2026 Best Value Instructional Media Design Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Instructional Media Design master’s degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 385 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on 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 compile 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Our analysis found La Salle University to be the best-value Instructional Media Design school in the United States. La Salle University is a private not-for-profit school based in Philadelphia, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,800. La Salle University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,462 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on La Salle University
Out of the 385 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Concordia University Irvine landed the #2 spot. Based in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $43,480. Students borrow a median of $26,085 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $65,083 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,085 median debt. The acceptance rate is 66%. Get the full Concordia University Irvine report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #4 place in the United States. Set in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $12,184. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
A rank of #5 makes Western Governors University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,658 in tuition and fees. Western Governors University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $23,277 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,615. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt. Get the full Western Governors University report
University Of Sioux Falls landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sioux Falls, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,750. Graduates carry a median of $26,103 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,521 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,103 median debt. University Of Sioux Falls admits about 83% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Sioux Falls
Wisconsin Lutheran College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,110. Graduates carry a median of $26,916 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,664. Set against $26,916 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Wisconsin Lutheran College admits about 78% of applicants. More on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Bellevue University ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,852 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,289. That is a strong return on a $27,852 median debt. Get the full Bellevue University report
Doane College Crete came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Set in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,985 in tuition and fees. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $28,802. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,316. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Doane College Crete admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Doane College Crete report
Northwest Missouri State University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $23,585. Northwest Missouri State University alumni report median earnings of $47,885 a decade after entry. Set against $23,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northwest Missouri State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Minnesota State University Mankato ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,922 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
Concordia University Saint Paul came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $29,026. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Get the full Concordia University Saint Paul report
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System placed #13 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,471. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. Read more about Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Wilson College placed #14 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,100. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $34,814. Wilson College alumni report median earnings of $43,326 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $34,814 median debt. The acceptance rate is 92%. Get the full Wilson College report
Buena Vista University placed #15 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit school based in Storm Lake, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,798. Buena Vista University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $29,317 in debt. Buena Vista University alumni report median earnings of $49,156 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,317 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Buena Vista University report
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,081 in debt. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $58,170 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,081 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
Concordia University Chicago came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Students borrow a median of $26,956 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Concordia University Chicago
William Woods University placed #17 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. William Woods University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fulton, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $30,340. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $25,512. William Woods University alumni report median earnings of $42,401 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full William Woods University report
Dakota State University ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Madison, SD, Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,654, compared with $12,756 for out-of-state students. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $28,724. Median earnings reach $50,970 ten years out. Set against $28,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dakota State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Dakota State University
Wilmington University placed #20 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located 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. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $26,054. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. Set against $26,054 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Wilmington University profile
Northern Illinois University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Northern Illinois University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Students borrow a median of $23,742 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,668 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. The acceptance rate is 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Marian University Wisconsin came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Fond Du Lac, WI, Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,204. Marian University Wisconsin Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,242 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,501. That is a strong return on a $27,242 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read more about Marian University Wisconsin
Aurora University placed #24 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $29,170. Students borrow a median of $24,507 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,709. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Aurora University
Grand Canyon University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $18,508 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $30,027 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,186. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Concordia University Wisconsin landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,470. Concordia University Wisconsin Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,172 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,075. Set against $27,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Concordia University Wisconsin
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Instructional Media Design Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Piedmont College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,700. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $29,975. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,130. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Piedmont College has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on Piedmont College
Western Illinois University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Macomb, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,572. Western Illinois University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,639 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. 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
Anderson University Sc came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Anderson University Sc is a private not-for-profit school based in Anderson, SC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,970. Anderson University Sc Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $28,034 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,101. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Anderson University Sc
University Of South Dakota landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,432, compared with $12,942 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,322 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about University Of South Dakota
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #31 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,092. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $23,917 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. See the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville profile
Fort Hays State University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $25,967 in student loans. Fort Hays State University alumni report median earnings of $48,928 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University
Park University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. 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. Graduates carry a median of $22,112 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,309 ten years after entry. Set against $22,112 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Park University report
National University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $13,284 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $30,426 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,548. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on National University
Lindenwood University landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Lindenwood University
The University Of Tampa ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Tampa, FL, The University Of Tampa is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,408. The University Of Tampa Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,191 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,436. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tampa has an acceptance rate of 40%. Read the full report on The University Of Tampa
University Of Delaware came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Set in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $16,810 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $24,861. Median earnings reach $72,950 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,861 median debt. University Of Delaware has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full University Of Delaware report
Rowan University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Glassboro, NJ, Rowan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Rowan University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $24,488 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,988. That is a strong return on a $24,488 median debt. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Rowan University profile
Saint Cloud State University placed #39 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $25,076. Saint Cloud State University alumni report median earnings of $55,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University admits about 95% of applicants. More on Saint Cloud State University
Touro College landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Touro College is a private not-for-profit school based in New York, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,052. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $20,285. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,419. Set against $20,285 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Touro College
Gardner Webb University came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,750. Gardner Webb University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,039 ten years after entry. Set against $25,033 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Gardner Webb University report
California State University Fullerton offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Fullerton, CA, California State University Fullerton is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,470, with out-of-state students paying around $20,070. Students borrow a median of $15,525 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $62,951 ten years out. Set against $15,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Fullerton
The University Of Texas Pan American offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Edinburg, TX, The University Of Texas Pan American is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $14,694. Median earnings reach $49,620 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. Get the full The University Of Texas Pan American report
Webster University placed #44 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,750. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $25,939. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,876. That is a strong return on a $25,939 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Webster University
California State University San Bernardino offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. Based in San Bernardino, CA, California State University San Bernardino is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,088, compared with $20,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $15,149. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,977. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on California State University San Bernardino
California State University Monterey Bay placed #46 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This public school is set in Seaside, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,779, while out-of-state students pay about $20,379. Graduates carry a median of $14,622 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,247 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,622 median debt. California State University Monterey Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on California State University Monterey Bay
California State University East Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Hayward, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,583, while out-of-state students pay about $20,183. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $18,073. California State University East Bay alumni report median earnings of $71,401 a decade after entry. Set against $18,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read more about California State University East Bay
Drury University placed #48 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Drury University is a private not-for-profit school based in Springfield, MO. Students from in state pay about $36,745 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,641 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,694. Set against $26,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 58% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Drury University report
Central Michigan University placed #49 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. 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. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Towson University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Towson University has an acceptance rate of 82%. More on Towson University
Liberty University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Lynchburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,414. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Liberty University
Related Instructional Media Design Value Rankings
Explore 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 Doctoral 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).
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.