuel College Massachusetts is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,550 in tuition and fees. Emmanuel College Massachusetts Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $26,866 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,245 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Emmanuel College Massachusetts admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Emmanuel College Massachusetts
Western Illinois University placed #38 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,639. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
The College Of Saint Scholastica placed #39 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit school based in Duluth, MN. Students from in state pay about $41,778 in tuition and fees. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $26,755. Median earnings reach $65,934 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The College Of Saint Scholastica admits about 93% of applicants. More on The College Of Saint Scholastica
Anderson University Sc came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Based in Anderson, SC, Anderson University Sc is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,970. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $28,034. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,101 ten years after entry. Set against $28,034 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Anderson University Sc profile
University Of South Dakota ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. University Of South Dakota Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of South Dakota has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full University Of South Dakota report
Fort Hays State University landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, with out-of-state students paying around $17,741. Students borrow a median of $25,967 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,928 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,967 median debt. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. See the full Fort Hays State University profile
Park University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $22,112. Park University alumni report median earnings of $56,309 a decade after entry. Set against $22,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Park University profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,570 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,307. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,351 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Liberty University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Students from in state pay about $16,173 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,414 in student loans. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. Read more about Liberty University
National University placed #47 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. National University is a private not-for-profit school based in San Diego, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $13,284. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $30,426. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on National University
Southern Wesleyan University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Central, SC, Southern Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,800. Southern Wesleyan University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $31,554 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,756 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. More on Southern Wesleyan University
Lindenwood University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. Students borrow a median of $28,663 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Lindenwood University profile
The University Of Tampa came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Tampa, FL. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,408. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $25,191. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,436. That is a strong return on a $25,191 median debt. The acceptance rate is 40%. Read the full report on The University Of Tampa
University Of Southern Mississippi offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi
American Public University System ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Set in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $23,438. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on American Public University System
Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 385 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
GradDegree.com provides higher-education, college and university, degree, program, career, salary, and other helpful information to students, faculty, institutions, and other internet audiences. Presented information and data are subject to change. Inclusion on this website does not imply or represent a direct relationship with the company, school, or brand. Information, though believed correct at time of publication, may not be correct, and no warranty is provided. Contact the schools to verify any information before relying on it. Financial aid may be available for those who qualify. The displayed options may include sponsored or recommended results, not necessarily based on your preferences.
© GradDegree.com – All Rights Reserved.