2026 Best Value Design And Applied Arts Associate’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Design And Applied Arts associate’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 1237 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. The rankings below weigh 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 evaluated 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 Design And Applied Arts Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Latter Day Saints Business College this year in the United States. Set in Salt Lake City, UT, Latter Day Saints Business College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,004. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,630. Get the full Latter Day Saints Business College report
You'll get strong value at Alexandria Technical And Community College, which ranked #2 this year. Set in Alexandria, MN, Alexandria Technical And Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,236 in tuition and fees. Alexandria Technical And Community College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $12,000 in debt. 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. Read the full report on Alexandria Technical And Community College
Out of the 1237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Madison Area Technical College landed the #3 spot. Set in Madison, WI, Madison Area Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,977 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,141. Students borrow a median of $15,750 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Madison Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,413 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Madison Area Technical College
Out of the 1237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Metropolitan Community College Area landed the #4 spot. Based in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $12,526. Metropolitan Community College Area alumni report median earnings of $38,773 a decade after entry. Set against $12,526 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Metropolitan Community College Area
A rank of #5 makes Collin County Community College District one of the best values in the United States. Set in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,014, compared with $6,064 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $6,900. Median earnings reach $48,701 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Collin County Community College District
Johnson County Community College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Overland Park, KS, Johnson County Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,424, while out-of-state students pay about $5,688. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $13,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,387. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Johnson County Community College
Waukesha County Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. This public school is set in Pewaukee, WI. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,803, compared with $7,046 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $15,554. Waukesha County Technical College alumni report median earnings of $46,894 a decade after entry. Set against $15,554 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Waukesha County Technical College profile
Century College placed #8 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in White Bear Lake, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,214. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Median earnings reach $46,424 ten years out. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Century College profile
Bismarck State College placed #9 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Based in Bismarck, ND, Bismarck State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,247, while out-of-state students pay about $7,331. The median Design And Applied Arts program 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. See the full Bismarck State College profile
Scottsdale Community College came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Set in Scottsdale, AZ, Scottsdale Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,358, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Graduates carry a median of $13,084 in student loans. Scottsdale Community College alumni report median earnings of $47,905 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Scottsdale Community College profile
Finger Lakes Community College ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Canandaigua, NY, Finger Lakes Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,258, compared with $8,442 for out-of-state students. Finger Lakes Community College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $16,736 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,054 ten years after entry. Set against $16,736 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Finger Lakes Community College profile
Spokane Falls Community College ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Spokane, WA, Spokane Falls Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,461, compared with $6,612 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,657 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Spokane Falls Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,955 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Spokane Falls Community College
Western Technical College La Cross landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. Western Technical College La Cross is a public school based in La Crosse, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,820, compared with $7,078 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $12,057. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,303 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Western Technical College La Cross report
Milwaukee Area Technical College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Milwaukee Area Technical College is a public school based in Milwaukee, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,184, with out-of-state students paying around $7,427. Students borrow a median of $18,296 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Milwaukee Area Technical College alumni report median earnings of $41,113 a decade after entry. Set against $18,296 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Milwaukee Area Technical College profile
Macomb Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. Based in Warren, MI, Macomb Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $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. Read more about Macomb Community College
Gateway Technical College placed #16 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Kenosha, WI, Gateway Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,956 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,199. Students borrow a median of $15,500 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $40,264 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Gateway Technical College
El Centro College came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Set in Dallas, TX, El Centro College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, compared with $6,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,835 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. El Centro College alumni report median earnings of $41,714 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about El Centro College
Minneapolis Community And Technical College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This public school is set in Minneapolis, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,161. Graduates carry a median of $18,601 in student loans. Minneapolis Community And Technical College alumni report median earnings of $40,086 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Minneapolis Community And Technical College report
Gwinnett Technical College landed the #19 spot for value in the United States this year. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based in Lawrenceville, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $3,524, compared with $6,092 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $18,997. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,025 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Gwinnett Technical College profile
Sinclair Community College ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Sinclair Community College is a public school based in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $11,000. Sinclair Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,558 a decade after entry. Set against $11,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Sinclair Community College report
Guilford Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Based in Jamestown, NC, Guilford Technical Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,320, while out-of-state students pay about $7,696. Guilford Technical Community College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $15,250 in debt. Guilford Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $33,934 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Guilford Technical Community College profile
University Of South Dakota ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,432 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. Students borrow a median of $26,322 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,926. That is a strong return on a $26,322 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of South Dakota
Cuny Laguardia Community College came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Long Island City, NY, Cuny Laguardia Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,218, while out-of-state students pay about $8,098. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $8,858. Median earnings reach $41,653 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $8,858 median debt. Read the full report on Cuny Laguardia Community College
Ivy Tech Community College ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Ivy Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,154, compared with $9,935 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $12,710 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $37,186 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $12,710 median debt. More on Ivy Tech Community College
Saint Louis Community College ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Saint Louis Community College is a public school based in Bridgeton, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $6,990. Saint Louis Community College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $11,424 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,325 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Saint Louis Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Design And Applied Arts Associate’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Austin Community College District placed #26 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Set in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $19,939. Austin Community College District alumni report median earnings of $43,177 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Austin Community College District
Sessions College For Professional Design landed the #27 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Tempe, AZ, Sessions College For Professional Design is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,400. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $25,199. Read the full report on Sessions College For Professional Design
Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg placed #28 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Harrisburg, PA, Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,975, with out-of-state students paying around $12,472. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $17,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,007 ten years after entry. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Harrisburg Area Community College Harrisburg profile
Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. This public school is set in Okmulgee, OK. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,774, with out-of-state students paying around $11,384. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $13,356. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,634 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee
Des Moines Area Community College came in at #30 in this year's value ranking. Set in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,790, while out-of-state students pay about $6,690. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $13,625. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,018. That is a strong return on a $13,625 median debt. See the full Des Moines Area Community College profile
Arapahoe Community College placed #31 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Littleton, CO, Arapahoe Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,434, while out-of-state students pay about $17,034. Graduates carry a median of $15,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,341 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Arapahoe Community College
Los Angeles Trade Technical College ranked #32 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,238, compared with $10,572 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $14,833. Los Angeles Trade Technical College alumni report median earnings of $35,233 a decade after entry. Set against $14,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Central Piedmont Community College ranked #33 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,792, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $11,861. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $37,865. Set against $11,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Central Piedmont Community College profile
Bellevue College offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Set in Bellevue, WA, Bellevue College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,436, while out-of-state students pay about $10,502. Bellevue College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $33,660 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,310. That is a strong return on a $33,660 median debt. Read the full report on Bellevue College
Wake Technical Community College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Wake Technical Community College is a public school based in Raleigh, NC. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,254, compared with $6,862 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,414 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,769. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Wake Technical Community College report
Lehigh Carbon Community College landed the #36 spot for value in the United States this year. Lehigh Carbon Community College is a public school based in Schnecksville, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,280, compared with $13,270 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $14,450. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,436. That is a strong return on a $14,450 median debt. Get the full Lehigh Carbon Community College report
Salt Lake Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This public school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,426, compared with $14,244 for out-of-state students. Salt Lake Community College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $10,766 in debt. Median earnings reach $47,867 ten years out. Set against $10,766 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Salt Lake Community College
Northwest College ranked #38 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Northwest College is a public school based in Powell, WY. In-state tuition and fees average $4,962, with out-of-state students paying around $11,262. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $12,996. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $36,950. That is a strong return on a $12,996 median debt. Get the full Northwest College report
Cuny Kingsborough Community College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Brooklyn, NY, Cuny Kingsborough Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,252 in tuition and fees, compared with $8,132 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $7,858 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,621 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cuny Kingsborough Community College
Brookdale Community College ranked #39 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This public school is set in Lincroft, NJ. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,270, while out-of-state students pay about $10,140. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $12,651. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,379. Set against $12,651 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Brookdale Community College
College Of Southern Nevada came in at #41 in this year's value ranking. Located in Las Vegas, NV, College Of Southern Nevada is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,358, while out-of-state students pay about $13,024. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $9,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $38,087 ten years after entry. Set against $9,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on College Of Southern Nevada
Seminole State College Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,122 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,447 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $19,613. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,733 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $19,613 median debt. Read the full report on Seminole State College Of Florida
Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in San Juan, PR, Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,050, with out-of-state students paying around $14,125. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $7,900. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $22,844. Set against $7,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan has an acceptance rate of 61%. Read more about Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan
Springfield Technical Community College placed #44 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Springfield Technical Community College is a public school based in Springfield, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,904, compared with $11,112 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $9,707. Springfield Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,966 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Springfield Technical Community College
Kalamazoo Valley Community College came in at #45 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kalamazoo, MI, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $4,144, compared with $9,094 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $15,525. Median earnings reach $38,618 ten years out. Set against $15,525 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Mohawk Valley Community College landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. Mohawk Valley Community College is a public school based in Utica, NY. Students from in state pay about $6,218 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $8,851. Students borrow a median of $9,534 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,850. Set against $9,534 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Mohawk Valley Community College
Northern Virginia Community College came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. Based in Annandale, VA, Northern Virginia Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,891 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,410 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $18,250. Northern Virginia Community College alumni report median earnings of $53,557 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,250 median debt. Read the full report on Northern Virginia Community College
Cuyahoga Community College District placed #48 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cleveland, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,249, compared with $7,249 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $11,795. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,654 ten years after entry. Set against $11,795 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Cuyahoga Community College District
Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Sebastian offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in San Sebastian, PR. In-state tuition and fees average $7,050, while out-of-state students pay about $14,125. Graduates carry a median of $7,900 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $22,844. Set against $7,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 96% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Sebastian
County College Of Morris came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. County College Of Morris is a public school based in Randolph, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,210, compared with $14,310 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $9,420. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,243 ten years after entry. Set against $9,420 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on County College Of Morris
Related Design And Applied Arts Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Schools (All Levels)
- 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 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. 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 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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