2026 Best Value Design And Applied Arts Schools
Looking for the best-value Design And Applied Arts programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1237 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 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 Design And Applied Arts Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Lindenwood University this year in the United States. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,600. Lindenwood University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $28,663 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. Read more about Lindenwood University
Ferris State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Design And Applied Arts ranking in the United States. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ferris State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Atlantic College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Based in Guaynabo, PR, Atlantic College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,280. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $5,286. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $25,272. Set against $5,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Atlantic College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Liberty University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Liberty University report
Out of the 1237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Endicott College landed the #5 spot. Endicott College is a private not-for-profit school based in Beverly, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,650. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,336 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Endicott College profile
Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Marywood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Scranton, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $41,420. Students borrow a median of $27,362 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,817. That is a strong return on a $27,362 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%. See the full Marywood University profile
University Of Wisconsin Stout came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $23,742. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
University Of Delaware ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,810, compared with $41,400 for out-of-state students. University Of Delaware Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. University Of Delaware admits about 71% of applicants. Read more about University Of Delaware
Mississippi College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $23,500 in tuition and fees. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $25,510. Median earnings reach $47,485 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. Read more about Mississippi College
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $22,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Illinois Institute Of Technology came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,202. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $26,774. Illinois Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,592 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,774 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Illinois Institute Of Technology
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga placed #14 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public school based in Chattanooga, TN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $25,000. Median earnings reach $51,151 ten years out. Set against $25,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga admits about 81% of applicants. More on The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Clemson University placed #15 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,513. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Clemson University report
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Kutztown, PA, Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, with out-of-state students paying around $16,330. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,775. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 91%. Read more about Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,912, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,896 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bowling Green State University Main Campus admits about 81% of applicants. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $22,337. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Mercyhurst College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Erie, PA, Mercyhurst College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,770. Mercyhurst College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,452 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Mercyhurst College
Brenau University ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Brenau University is a private not-for-profit school based in Gainesville, GA. Students from in state pay about $33,757 in tuition and fees. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $36,299. Brenau University alumni report median earnings of $54,003 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Read the full report on Brenau University
University Of North Texas offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,309, compared with $21,149 for out-of-state students. University Of North Texas Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $22,288 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Texas has an acceptance rate of 72%. Read more about University Of North Texas
Marymount University landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Arlington, VA, Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,120. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,516 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Marymount University
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. This public school is set in Houston, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,377. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. More on University Of Houston
Texas State University San Marcos ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in San Marcos, TX, Texas State University San Marcos is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $24,353. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Texas State University San Marcos report
Purdue University Main Campus came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Purdue University Main Campus is a public school based in West Lafayette, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, while out-of-state students pay about $28,794. Purdue University Main Campus Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $20,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $72,424. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Purdue University Main Campus admits about 50% of applicants. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
California State University Long Beach ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $17,215. California State University Long Beach alumni report median earnings of $64,403 a decade after entry. Set against $17,215 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants. Read the full report on California State University Long Beach
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Design And Applied Arts Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Michigan State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This public school is set in East Lansing, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,079, while out-of-state students pay about $44,850. Graduates carry a median of $28,175 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,253 ten years out. Set against $28,175 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on Michigan State University
Iowa State University placed #29 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Iowa State University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. 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. Read the full report on Iowa State University
San Francisco State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, compared with $20,446 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $18,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,077. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. More on San Francisco State University
Wichita State University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Wichita, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about Wichita State University
Northeastern University ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $66,162. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $28,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,250 median debt. Northeastern University has an acceptance rate of 5%. Read more about Northeastern University
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, compared with $24,838 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $26,791. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,791 median debt. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Temple University ranked #34 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $23,005, compared with $38,805 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $26,875 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,727. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. More on Temple University
University Of Central Oklahoma placed #35 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. University Of Central Oklahoma is a public school based in Edmond, OK. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,818, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $15,875. Median earnings reach $48,351 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Oklahoma has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about University Of Central Oklahoma
University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Located in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Students borrow a median of $12,250 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $78,466 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt. Roughly 39% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of California Los Angeles ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Los Angeles, CA, University Of California Los Angeles is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,233 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $46,121. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,511. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 9%. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Jacksonville University ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Jacksonville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $48,150. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $25,619. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,010 ten years after entry. Set against $25,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. More on Jacksonville University
Washington State University placed #39 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Pullman, WA. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Graduates carry a median of $22,802 in student loans. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. Set against $22,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Washington State University
Florida State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Tallahassee, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $22,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,675 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants. Read the full report on Florida State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, while out-of-state students pay about $38,362. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $24,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Minnesota Twin Cities report
Depaul University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Depaul University is a private not-for-profit school based in Chicago, IL. Students from in state pay about $45,405 in tuition and fees. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Read the full report on Depaul University
University Of Florida came in at #43 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, compared with $28,659 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,839 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Florida
University Of Maryland Baltimore County placed #43 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public school based in Baltimore, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. University Of Maryland Baltimore County Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $21,531 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $69,960. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
University Of Notre Dame came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $20,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $99,980 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $20,250 median debt. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
Ball State University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Ball State University is a public school based in Muncie, IN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Ball State University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $22,000 in debt. Ball State University alumni report median earnings of $51,833 a decade after entry. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ball State University admits about 86% of applicants. More on Ball State University
University Of Kansas ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%. See the full University Of Kansas profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $25,851. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,810 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,851 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Auburn University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Auburn University alumni report median earnings of $65,337 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%. See the full Auburn University profile
American University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,771. Students borrow a median of $24,139 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $77,370 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 62% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full American University report
California State University Monterey Bay ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in Seaside, CA, California State University Monterey Bay is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,779, while out-of-state students pay about $20,379. Graduates carry a median of $14,827 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,247 ten years after entry. Set against $14,827 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about California State University Monterey Bay
University Of Kentucky ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, compared with $34,140 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
Best Value Design And Applied Arts Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 1237 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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