2026 Best Value Instructional Media Design Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Instructional Media Design doctoral degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 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.
So you can compare your options, Grad Degree analyzed 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Provo, our #1 best-value Instructional Media Design school in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $12,184. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,790 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 385 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Northern Illinois University landed the #2 spot. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Northern Illinois University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University has an acceptance rate of 70%. Read the full report on Northern Illinois University
You'll get strong value at Capella University, which ranked #3 this year. This private for-profit school is set in Minneapolis, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400. Graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Capella University alumni report median earnings of $42,189 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Capella University
A rank of #4 makes Towson University one of the best values in the United States. This public school is set in Towson, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. Students borrow a median of $21,241 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Towson University alumni report median earnings of $64,390 a decade after entry. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read the full report on Towson University
You'll get strong value at Central Michigan University, which ranked #5 this year. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Central Michigan University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,857 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,874. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read the full report on Central Michigan University
University Of North Texas placed #6 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,817 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $21,817 median debt. University Of North Texas admits about 72% of applicants. Get the full University Of North Texas report
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Graduates carry a median of $24,850 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Read more about Sam Houston State University
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #8 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $25,415. University Of Southern Mississippi alumni report median earnings of $44,140 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
Kennesaw State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Kennesaw State University is a public school based in Kennesaw, GA. Students from in state pay about $5,808 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,736. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,004. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,552 ten years after entry. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 69% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kennesaw State University
Lehigh University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Lehigh University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bethlehem, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $64,980. Students borrow a median of $23,008 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $105,584 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Lehigh University admits about 26% of applicants. See the full Lehigh University profile
Iowa State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $23,495. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. More on Iowa State University
Texas Tech University landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, with out-of-state students paying around $24,157. Texas Tech University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
University Of Georgia ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Graduates carry a median of $21,792 in student loans. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Duquesne University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,986. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $26,297. Duquesne University alumni report median earnings of $74,742 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,297 median debt. Roughly 84% of applicants are accepted. More on Duquesne University
University Of Phoenix Arizona ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This private for-profit school is set in Phoenix, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,552. Graduates carry a median of $35,323 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,752 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Phoenix Arizona
Boise State University landed the #16 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Boise, ID. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,048, compared with $27,788 for out-of-state students. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $24,311. Boise State University alumni report median earnings of $51,658 a decade after entry. Set against $24,311 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read the full report on Boise State University
Florida State University placed #17 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $20,488. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. Set against $20,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. More on Florida State University
Utah State University came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Located in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $16,191. Median earnings reach $54,022 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Utah State University report
Ohio University Main Campus ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This public school is set in Athens, OH. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $24,546. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,546 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
Teachers College At Columbia University placed #20 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Median earnings reach $73,294 ten years out. See the full Teachers College At Columbia University profile
Indiana University Bloomington ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Set in Bloomington, IN, Indiana University Bloomington is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,144, with out-of-state students paying around $41,891. Students borrow a median of $20,542 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,742 ten years after entry. Set against $20,542 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Indiana University Bloomington
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, compared with $28,697 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,810. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
Syracuse University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Syracuse, NY. Students from in state pay about $65,528 in tuition and fees. Syracuse University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $26,130 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $79,164 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%. More on Syracuse University
University Of Hawaii At Manoa ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,186, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. University Of Hawaii At Manoa Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $20,577 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,624. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants. Get the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa report
West Virginia University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Based in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. West Virginia University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $23,772 in debt. West Virginia University alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. Set against $23,772 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about West Virginia University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Instructional Media Design Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Michigan State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Based in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $25,213 in student loans. Michigan State University alumni report median earnings of $67,253 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,213 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read more about Michigan State University
Keiser University Ft Lauderdale landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Fort Lauderdale, FL, Keiser University Ft Lauderdale is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $25,056. Graduates carry a median of $36,416 in student loans. Keiser University Ft Lauderdale alumni report median earnings of $39,696 a decade after entry. Set against $36,416 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 97%. Read the full report on Keiser University Ft Lauderdale
Idaho State University placed #28 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in Pocatello, ID, Idaho State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,610, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Graduates carry a median of $24,640 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,608. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Idaho State University
Wayne State University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Wayne State University is a public school based in Detroit, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, while out-of-state students pay about $34,650. Graduates carry a median of $26,689 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,493. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Wayne State University
Pepperdine University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Set in Malibu, CA, Pepperdine University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $69,918. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $23,645. Pepperdine University alumni report median earnings of $82,939 a decade after entry. Set against $23,645 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 63%. Get the full Pepperdine University report
Henderson State University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. More on Henderson State University
Lamar University
Lamar University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Get the full Lamar University report
Southern Illinois University Carbondale ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. More on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Western Kentucky University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Get the full Western Kentucky University report
Molloy College
Molloy College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Read more about Molloy College
Texas A And M University Commerce offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Get the full Texas A And M University Commerce report
The University Of Alabama offered strong value this year, earning the #37 position. Get the full The University Of Alabama report
Piedmont College
Piedmont College came in at #38 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Piedmont College
The College Of Saint Scholastica ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. See the full The College Of Saint Scholastica profile
The University Of Texas At Arlington placed #40 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Get the full The University Of Texas At Arlington report
University Of Massachusetts Amherst placed #41 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Read more about University Of Massachusetts Amherst
Columbia Southern University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Columbia Southern University
Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. More on Concordia University Wisconsin
Eastern West Virginia Community And Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Read more about Eastern West Virginia Community And Technical College
University Of St Thomas Minnesota came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on University Of St Thomas Minnesota
Lincoln University Missouri ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. See the full Lincoln University Missouri profile
Saint Vincent College ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. More on Saint Vincent College
University Of New Mexico Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Read more about University Of New Mexico Main Campus
Northeastern University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Pennsylvania Western University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Read more about Pennsylvania Western University
Related Instructional Media Design Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on 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).
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