2026 Best Value Design And Applied Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Design And Applied Arts bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1237 schools 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 reviewed schools to build 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Brigham Young University Provo tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Design And Applied Arts bachelor's degree schools in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $13,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. That is a strong return on a $13,000 median debt. Roughly 68% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Bellevue University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit school based in Bellevue, NE. Students from in state pay about $12,873 in tuition and fees. Bellevue University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $29,688 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $61,289 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Bellevue University profile
You'll get strong value at Bemidji State University, which ranked #3 this year. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,237. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,755 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 56%. See the full Bemidji State University profile
West Texas A And M University came in at #5 on this year's best-value Design And Applied Arts ranking in the United States. This public school is set in Canyon, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,101, while out-of-state students pay about $10,996. Students borrow a median of $22,333 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. West Texas A And M University alumni report median earnings of $50,741 a decade after entry. Set against $22,333 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on West Texas A And M University
North Dakota State University Main Campus ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Fargo, ND, North Dakota State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,910, compared with $15,564 for out-of-state students. North Dakota State University Main Campus Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,203. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 95% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full North Dakota State University Main Campus report
Western Carolina University landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Cullowhee, NC, Western Carolina University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,630, while out-of-state students pay about $8,630. Graduates carry a median of $29,911 in student loans. Median earnings reach $49,458 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 82% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Western Carolina University
South Dakota State University placed #8 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Based in Brookings, SD, South Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,299, with out-of-state students paying around $12,809. Typical Design And Applied Arts student 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. South Dakota State University has an acceptance rate of 98%. Get the full South Dakota State University report
University Of Wisconsin Stout came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Located in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $58,084 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Wisconsin Stout
Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan came in at #10 in this year's value ranking. Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan is a private not-for-profit school based in San Juan, PR. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,050, with out-of-state students paying around $14,125. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $7,900. Graduates go on to earn a median of $22,844 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $7,900 median debt. The acceptance rate is 61%. More on Edp College Of Puerto Rico Inc San Juan
Bellevue College landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based 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. Graduates carry a median of $33,660 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,310. Set against $33,660 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Bellevue College
Central Michigan University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This public school is set in Mount Pleasant, MI. In-state tuition and fees average $15,480. Students borrow a median of $28,500 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,874 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Central Michigan University has an acceptance rate of 90%. See the full Central Michigan University profile
Ferris State University placed #13 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Big Rapids, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Ferris State University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ferris State University alumni report median earnings of $54,735 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ferris State University
University Of Akron Main Campus came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. University Of Akron Main Campus is a public school based in Akron, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,135, compared with $20,815 for out-of-state students. University Of Akron Main Campus Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $46,600 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 60% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of Akron Main Campus profile
University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point placed #15 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Stevens Point, WI. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $18,248. Graduates carry a median of $23,684 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,021 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point admits about 92% of applicants. See the full University Of Wisconsin Stevens Point profile
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This public school is set in Kutztown, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,206, while out-of-state students pay about $16,330. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,775. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania profile
San Jose State University placed #17 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Set in San Jose, CA, San Jose State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,988. San Jose State University admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on San Jose State University
Seminole State College Of Florida placed #18 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,122, compared with $11,447 for out-of-state students. Seminole State College Of Florida Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $19,613 in debt. 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. See the full Seminole State College Of Florida profile
Grand Canyon University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit school based in Phoenix, AZ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $18,508. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $27,000. Grand Canyon University alumni report median earnings of $42,186 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Grand Canyon University report
Saint Cloud State University placed #20 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,245. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $25,076. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Set against $25,076 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
Arkansas State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Arkansas State University Main Campus is a public school based in Jonesboro, AR. Students from in state pay about $8,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,522. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $23,399. Median earnings reach $42,617 ten years out. Set against $23,399 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%. Read more about Arkansas State University Main Campus
Minnesota State University Moorhead landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,428. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $27,000. Minnesota State University Moorhead alumni report median earnings of $50,527 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Moorhead admits about 59% of applicants. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Moorhead
University Of Northern Iowa placed #23 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Cedar Falls, IA. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Graduates carry a median of $25,100 in student loans. Median earnings reach $55,177 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Northern Iowa admits about 93% of applicants. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology landed the #24 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Kirkland, WA, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,997 in tuition and fees, compared with $12,062 for out-of-state students. Lake Washington Institute Of Technology Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $19,695 in debt. Lake Washington Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $50,669 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Lake Washington Institute Of Technology
Millersville University Of Pennsylvania ranked #25 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Millersville University Of Pennsylvania is a public school based in Millersville, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,128, while out-of-state students pay about $22,952. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $26,486. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,246 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,486 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read the full report on Millersville University Of Pennsylvania
Harding University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Harding University is a private not-for-profit school based in Searcy, AR. Students from in state pay about $25,962 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $26,715 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%. Read more about Harding University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Design And Applied Arts Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Florida State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, compared with $21,683 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $22,250. Florida State University alumni report median earnings of $61,675 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Florida State University
Lindenwood University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Based in Saint Charles, MO, Lindenwood University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $21,600. Graduates carry a median of $28,663 in student loans. Median earnings reach $53,278 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 57% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Lindenwood University
Southern Illinois University Carbondale came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Located in Carbondale, IL, Southern Illinois University Carbondale is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,334 in tuition and fees. Southern Illinois University Carbondale Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $23,730 in debt. Southern Illinois University Carbondale alumni report median earnings of $53,390 a decade after entry. Set against $23,730 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 87% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $29,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sam Houston State University has an acceptance rate of 90%. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
Texas Womans University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Denton, TX, Texas Womans University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,640, with out-of-state students paying around $18,480. Texas Womans University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $24,211 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,544. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Womans University admits about 96% of applicants. See the full Texas Womans University profile
Eastern Michigan University landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ypsilanti, MI, Eastern Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,990. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $28,781. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,793. That is a strong return on a $28,781 median debt. About 80% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Eastern Michigan University
University Of Central Arkansas placed #32 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,523 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $18,023. Students borrow a median of $22,920 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. University Of Central Arkansas alumni report median earnings of $45,938 a decade after entry. Set against $22,920 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 90%. See the full University Of Central Arkansas profile
California State University Long Beach came in at #34 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Long Beach, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Students borrow a median of $17,215 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. California State University Long Beach alumni report median earnings of $64,403 a decade after entry. Set against $17,215 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted. More on California State University Long Beach
Cogswell Polytechnical College ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Cogswell Polytechnical College is a private for-profit school based in San Jose, CA. Students from in state pay about $22,480 in tuition and fees. Cogswell Polytechnical College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $51,017 ten years out. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 51% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Cogswell Polytechnical College
Oklahoma State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Located in Stillwater, OK, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,110, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Oklahoma State University Main Campus Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $22,337 in debt. Oklahoma State University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $57,413 a decade after entry. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read more about Oklahoma State University Main Campus
Liberty University offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Liberty University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Liberty University alumni report median earnings of $44,813 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Liberty University
University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #38 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Tampa, FL, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $17,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,743. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants. More on University Of South Florida Main Campus
Texas Tech University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Texas Tech University is a public school based in Lubbock, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Texas Tech University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $24,271 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,454 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Texas Tech University admits about 73% of applicants. Read the full report on Texas Tech University
Western Michigan University came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Kalamazoo, MI. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,987, while out-of-state students pay about $19,952. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Western Michigan University alumni report median earnings of $53,562 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 85%. Read the full report on Western Michigan University
Southern New Hampshire University landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Manchester, NH, Southern New Hampshire University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $17,200 in tuition and fees. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $33,260. Median earnings reach $50,318 ten years out. Set against $33,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern New Hampshire University admits about 100% of applicants. Get the full Southern New Hampshire University report
Regent University came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Regent University is a private not-for-profit school based in Virginia Beach, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Regent University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $29,451 in debt. Regent University alumni report median earnings of $44,498 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $29,451 median debt. Regent University admits about 38% of applicants. Get the full Regent University report
Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University offered strong value this year, earning the #43 position. Based in Blacksburg, VA, Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,948, with out-of-state students paying around $37,764. Graduates carry a median of $25,802 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $81,698 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 55%. See the full Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University profile
University Of Wisconsin Green Bay placed #43 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Set in Green Bay, WI, University Of Wisconsin Green Bay is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,700, compared with $17,288 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $18,186 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $52,528. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Wisconsin Green Bay
Illinois State University placed #46 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Normal, IL, Illinois State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,410 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $24,986 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $24,986 median debt. Illinois State University has an acceptance rate of 88%. See the full Illinois State University profile
University Of Memphis offered strong value this year, earning the #46 position. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,728, with out-of-state students paying around $15,384. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $26,315. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,458. That is a strong return on a $26,315 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
Weber State University came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Located in Ogden, UT, Weber State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,557, compared with $17,545 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $21,851. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,287 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Weber State University
East Tennessee State University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Johnson City, TN. Students from in state pay about $10,216 in tuition and fees, compared with $13,726 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $19,250. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,859. Set against $19,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full East Tennessee State University report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,363 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $25,851 in debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $54,810 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 85%. More on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Cuny Lehman College placed #50 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Bronx, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,410, with out-of-state students paying around $15,360. Cuny Lehman College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $13,213 in debt. Cuny Lehman College alumni report median earnings of $58,013 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,213 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Cuny Lehman College profile
Iowa State University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. This public school is set in Ames, IA. In-state tuition and fees average $10,787, with out-of-state students paying around $28,881. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $63,386 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. See the full Iowa State University profile
Related Design And Applied Arts Value Rankings
See value rankings for 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 Associate’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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