2026 Best Design And Applied Arts Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best Design And Applied Arts master’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1237 institutions by overall quality and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh factors such as graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and admissions selectivity.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Design And Applied Arts Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the leading schools below:
Leading the list is University Of Notre Dame, our #1 Design And Applied Arts school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,025. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $20,250. Read more about University Of Notre Dame
Out of the 1237 schools in the United States in this year's ranking, Illinois Institute Of Technology landed the #2 spot. Set in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Illinois Institute Of Technology posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $52,202. Graduates carry a median of $26,774 in student loans. Read more about Illinois Institute Of Technology
A rank of #4 makes Carnegie Mellon University one of the top choices in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. About 94% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $24,500. More on Carnegie Mellon University
A rank of #5 makes The University Of Texas At Austin one of the top choices in the United States. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. Roughly 89% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $22,500. Read the full report on The University Of Texas At Austin
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute placed #6 among Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Set in Troy, NY, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,078. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $25,000. See the full Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute profile
American University came in at #7 in this year's ranking. Based in Washington, DC, American University is a private not-for-profit institution. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,771. Graduates carry a median of $24,139 in student loans. Read more about American University
Purdue University Main Campus did well this year, earning the #8 position. Based in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 83%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $20,250. See the full Purdue University Main Campus profile
Northwestern University landed the #9 spot in the United States this year. Northwestern University is a private not-for-profit school based in Evanston, IL. The six-year graduation rate is 95%. Students from in state pay about $68,322 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $16,616 in student loans. Read the full report on Northwestern University
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #10 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. About 68% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $22,337. More on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Clemson University ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best Design And Applied Arts schools. This public school is set in Clemson, SC. Roughly 87% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $26,000. Read the full report on Clemson University
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #12 among Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. About 85% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,973, while out-of-state students pay about $43,209. University Of Washington Seattle Campus Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $12,250 in debt. Read more about University Of Washington Seattle Campus
Boston University did well this year, earning the #13 position. Boston University is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Boston University posts a six-year graduation rate of 89%. In-state tuition and fees run about $68,102. Students borrow a median of $21,250 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. See the full Boston University profile
University Of Delaware placed #14 among Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Newark, DE. Roughly 82% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $26,000. Get the full University Of Delaware report
University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #15 among Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. University Of Wisconsin Stout posts a six-year graduation rate of 55%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. University Of Wisconsin Stout Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Iowa State University did well this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. About 75% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $27,000. More on Iowa State University
Syracuse University did well this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Syracuse, NY. About 84% of students finish within six years. Students from in state pay about $65,528 in tuition and fees. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $27,000. Read the full report on Syracuse University
University Of Kentucky came in at #18 in this year's ranking. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. Roughly 71% of students complete a degree within six years here. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, with out-of-state students paying around $34,140. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Get the full University Of Kentucky report
Washington University In St Louis came in at #19 in this year's ranking. Located in St. Louis, MO, Washington University In St Louis is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. In-state tuition and fees run about $65,790. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $19,089. Read the full report on Washington University In St Louis
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #20 in this year's ranking. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public school based in Minneapolis, MN. Roughly 85% of students complete a degree within six years here. 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. Read more about University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
University Of Florida came in at #21 in this year's ranking. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. University Of Florida posts a six-year graduation rate of 91%. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $19,839. See the full University Of Florida profile
University Of California Los Angeles placed #22 among Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. University Of California Los Angeles is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. University Of California Los Angeles posts a six-year graduation rate of 93%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $20,000. More on University Of California Los Angeles
Auburn University placed #23 among Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Auburn, AL. Auburn University posts a six-year graduation rate of 82%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Auburn University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Get the full Auburn University report
Washington State University did well this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Washington State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 60%. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,391, with out-of-state students paying around $29,950. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $22,802. Read more about Washington State University
College For Creative Studies did well this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Detroit, MI, College For Creative Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. College For Creative Studies graduates 71% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $53,350. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Get the full College For Creative Studies report
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #26 in this year's ranking. Based in Chattanooga, TN, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 50%. In-state tuition and fees average $10,448, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. See the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best Design And Applied Arts Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also placed among the very best this year:
Northeastern University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. Northeastern University posts a six-year graduation rate of 90%. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Northeastern University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $28,250 in debt. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Lindenwood University placed #28 among Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit school based in Saint Charles, MO. Roughly 49% of students complete a degree within six years here. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $28,663. Read more about Lindenwood University
Miami University Oxford ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best Design And Applied Arts schools. Miami University Oxford is a public school based in Oxford, OH. Miami University Oxford graduates 80% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $17,519, with out-of-state students paying around $38,965. Miami University Oxford Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Read more about Miami University Oxford
Florida State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. Florida State University posts a six-year graduation rate of 86%. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Florida State University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $22,250 in debt. Read the full report on Florida State University
Marymount University ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Arlington, VA, Marymount University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 54% of students finish within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,120. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $27,000. More on Marymount University
Otis College Of Art And Design placed #32 among Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Los Angeles, CA, Otis College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. Otis College Of Art And Design posts a six-year graduation rate of 66%. Students from in state pay about $56,488 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Otis College Of Art And Design
University Of Southern California did well this year, earning the #33 position. Set in Los Angeles, CA, University Of Southern California is a private not-for-profit institution. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $71,647. University Of Southern California Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $18,262 in debt. Read the full report on University Of Southern California
Temple University placed #34 among Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. Temple University posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. Students from in state pay about $23,005 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Graduates carry a median of $26,875 in student loans. Read the full report on Temple University
California College Of The Arts ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in San Francisco, CA, California College Of The Arts is a private not-for-profit institution. California College Of The Arts graduates 61% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $60,226. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $27,000. See the full California College Of The Arts profile
Endicott College landed the #36 spot in the United States this year. Based in Beverly, MA, Endicott College is a private not-for-profit institution. Endicott College posts a six-year graduation rate of 75%. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,650. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Get the full Endicott College report
North Carolina State University At Raleigh landed the #37 spot in the United States this year. Based in Raleigh, NC, North Carolina State University At Raleigh is a public institution. About 85% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $8,799, compared with $32,847 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $20,500. Get the full North Carolina State University At Raleigh report
Ball State University placed #38 among Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. Ball State University graduates 62% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $11,082 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $29,630. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $22,000. Get the full Ball State University report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus did well this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. Roughly 74% of students complete a degree within six years here. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Students borrow a median of $25,851 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
Yale University came in at #41 in this year's ranking. Set in New Haven, CT, Yale University is a private not-for-profit institution. Yale University posts a six-year graduation rate of 96%. In-state tuition and fees average $67,250. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $14,357. Read more about Yale University
University Of Houston landed the #42 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Houston, TX. University Of Houston posts a six-year graduation rate of 65%. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,717, compared with $22,547 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about University Of Houston
Rochester Institute Of Technology did well this year, earning the #43 position. Set in Rochester, NY, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Rochester Institute Of Technology graduates 72% of students within six years. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,210. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read the full report on Rochester Institute Of Technology
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania landed the #44 spot in the United States this year. This public school is set in Kutztown, PA. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania graduates 54% of students within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $27,000. Get the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania report
University Of Maryland Baltimore County came in at #45 in this year's ranking. This public school is set in Baltimore, MD. University Of Maryland Baltimore County posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. In-state tuition and fees average $13,256, while out-of-state students pay about $31,225. Students borrow a median of $21,531 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. See the full University Of Maryland Baltimore County profile
University Of Kansas ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best Design And Applied Arts schools. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. University Of Kansas posts a six-year graduation rate of 69%. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,102, with out-of-state students paying around $30,432. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Get the full University Of Kansas report
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. About 54% of students finish within six years. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,762, with out-of-state students paying around $34,891. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $23,146. Get the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis report
University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #48 on our 2026 list of the best Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Chicago, IL, University Of Illinois At Chicago is a public institution. University Of Illinois At Chicago graduates 62% of students within six years. In-state tuition and fees average $15,949, with out-of-state students paying around $32,009. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Read the full report on University Of Illinois At Chicago
George Washington University came in at #49 in this year's ranking. Located in Washington, DC, George Washington University is a private not-for-profit institution. About 84% of students finish within six years. In-state tuition and fees run about $67,710. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $22,910. See the full George Washington University profile
Cranbrook Academy Of Art placed #50 among Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Set in Bloomfield Hills, MI, Cranbrook Academy Of Art is a private not-for-profit institution. Get the full Cranbrook Academy Of Art report
Drexel University came in at #51 in this year's ranking. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Drexel University is a private not-for-profit institution. Drexel University graduates 78% of students within six years. Students from in state pay about $62,412 in tuition and fees. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $27,000. Read more about Drexel University
Minneapolis College Of Art And Design came in at #52 in this year's ranking. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 51%. Students from in state pay about $45,484 in tuition and fees. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $27,000. See the full Minneapolis College Of Art And Design profile
Related Design And Applied Arts Rankings
Explore other degree levels:
- Best Design And Applied Arts Schools (All Levels)
- Best Design And Applied Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Design And Applied Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Design And Applied Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Design And Applied Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Design And Applied Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Design And Applied Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and admissions data drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: Dms College Quality · 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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