2026 Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools
Looking for the best-value Instructional Media Design programs programs in the United States? We have ranked 385 colleges 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, Course Advisor reviewed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Instructional Media Design Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat La Salle University this year 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 97% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on La Salle University
You'll get strong value at Mayville State University, which ranked #2 this year. Mayville State University is a public school based in Mayville, ND. Students from in state pay about $7,979 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $11,237. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $27,464. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,828. That is a strong return on a $27,464 median debt. Read more about Mayville State University
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Irvine, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $43,480. Students borrow a median of $26,085 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Concordia University Irvine alumni report median earnings of $65,083 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,085 median debt. Concordia University Irvine has an acceptance rate of 66%. Read more about Concordia University Irvine
You'll get strong value at Brigham Young University Provo, which ranked #5 this year. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Lone Star College System came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in The Woodlands, TX, Lone Star College System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,664, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $10,425. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,466. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lone Star College System
Western Governors University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,658. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $23,277. Median earnings reach $60,615 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Western Governors University report
Essex County College placed #8 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This public school is set in Newark, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,415, with out-of-state students paying around $9,523. Students borrow a median of $12,472 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $37,230 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,472 median debt. More on Essex County College
University Of Sioux Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux Falls, SD. Students from in state pay about $21,750 in tuition and fees. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $26,103. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,521 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,103 median debt. University Of Sioux Falls admits about 83% of applicants. Read more about University Of Sioux Falls
Wisconsin Lutheran College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $36,110. Wisconsin Lutheran College Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $26,916 in debt. Median earnings reach $54,664 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wisconsin Lutheran College
Minnesota State University Mankato placed #11 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,572, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Minnesota State University Mankato Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Minnesota State University Mankato alumni report median earnings of $56,922 a decade after entry. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Based in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,237. Bemidji State University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,819 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. That is a strong return on a $25,819 median debt. The acceptance rate is 56%. More on Bemidji State University
Bellevue University ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. Bellevue University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,852 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,289. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Bellevue University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,540. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. Median earnings reach $65,703 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
Mcdaniel College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,081. Students borrow a median of $23,247 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $60,663 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Read more about Mcdaniel College
Doane College Crete placed #16 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,985. Typical Instructional Media Design student 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. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Doane College Crete profile
Northwest Missouri State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This public school is set in Maryville, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,585 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,885 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Northwest Missouri State University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Concordia University Saint Paul placed #18 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Set in Saint Paul, MN, Concordia University Saint Paul is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,600. Students borrow a median of $29,026 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $59,871 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Concordia University Saint Paul has an acceptance rate of 79%. Read more about Concordia University Saint Paul
Wilson College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Chambersburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,100. Graduates carry a median of $34,814 in student loans. Median earnings reach $43,326 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $34,814 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wilson College
Buena Vista University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit school based in Storm Lake, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $41,798. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $29,317. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,156 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Buena Vista University report
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #21 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a private not-for-profit school based in Winona, MN. Students from in state pay about $45,080 in tuition and fees. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,081 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,170. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read the full report on Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Baldwin Wallace College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $39,832. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,307. Median earnings reach $54,122 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,307 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Baldwin Wallace College report
Concordia University Chicago landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $37,488. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,956. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,089 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,956 median debt. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full Concordia University Chicago report
William Woods University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fulton, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $30,340. Graduates carry a median of $25,512 in student loans. William Woods University alumni report median earnings of $42,401 a decade after entry. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. William Woods University has an acceptance rate of 71%. Get the full William Woods University report
Delaware Technical Community College Terry ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Dover, DE, Delaware Technical Community College Terry is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,332, while out-of-state students pay about $5,763. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $11,154. Median earnings reach $41,448 ten years out. Set against $11,154 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Delaware Technical Community College Terry
Dakota State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This public school is set in Madison, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,654, while out-of-state students pay about $12,756. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $28,724. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,970. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Dakota State University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Instructional Media Design Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Wilmington University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Set 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. Wilmington University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $26,054 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,844 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,054 median debt. More on Wilmington University
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $25,209. Median earnings reach $57,808 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
American Public University System came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,400. Students borrow a median of $23,438 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on American Public University System
Martin Luther College offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit school based in New Ulm, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,120. Martin Luther College Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $20,224 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,491 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,224 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%. See the full Martin Luther College profile
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $23,917 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,346. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville has an acceptance rate of 98%. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Stark State College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Stark State College is a public school based in North Canton, OH. Students from in state pay about $4,790 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,886. Graduates carry a median of $17,349 in student loans. Median earnings reach $34,661 ten years out. Set against $17,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Stark State College report
Arizona State University Skysong landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,742 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,742 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. More on Arizona State University Skysong
Nicholls State University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Thibodaux, LA, Nicholls State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,149, compared with $9,242 for out-of-state students. Nicholls State University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $24,513 in debt. Nicholls State University alumni report median earnings of $45,454 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Nicholls State University report
Walden University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,067. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $49,361. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Walden University profile
Marian University Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit school based in Fond Du Lac, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,204. Students borrow a median of $27,242 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,501. Set against $27,242 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 75% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Marian University Wisconsin
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania placed #37 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $61,258 a decade after entry. West Chester University Of Pennsylvania has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full West Chester University Of Pennsylvania report
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Piedmont College placed #39 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Set in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,700 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $29,975 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,130 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. See the full Piedmont College profile
Grand Canyon University placed #40 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $18,508. Students borrow a median of $30,027 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,186 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. More on Grand Canyon University
Aurora University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $29,170. Students borrow a median of $24,507 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,709 ten years after entry. Set against $24,507 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Aurora University report
Concordia University Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mequon, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $35,470. Graduates carry a median of $27,172 in student loans. Median earnings reach $56,075 ten years out. Set against $27,172 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Concordia University Wisconsin
Emmanuel College Massachusetts placed #43 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Emmanuel College Massachusetts is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $48,550 in tuition and fees. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $26,866. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,245. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Emmanuel College Massachusetts report
Western Illinois University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,572. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $27,639. Western Illinois University alumni report median earnings of $54,163 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full Western Illinois University profile
The College Of Saint Scholastica ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Duluth, MN, The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,778 in tuition and fees. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $26,755. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,934. That is a strong return on a $26,755 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. More on The College Of Saint Scholastica
Anderson University Sc ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Anderson, SC. Students from in state pay about $34,970 in tuition and fees. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $28,034. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,101 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,034 median debt. Anderson University Sc admits about 55% of applicants. Read more about Anderson University Sc
University Of South Dakota placed #47 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Students borrow a median of $26,322 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Fort Hays State University ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Graduates carry a median of $25,967 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,928. Set against $25,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Fort Hays State University
Park University came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,116 in tuition and fees. Park University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $22,112 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,309. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Park University profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Shippensburg, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $26,307 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,351 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University admits about 99% of applicants. More on Liberty University
Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (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 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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