2026 Best Value Design And Applied Arts Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Design And Applied Arts master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1237 colleges 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 evaluated 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 Design And Applied Arts Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Leading the list is Lindenwood University, our #1 best-value Design And Applied Arts school in the United States. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $28,663. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,278 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lindenwood University
Out of the 1237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Ferris State University landed the #2 spot. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ferris State University
Out of the 1237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Atlantic College landed the #3 spot. This private not-for-profit school is set in Guaynabo, PR. Students from in state pay about $8,280 in tuition and fees. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $5,286. Median earnings reach $25,272 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,286 median debt. Read the full report on Atlantic College
Liberty University came in at #4 on this year's best-value Design And Applied Arts ranking in the United States. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Liberty University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Liberty University profile
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Endicott College earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Beverly, MA, Endicott College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $40,650 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. 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. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Endicott College
Marywood University offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Set in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,420 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,362 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,817 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 61%. Read the full report on Marywood University
University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #7 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,701, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
University Of Delaware offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $26,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,950. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Mississippi College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,500. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $25,510. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,485 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 29%. Read the full report on Mississippi College
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,627, while out-of-state students pay about $13,925. Typical Design And Applied Arts student 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. The acceptance rate is 67%. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
The University Of Texas At Austin placed #11 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. 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. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 27% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chattanooga, TN, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $25,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,151. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga has an acceptance rate of 81%. Read the full report on The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga
Illinois Institute Of Technology placed #13 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chicago, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $52,202. Illinois Institute Of Technology Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $26,774 in debt. Illinois Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,592 a decade after entry. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 55%. Get the full Illinois Institute Of Technology report
Clemson University landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Clemson University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Clemson University
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Kutztown, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,775 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Oklahoma State University Main Campus ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,337 in student loans. 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. About 75% of those who apply are admitted. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Brenau University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Brenau University is a private not-for-profit school based in Gainesville, GA. In-state tuition and fees run about $33,757. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $36,299. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,003. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Brenau University has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about Brenau University
University Of North Texas came in at #18 in this year's value ranking. Set in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Students borrow a median of $22,288 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,010. That is a strong return on a $22,288 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of North Texas
Marymount University placed #20 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Set in Arlington, VA, Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,120. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,516. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on Marymount University
University Of Houston offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Set in Houston, TX, University Of Houston is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,717 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $27,000. University Of Houston alumni report median earnings of $62,377 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read more about University Of Houston
Texas State University San Marcos offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Texas State University San Marcos is a public school based in San Marcos, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $22,930. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $24,353. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,906. Set against $24,353 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Texas State University San Marcos admits about 89% of applicants. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
Purdue University Main Campus placed #23 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Set in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Graduates carry a median of $20,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $72,424. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 50% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Purdue University Main Campus report
California State University Long Beach came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, compared with $19,974 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student 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
Bowling Green State University Main Campus landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%. Read the full report on Iowa State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Design And Applied Arts Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
San Francisco State University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. San Francisco State University is a public school based in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,846, with out-of-state students paying around $20,446. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,077. That is a strong return on a $18,000 median debt. San Francisco State University has an acceptance rate of 96%. Read the full report on San Francisco State University
Wichita State University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $26,000. 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%. See the full Wichita State University profile
Ohio University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Located in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,158, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Ohio University Main Campus Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $26,791 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,581 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,791 median debt. About 85% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Northeastern University landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Boston, MA. In-state tuition and fees run about $66,162. Students borrow a median of $28,250 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $92,538. Set against $28,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northeastern University admits about 5% of applicants. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Temple University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Temple University is a public school based in Philadelphia, PA. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $38,805. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $26,875. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,875 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Temple University report
University Of Central Oklahoma landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,818, compared with $19,704 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $15,875. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,351 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Central Oklahoma has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full University Of Central Oklahoma report
University Of Washington Seattle Campus landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Seattle, WA, University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $12,250. Median earnings reach $78,466 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
University Of California Los Angeles placed #33 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Based 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, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $20,000. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of California Los Angeles
Jacksonville University offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Set in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,150 in tuition and fees. Jacksonville University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $25,619 in debt. Median earnings reach $68,010 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,619 median debt. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Jacksonville University
Washington State University landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Students borrow a median of $22,802 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Washington State University alumni report median earnings of $68,905 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Washington State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities placed #37 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $17,214, with out-of-state students paying around $38,362. Students borrow a median of $24,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities alumni report median earnings of $69,020 a decade after entry. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Florida State University placed #38 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Florida State University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. Median earnings reach $61,675 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%. Read the full report on Florida State University
Depaul University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. 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. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,751. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 76%. Read more about Depaul University
University Of Florida landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Gainesville, FL. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, 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. That is a strong return on a $19,839 median debt. University Of Florida has an acceptance rate of 24%. Get the full University Of Florida report
University Of Maryland Baltimore County offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $13,256, with out-of-state students paying around $31,225. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $21,531. University Of Maryland Baltimore County alumni report median earnings of $69,960 a decade after entry. Set against $21,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Maryland Baltimore County admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Maryland Baltimore County
University Of Notre Dame came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Located in Notre Dame, IN, University Of Notre Dame is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $65,025. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $20,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $99,980 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Notre Dame admits about 11% of applicants. Get the full University Of Notre Dame report
Ball State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Ball State University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $22,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,833 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Ball State University profile
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. This public school is set in Cincinnati, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, while out-of-state students pay about $28,697. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $25,851. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. Set against $25,851 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 85%. Get the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus report
University Of Kansas offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $61,945 ten years out. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Kansas
Auburn University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,890, compared with $34,922 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $26,000. 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%. More on Auburn University
American University offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. American University is a private not-for-profit school based in Washington, DC. In-state tuition and fees average $58,771. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $24,139. American University alumni report median earnings of $77,370 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. American University has an acceptance rate of 62%. More on American University
University Of Kentucky came in at #48 in this year's value ranking. Based in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. 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. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Kentucky
Jacksonville State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Jacksonville, AL, Jacksonville State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,894, with out-of-state students paying around $23,334. Graduates carry a median of $24,751 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,235 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,751 median debt. Jacksonville State University has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Jacksonville State University
Carnegie Mellon University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,636. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $24,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $114,862 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Based in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,762 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Students borrow a median of $23,146 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,198 ten years after entry. Set against $23,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis admits about 76% of applicants. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis profile
Related Design And Applied Arts Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Grad Degree (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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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