2026 Best Value Instructional Media Design Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Instructional Media Design graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 385 institutions 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, 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
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. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,800. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $25,462. Median earnings reach $67,416 ten years out. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. La Salle University admits about 97% of applicants. Read the full report on La Salle University
Out of the 385 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Mayville State University landed the #2 spot. Mayville State University is a public school based in Mayville, ND. In-state tuition and fees average $7,979, while out-of-state students pay about $11,237. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,464. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,828. That is a strong return on a $27,464 median debt. Get the full Mayville State University report
A rank of #3 makes Minnesota State University Mankato one of the best values in the United States. Set in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,922. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Minnesota State University Mankato admits about 88% of applicants. Get the full Minnesota State University Mankato report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bemidji State University earned it the #4 place in the United States. Located in Bemidji, MN, Bemidji State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Bemidji State University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,819 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Bemidji State University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System came in at #5 on this year's best-value Instructional Media Design ranking in the United States. Set in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,540. Students borrow a median of $27,471 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,703. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
Concordia University Saint Paul landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. 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. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,871 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Concordia University Saint Paul
Mcdaniel College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Set in Westminster, MD, Mcdaniel College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. Mcdaniel College Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $23,247 in debt. Mcdaniel College alumni report median earnings of $60,663 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Mcdaniel College
Concordia University Chicago ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in River Forest, IL, Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,488. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,956. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Concordia University Chicago
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located 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. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Read more about Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Baldwin Wallace College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,832. Baldwin Wallace College Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,307 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,122. Set against $27,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 76%. Get the full Baldwin Wallace College report
Saint Cloud State University landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Saint Cloud, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $25,076. Median earnings reach $55,813 ten years out. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Saint Cloud State University
Western Illinois University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $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. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Western Illinois University
Nicholls State University offered strong value this year, earning the #13 position. Based in Thibodaux, LA, Nicholls State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,149, with out-of-state students paying around $9,242. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $24,513. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Nicholls State University
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,067. Walden University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $49,361 in debt. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Walden University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,775, with out-of-state students paying around $22,599. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,258. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. More on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Liberty University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Read more about Liberty University
Piedmont College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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%. Read more about Piedmont College
University Of Central Arkansas landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,523, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. University Of Central Arkansas Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $22,920 in debt. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Central Arkansas
Emmanuel College Massachusetts landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boston, MA, Emmanuel College Massachusetts is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,550. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,866. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,245 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Emmanuel College Massachusetts admits about 76% of applicants. Read more about Emmanuel College Massachusetts
The College Of Saint Scholastica ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $26,755 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,934 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,755 median debt. The College Of Saint Scholastica has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read more about The College Of Saint Scholastica
University Of Maryland University College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland University College Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $23,276 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,287. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile
University Of Southern Mississippi offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, compared with $11,998 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,415 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,140. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. Get the full University Of Southern Mississippi report
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania placed #25 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. Students from in state pay about $13,570 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Graduates carry a median of $26,307 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,351. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Southern Wesleyan University came in at #26 in this year's value ranking. Based in Central, SC, Southern Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $29,800. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $31,554. Median earnings reach $47,756 ten years out. Set against $31,554 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 100% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Southern Wesleyan University profile
Fairfield University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit school based in Fairfield, CT. In-state tuition and fees average $58,400. Students borrow a median of $26,687 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $88,794 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,687 median debt. The acceptance rate is 33%. Read the full report on Fairfield University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Instructional Media Design Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
University Of West Alabama ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Livingston, AL, University Of West Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,990, compared with $20,090 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $31,894 in student loans. University Of West Alabama alumni report median earnings of $44,232 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of West Alabama
American Public University System ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400. Students borrow a median of $23,438 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $44,409 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. Read the full report on American Public University System
Valdosta State University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Located in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,124 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,836 for out-of-state students. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $28,661. Median earnings reach $49,361 ten years out. Set against $28,661 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. Read more about Valdosta State University
California State University San Bernardino offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Set in San Bernardino, CA, California State University San Bernardino is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,088, with out-of-state students paying around $20,688. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $15,149. Median earnings reach $59,977 ten years out. Set against $15,149 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University San Bernardino has an acceptance rate of 94%. More on California State University San Bernardino
University Of West Georgia landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Carrollton, GA, University Of West Georgia is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,088, while out-of-state students pay about $17,800. University Of West Georgia Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $26,789 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,587 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of West Georgia has an acceptance rate of 52%. Read more about University Of West Georgia
Drury University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Springfield, MO, Drury University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,745. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $26,641. Drury University alumni report median earnings of $40,694 a decade after entry. Set against $26,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 58%. More on Drury University
Webster University placed #34 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. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $25,939. Median earnings reach $50,876 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Webster University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read more about Webster University
University Of North Dakota came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Located in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,951, with out-of-state students paying around $15,570. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $25,110. University Of North Dakota alumni report median earnings of $63,552 a decade after entry. Set against $25,110 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Dakota has an acceptance rate of 77%. More on University Of North Dakota
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $24,850. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. More on Sam Houston State University
University Of Memphis landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Memphis, TN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,315. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. Set against $26,315 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%. More on University Of Memphis
Clemson University placed #38 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Set in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $23,783. Graduates go on to earn a median of $71,513 ten years after entry. Set against $23,783 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Clemson University has an acceptance rate of 38%. Get the full Clemson University report
St Catherine University landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,428. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $29,883. St Catherine University alumni report median earnings of $59,282 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. St Catherine University admits about 92% of applicants. Read the full report on St Catherine University
Indiana State University placed #40 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, compared with $22,322 for out-of-state students. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $25,582. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,387. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Indiana State University report
Towson University placed #41 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Towson University is a public school based in Towson, MD. Students from in state pay about $11,728 in tuition and fees, compared with $29,820 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $21,241 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $64,390 ten years after entry. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. More on Towson University
Western Washington University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,582, compared with $28,707 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,361 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Western Washington University alumni report median earnings of $62,569 a decade after entry. Set against $20,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Western Washington University
University Of Dayton offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit school based in Dayton, OH. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $25,033. University Of Dayton alumni report median earnings of $75,537 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 65%. See the full University Of Dayton profile
Governors State University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Governors State University is a public school based in University Park, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,004. Students borrow a median of $24,990 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Governors State University alumni report median earnings of $58,169 a decade after entry. Set against $24,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 48% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Governors State University
Missouri State University Springfield offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $24,408. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. Set against $24,408 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. Read the full report on Missouri State University Springfield
Quinnipiac University ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Hamden, CT, Quinnipiac University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $55,480. Graduates carry a median of $25,926 in student loans. Quinnipiac University alumni report median earnings of $83,759 a decade after entry. Set against $25,926 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Quinnipiac University admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Quinnipiac University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Located in Charlotte, NC, University Of North Carolina At Charlotte is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $24,673. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,289. Set against $24,673 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte has an acceptance rate of 80%. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Capella University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Capella University is a private for-profit school based in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,400. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $35,998. Capella University alumni report median earnings of $42,189 a decade after entry. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Capella University profile
Kennesaw State University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Based in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,808 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,736. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,004. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%. Get the full Kennesaw State University report
University Of Georgia placed #50 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. University Of Georgia Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $21,792 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,726. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Jacksonville University landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,150. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $25,619. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,010. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Jacksonville University admits about 57% of applicants. More on Jacksonville University
Wichita State University placed #52 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, with out-of-state students paying around $19,869. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $24,262. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,262 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Wichita State University
Related Instructional Media Design Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design 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. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 385 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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