2026 Best Value Instructional Media Design Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Instructional Media Design master’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 385 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.
So you can compare your options, 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
For return on investment, no school beat La Salle University this year in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $37,800. Graduates carry a median of $25,462 in student loans. Median earnings reach $67,416 ten years out. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on La Salle University
You'll get strong value at Concordia University Irvine, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,480. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,085. Concordia University Irvine alumni report median earnings of $65,083 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 66% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine
Out of the 385 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #4 spot. 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. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. More on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Western Governors University earned it the #5 place in the United States. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Western Governors University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,658. Graduates carry a median of $23,277 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,615. That is a strong return on a $23,277 median debt. See the full Western Governors University profile
University Of Sioux Falls landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit school based in Sioux Falls, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $21,750. Graduates carry a median of $26,103 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,521. Set against $26,103 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Sioux Falls report
Wisconsin Lutheran College came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Based in Milwaukee, WI, Wisconsin Lutheran College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $36,110. Students borrow a median of $26,916 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,664. That is a strong return on a $26,916 median debt. Wisconsin Lutheran College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Get the full Wisconsin Lutheran College report
Bellevue University offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Located in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,873. Graduates carry a median of $27,852 in student loans. Median earnings reach $61,289 ten years out. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Bellevue University
Doane College Crete came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,985. Students borrow a median of $28,802 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Doane College Crete alumni report median earnings of $53,316 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 98%. See the full Doane College Crete profile
Northwest Missouri State University offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. Northwest Missouri State University is a public school based in Maryville, MO. In-state tuition and fees run about $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. Median earnings reach $47,885 ten years out. Set against $23,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,922. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Minnesota State University Mankato
Concordia University Saint Paul ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. 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. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $29,026. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,871. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Saint Paul admits about 79% of applicants. See the full Concordia University Saint Paul profile
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,540. Graduates carry a median of $27,471 in student loans. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System alumni report median earnings of $65,703 a decade after entry. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System profile
Wilson College came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $27,100. Wilson College Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $34,814 in debt. Wilson College alumni report median earnings of $43,326 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. More on Wilson College
Buena Vista University placed #15 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit school based in Storm Lake, IA. Students from in state pay about $41,798 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $29,317 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $49,156 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $29,317 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Buena Vista University report
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota placed #16 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $45,080. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,081. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $58,170 a decade after entry. Set against $27,081 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota report
William Woods University placed #17 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,340. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $25,512. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,401. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 71% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full William Woods University report
Concordia University Chicago placed #17 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based in River Forest, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,488. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $26,956. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,089. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. More on Concordia University Chicago
Dakota State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Dakota State University is a public school based in Madison, SD. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,654, with out-of-state students paying around $12,756. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $28,724. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,970 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $28,724 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full Dakota State University report
Wilmington University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 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. Students borrow a median of $26,054 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Wilmington University alumni report median earnings of $53,844 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wilmington University report
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,060. Northern Illinois University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,209 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 70% of applicants are accepted. More on Northern Illinois University
Arizona State University Skysong came in at #22 in this year's value ranking. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Arizona State University Skysong is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,627, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Graduates carry a median of $23,742 in student loans. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 67% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Arizona State University Skysong profile
Marian University Wisconsin placed #23 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Set in Fond Du Lac, WI, Marian University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,204. Graduates carry a median of $27,242 in student loans. Marian University Wisconsin alumni report median earnings of $53,501 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 75%. More on Marian University Wisconsin
Aurora University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $29,170. Students borrow a median of $24,507 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $58,709 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 Aurora University
Grand Canyon University came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Located in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. Read more about Grand Canyon University
Concordia University Wisconsin ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Mequon, WI. Students from in state pay about $35,470 in tuition and fees. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,172. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,075 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,172 median debt. Concordia University Wisconsin admits about 78% of applicants. Read more about Concordia University Wisconsin
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Instructional Media Design Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Piedmont College landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Demorest, GA, Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $31,700. Students borrow a median of $29,975 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Piedmont College alumni report median earnings of $49,130 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,975 median debt. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Piedmont College report
Western Illinois University ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Western Illinois University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,639 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Anderson University Sc landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Anderson, SC, Anderson University Sc is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,970. Anderson University Sc Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $28,034 in debt. Median earnings reach $42,101 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $28,034 median debt. Anderson University Sc has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read more about Anderson University Sc
University Of South Dakota landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Vermillion, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. University Of South Dakota Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $51,926 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,322 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of South Dakota
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville placed #31 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This public school is set in Edwardsville, IL. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $23,917 in student loans. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville admits about 98% of applicants. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
Fort Hays State University came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,923, compared with $17,741 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,967 in student loans. Median earnings reach $48,928 ten years out. Set against $25,967 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Fort Hays State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. More on Fort Hays State University
Park University came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. Located in Parkville, MO, Park University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,116. Graduates carry a median of $22,112 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,309. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Park University
National University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in San Diego, CA, National University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,284. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $30,426. National University alumni report median earnings of $67,548 a decade after entry. Set against $30,426 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full National University report
Lindenwood University placed #35 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $21,600 in tuition and fees. Lindenwood University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $28,663 in debt. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. Read the full report on Lindenwood University
The University Of Tampa came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. Set in Tampa, FL, The University Of Tampa is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $34,408. The University Of Tampa Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,191 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,436 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 40% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Tampa profile
University Of Delaware landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Newark, DE. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, while out-of-state students pay about $41,400. University Of Delaware Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $24,861 in debt. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Set against $24,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Delaware profile
Rowan University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Rowan University is a public school based in Glassboro, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $16,574, while out-of-state students pay about $26,932. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $24,488. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,988. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rowan University admits about 78% of applicants. Get the full Rowan University report
Saint Cloud State University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Saint Cloud State University is a public school based in Saint Cloud, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,245 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,076 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
Touro College placed #40 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in New York, NY, Touro College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,052. Students borrow a median of $20,285 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,419 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 61% of applicants are accepted. See the full Touro College profile
Gardner Webb University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Boiling Springs, NC, Gardner Webb University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,033 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,039. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 77% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Gardner Webb University
California State University Fullerton offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. California State University Fullerton is a public school based in Fullerton, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,470, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Students borrow a median of $15,525 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,951 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full California State University Fullerton report
The University Of Texas Pan American offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. The University Of Texas Pan American is a public school based in Edinburg, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Graduates carry a median of $14,694 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,620 ten years out. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. More on The University Of Texas Pan American
Webster University landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $25,939. Median earnings reach $50,876 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Webster University profile
California State University San Bernardino offered strong value this year, earning the #45 position. California State University San Bernardino is a public school based in San Bernardino, CA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,088, with out-of-state students paying around $20,688. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $15,149. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,977. That is a strong return on a $15,149 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. Read more about California State University San Bernardino
California State University Monterey Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. This public school is set in Seaside, CA. Students from in state pay about $7,779 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $20,379. Graduates carry a median of $14,622 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $59,247. That is a strong return on a $14,622 median debt. California State University Monterey Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about California State University Monterey Bay
California State University East Bay offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. This public school is set in Hayward, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,583, with out-of-state students paying around $20,183. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $18,073. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,401. Set against $18,073 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University East Bay has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read the full report on California State University East Bay
Drury University ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Springfield, MO, Drury University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $36,745. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,641. Drury University alumni report median earnings of $40,694 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Drury University admits about 58% of applicants. See the full Drury University profile
Central Michigan University offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. Students from in state pay about $15,480 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,857 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,874 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,857 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Central Michigan University
Towson University offered strong value this year, earning the #51 position. This public school is set in Towson, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Graduates carry a median of $21,241 in student loans. Median earnings reach $64,390 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $21,241 median debt. Towson University has an acceptance rate of 82%. Read more about Towson University
University Of West Alabama ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This public school is set in Livingston, AL. In-state tuition and fees average $10,990, while out-of-state students pay about $20,090. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $31,894. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,232. Set against $31,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 43% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of West Alabama
Related Instructional Media Design Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools (All Levels)
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by 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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