2026 Best Value Design And Applied Arts Schools
Looking for the best-value Design And Applied Arts programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 1237 institutions 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.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor evaluated schools to compile this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Design And Applied Arts Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Alexandria Technical And Community College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Design And Applied Arts programs schools in the United States. Set in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,236. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Alexandria Technical And Community College alumni report median earnings of $49,393 a decade after entry. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Alexandria Technical And Community College profile
Out of the 1237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Madison Area Technical College landed the #2 spot. Madison Area Technical College is a public school based in Madison, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,977, compared with $7,141 for out-of-state students. Madison Area Technical College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $15,750 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,413 ten years after entry. Set against $15,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Madison Area Technical College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Latter Day Saints Business College earned it the #3 place in the United States. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Latter Day Saints Business College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,004. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $50,630. Read more about Latter Day Saints Business College
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Metropolitan Community College Area earned it the #4 place in the United States. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $12,526. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,773 ten years after entry. Set against $12,526 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Metropolitan Community College Area
Collin County Community College District came in at #5 on this year's best-value Design And Applied Arts ranking in the United States. Set in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,014 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $6,064. Students borrow a median of $6,900 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $48,701. Set against $6,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Collin County Community College District
Waukesha County Technical College placed #6 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Based in Pewaukee, WI, Waukesha County Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,554 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $15,554 median debt. Read more about Waukesha County Technical College
Johnson County Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Johnson County Community College is a public school based in Overland Park, KS. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. Students borrow a median of $13,625 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,387 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,625 median debt. Read more about Johnson County Community College
Brigham Young University Provo landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $13,000. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Century College came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in White Bear Lake, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,214. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $15,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,424. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Century College
Bismarck State College placed #10 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,247 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,331. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $13,340. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,277. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Bismarck State College
Finger Lakes Community College placed #11 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Finger Lakes Community College is a public school based in Canandaigua, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,258, with out-of-state students paying around $8,442. Students borrow a median of $16,736 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Finger Lakes Community College alumni report median earnings of $40,054 a decade after entry. Set against $16,736 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Finger Lakes Community College profile
Scottsdale Community College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, while out-of-state students pay about $8,959. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $13,084. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Scottsdale Community College
Spokane Falls Community College placed #13 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Spokane, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Spokane Falls Community College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $14,657 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,955. Set against $14,657 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Spokane Falls Community College profile
Western Technical College La Cross placed #14 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Western Technical College La Cross is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Western Technical College La Cross Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $12,057 in debt. Median earnings reach $45,303 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Western Technical College La Cross report
Gwinnett Technical College placed #15 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Lawrenceville, GA. Students from in state pay about $3,524 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,092. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $18,997. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,025. Set against $18,997 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Gwinnett Technical College
Bellevue University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,873. Bellevue University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $29,688 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. Get the full Bellevue University report
Milwaukee Area Technical College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,184, with out-of-state students paying around $7,427. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $18,296. Median earnings reach $41,113 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,296 median debt. More on Milwaukee Area Technical College
Macomb Community College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Macomb Community College is a public school based in Warren, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $8,370. Graduates carry a median of $10,500 in student loans. Median earnings reach $41,596 ten years out. Set against $10,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Macomb Community College profile
Gateway Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Gateway Technical College is a public school based in Kenosha, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,956, with out-of-state students paying around $7,199. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Gateway Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,264 a decade after entry. Set against $15,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Gateway Technical College report
Bemidji State University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,237. Bemidji State University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Bemidji State University alumni report median earnings of $53,755 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 56% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Bemidji State University
Minneapolis Community And Technical College placed #21 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,161. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $18,601. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,086. That is a strong return on a $18,601 median debt. See the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College profile
El Centro College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Students borrow a median of $11,835 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Median earnings reach $41,714 ten years out. Set against $11,835 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full El Centro College report
Sinclair Community College landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Sinclair Community College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $11,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,558. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Sinclair Community College
Ivy Tech Community College came in at #24 in this year's value ranking. Ivy Tech Community College is a public school based in Indianapolis, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,154, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $12,710. Ivy Tech Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,186 a decade after entry. Set against $12,710 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Ivy Tech Community College
University Of South Dakota landed the #26 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, with out-of-state students paying around $12,942. Graduates carry a median of $26,322 in student loans. Median earnings reach $51,926 ten years out. Set against $26,322 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. See the full University Of South Dakota profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Design And Applied Arts Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Cuny Laguardia Community College came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Located in Long Island City, NY, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,218, with out-of-state students paying around $8,098. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $8,858. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,653. Set against $8,858 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Cuny Laguardia Community College report
Miami Ad School At Portfolio Center came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Atlanta, GA, Miami Ad School At Portfolio Center is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $19,400. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $106,192. Read the full report on Miami Ad School At Portfolio Center
Atlantic College ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in Guaynabo, PR, Atlantic College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,280. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $5,286. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $25,272. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Atlantic College profile
West Texas A And M University came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Based in Canyon, TX, West Texas A And M University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. West Texas A And M University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $22,333 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,741. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. West Texas A And M University admits about 99% of applicants. See the full West Texas A And M University profile
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #31 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, while out-of-state students pay about $15,564. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. North Dakota State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $62,203 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. North Dakota State University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full North Dakota State University Main Campus profile
Guilford Technical Community College placed #32 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Jamestown, NC. Students from in state pay about $2,320 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,696. Graduates carry a median of $15,250 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,934. That is a strong return on a $15,250 median debt. Read more about Guilford Technical Community College
Saint Louis Community College landed the #33 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Bridgeton, MO, Saint Louis Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $6,990. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $11,424. Saint Louis Community College alumni report median earnings of $35,325 a decade after entry. Set against $11,424 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Saint Louis Community College
Western Carolina University offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,630 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $29,911. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Set against $29,911 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. More on Western Carolina University
South Dakota State University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. South Dakota State University is a public school based in Brookings, SD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,070. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted. More on South Dakota State University
Sessions College For Professional Design came in at #36 in this year's value ranking. This private for-profit school is set in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees average $7,400. Sessions College For Professional Design Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $25,199 in debt. Read the full report on Sessions College For Professional Design
Wake Technical Community College landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,254, with out-of-state students paying around $6,862. Students borrow a median of $13,414 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,769. That is a strong return on a $13,414 median debt. Read the full report on Wake Technical Community College
Austin Community College District offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Set in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,550 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $19,939. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,177. Set against $19,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Austin Community College District
Lindenwood University ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,600. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $28,663. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $53,278. Set against $28,663 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%. See the full Lindenwood University profile
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. Set in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,975 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,472. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg alumni report median earnings of $42,007 a decade after entry. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg profile
Gnomon School Of Visual Effects ranked #41 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Gnomon School Of Visual Effects is a private for-profit school based in North Hollywood, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,635. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $38,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $114,785. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 42% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Gnomon School Of Visual Effects profile
Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Located in Okmulgee, OK, Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,774, while out-of-state students pay about $11,384. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $13,356. Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee alumni report median earnings of $45,634 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee
Arapahoe Community College ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This public school is set in Littleton, CO. Students from in state pay about $4,434 in tuition and fees, compared with $17,034 for out-of-state students. Arapahoe Community College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $15,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,341. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Arapahoe Community College
Central Piedmont Community College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Central Piedmont Community College is a public school based in Charlotte, NC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,792, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $11,861. Central Piedmont Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,865 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Central Piedmont Community College report
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania ranked #46 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,568, with out-of-state students paying around $14,676. Students borrow a median of $26,330 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Median earnings reach $53,032 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,330 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania profile
University Of Wisconsin Stout offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public school based in Menomonie, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,084. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stout
Seminole State College Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Based in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,122, with out-of-state students paying around $11,447. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $19,613. Seminole State College Of Florida alumni report median earnings of $41,733 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,613 median debt. Read the full report on Seminole State College Of Florida
Des Moines Area Community College came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Ankeny, IA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $13,625. Des Moines Area Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,018 a decade after entry. Set against $13,625 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Des Moines Area Community College profile
Bellevue College placed #50 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Bellevue, WA, Bellevue College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,436 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $33,660. Median earnings reach $56,310 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Bellevue College profile
Holyoke Community College ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This public school is set in Holyoke, MA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,988, while out-of-state students pay about $10,932. Graduates carry a median of $9,763 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,277. That is a strong return on a $9,763 median debt. Read more about Holyoke Community College
Ferris State University ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 91%. Read the full report on Ferris State University
Best Value Design And Applied Arts Schools by Degree Level
Explore value rankings for a specific degree level:
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled 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 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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