2026 Best Value Design And Applied Arts Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Design And Applied Arts certificate degree programs in the United States? We have ranked 1237 colleges by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Course Advisor 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 Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
Latter Day Saints Business College tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Design And Applied Arts certificate degree schools in the United States. Latter Day Saints Business College is a private not-for-profit school based in Salt Lake City, UT. In-state tuition and fees average $4,004. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,630. Get the full Latter Day Saints Business College report
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Collin County Community College District earned it the #2 place in the United States. Based in McKinney, TX, Collin County Community College District is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,014 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $6,064. Collin County Community College District Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $6,900 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,701 ten years after entry. Set against $6,900 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Collin County Community College District profile
Out of the 1237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Johnson County Community College landed the #3 spot. This public school is set in Overland Park, KS. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,688 for out-of-state students. Johnson County Community College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $13,625 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,387. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Johnson County Community College
You'll get strong value at Metropolitan Community College Area, which ranked #4 this year. Set in Omaha, NE, Metropolitan Community College Area is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,375, while out-of-state students pay about $4,950. Graduates carry a median of $12,526 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,773. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Metropolitan Community College Area profile
You'll get strong value at Gwinnett Technical College, which ranked #5 this year. Gwinnett Technical College is a public school based 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. Gwinnett Technical College alumni report median earnings of $45,025 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Gwinnett Technical College
Minneapolis Community And Technical College came in at #6 in this year's value ranking. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis Community And Technical College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $6,161 in tuition and fees. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $18,601. Median earnings reach $40,086 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Minneapolis Community And Technical College
Sinclair Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #7 position. Sinclair Community College is a public school based in Dayton, OH. In-state tuition and fees average $3,675, while out-of-state students pay about $8,556. Typical Design And Applied Arts student 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
Milwaukee Area Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. This public school is set in Milwaukee, WI. Students from in state pay about $5,184 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,427. Graduates carry a median of $18,296 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,113. That is a strong return on a $18,296 median debt. See the full Milwaukee Area Technical College profile
El Centro College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based 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. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $11,835. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,714. That is a strong return on a $11,835 median debt. Get the full El Centro College report
Scottsdale Community College landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Scottsdale, AZ, Scottsdale Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,358 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,959. Scottsdale Community College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $13,084 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Scottsdale Community College
Sessions College For Professional Design placed #11 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Sessions College For Professional Design is a private for-profit school based in Tempe, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,400. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $25,199. Read the full report on Sessions College For Professional Design
Wake Technical Community College landed the #12 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Raleigh, NC, Wake Technical Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,254, compared with $6,862 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $13,414 in student loans. Wake Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $41,769 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $13,414 median debt. More on Wake Technical Community College
South Dakota State University placed #13 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in Brookings, SD. In-state tuition and fees average $9,299, while out-of-state students pay about $12,809. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $27,000. South Dakota State University alumni report median earnings of $55,070 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 98%. Read the full report on South Dakota State University
Seminole State College Of Florida offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Based in Sanford, FL, Seminole State College Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,122, compared with $11,447 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,613 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $41,733 ten years after entry. Set against $19,613 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Seminole State College Of Florida
Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania landed the #15 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Slippery Rock, PA, Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,568, while out-of-state students pay about $14,676. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $26,330 in debt. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania alumni report median earnings of $53,032 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania admits about 72% of applicants. Read the full report on Slippery Rock University Of Pennsylvania
Guilford Technical Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Guilford Technical Community College is a public school based in Jamestown, NC. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,320, with out-of-state students paying around $7,696. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $15,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,934. That is a strong return on a $15,250 median debt. More on Guilford Technical Community College
Central Piedmont Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Charlotte, NC, Central Piedmont Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,792, compared with $8,936 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,861 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, 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
Des Moines Area Community College landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Ankeny, IA, Des Moines Area Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,790, with out-of-state students paying around $6,690. Students borrow a median of $13,625 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Median earnings reach $41,018 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Des Moines Area Community College
Saint Louis Community College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Based in Bridgeton, MO, Saint Louis Community College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,660, while out-of-state students pay about $6,990. Students borrow a median of $11,424 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Median earnings reach $35,325 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Saint Louis Community College profile
Holyoke Community College came in at #20 in this year's value ranking. Located in Holyoke, MA, Holyoke Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,988, compared with $10,932 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $9,763 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,277 ten years out. Set against $9,763 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Holyoke Community College report
Cuny Laguardia Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located 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, compared with $8,098 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $8,858. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,653. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Cuny Laguardia Community College
Austin Community College District placed #22 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Austin, TX, Austin Community College District is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,550, while out-of-state students pay about $10,590. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $19,939. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,177 ten years after entry. Set against $19,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Austin Community College District profile
Minnesota State University Moorhead came in at #23 in this year's value ranking. Based in Moorhead, MN, Minnesota State University Moorhead is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,527. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minnesota State University Moorhead has an acceptance rate of 59%. See the full Minnesota State University Moorhead profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This public school is set in Shippensburg, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, while out-of-state students pay about $15,824. Graduates carry a median of $26,307 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $56,351. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania profile
Brookdale Community College came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Lincroft, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,270, with out-of-state students paying around $10,140. Brookdale Community College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $12,651 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,379 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Brookdale Community College
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Design And Applied Arts Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
Springfield Technical Community College landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Springfield, MA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,904, with out-of-state students paying around $11,112. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $9,707. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $36,966. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Springfield Technical Community College
University Of North Georgia ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Dahlonega, GA, University Of North Georgia is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,444, while out-of-state students pay about $16,956. University Of North Georgia Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $21,439 in debt. Median earnings reach $50,135 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of North Georgia has an acceptance rate of 68%. See the full University Of North Georgia profile
Salt Lake Community College ranked #28 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, Salt Lake Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,426, compared with $14,244 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $10,766. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,867 ten years after entry. Set against $10,766 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Salt Lake Community College profile
Lake Washington Institute Of Technology came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Kirkland, WA, Lake Washington Institute Of Technology is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $5,997, with out-of-state students paying around $12,062. Graduates carry a median of $19,695 in student loans. 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. Get the full Lake Washington Institute Of Technology report
University Of Florida landed the #30 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, while out-of-state students pay about $28,659. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $19,839. Median earnings reach $71,588 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $19,839 median debt. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Florida profile
Tidewater Community College came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Norfolk, VA, Tidewater Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,858 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,296. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $10,195. Tidewater Community College alumni report median earnings of $38,349 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,195 median debt. Get the full Tidewater Community College report
University Of Kentucky came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Located in Lexington, KY, University Of Kentucky is a public institution. 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. University Of Kentucky alumni report median earnings of $59,025 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. More on University Of Kentucky
Owens Community College placed #33 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Set in Perrysburg, OH, Owens Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,870, with out-of-state students paying around $10,502. Owens Community College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $19,383 in debt. Owens Community College alumni report median earnings of $37,275 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Owens Community College
Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #34 position. Based in Indiana, PA, Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,380, while out-of-state students pay about $16,297. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $51,019 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus admits about 91% of applicants. Read the full report on Indiana University Of Pennsylvania Main Campus
The University Of Texas At Austin offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. The University Of Texas At Austin is a public school based in Austin, TX. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, compared with $44,908 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $22,500. Median earnings reach $75,121 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. The University Of Texas At Austin admits about 27% of applicants. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
Western Washington University placed #36 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Set in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $9,582 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $20,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,569. That is a strong return on a $20,000 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Western Washington University profile
Rowan University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Glassboro, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,574, compared with $26,932 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $24,488. Median earnings reach $59,988 ten years out. Set against $24,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Rowan University report
Cuyahoga Community College District came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. Cuyahoga Community College District is a public school based in Cleveland, OH. In-state tuition and fees run about $3,249, compared with $7,249 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $11,795. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $35,654. Set against $11,795 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Cuyahoga Community College District profile
University Of Wisconsin Madison offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Madison, WI, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,603, while out-of-state students pay about $42,103. Students borrow a median of $20,875 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $73,792 ten years after entry. Set against $20,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Wisconsin Madison admits about 45% of applicants. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Madison report
Northampton County Area Community College landed the #39 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Bethlehem, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,550, while out-of-state students pay about $15,270. Northampton County Area Community College Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $15,250 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $41,566. Set against $15,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Northampton County Area Community College profile
Pima Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Based in Tucson, AZ, Pima Community College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,442, compared with $7,758 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $10,655. Pima Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,810 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $10,655 median debt. Read more about Pima Community College
Los Angeles Trade Technical College offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Los Angeles Trade Technical College is a public school based in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees average $1,238, while out-of-state students pay about $10,572. Students borrow a median of $14,833 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $35,233 ten years after entry. Set against $14,833 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Los Angeles Trade Technical College
Berkeley College Woodland Park placed #43 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This private for-profit school is set in Woodland Park, NJ. In-state tuition and fees average $28,320. Graduates carry a median of $23,949 in student loans. Median earnings reach $40,251 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,949 median debt. See the full Berkeley College Woodland Park profile
Fashion Institute Of Technology placed #44 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This public school is set in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,174, while out-of-state students pay about $22,696. Fashion Institute Of Technology Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $18,500 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,696 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,500 median debt. Fashion Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 60%. Read the full report on Fashion Institute Of Technology
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Indianapolis, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,762, while out-of-state students pay about $34,891. Graduates carry a median of $23,146 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,198. Set against $23,146 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis profile
La Roche College ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, La Roche College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $34,052. Graduates carry a median of $27,078 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $52,341. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. See the full La Roche College profile
Columbus State University ranked #45 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Columbus, GA, Columbus State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,898 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,610. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $28,493. Median earnings reach $44,544 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Columbus State University
Webster University placed #48 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,550 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,876. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on Webster University
University Of Arizona landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Arizona is a public school based in Tucson, AZ. Students from in state pay about $13,573 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $39,903. Graduates carry a median of $21,861 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $59,979. Set against $21,861 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Arizona admits about 86% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Arizona
Western Kentucky University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Located in Bowling Green, KY, Western Kentucky University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $24,499. Western Kentucky University alumni report median earnings of $43,889 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. More on Western Kentucky University
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 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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