2026 Best Value Design And Applied Arts Master’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Design And Applied Arts master’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 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 Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Lindenwood University to be the best-value Design And Applied Arts school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Charles, MO. In-state tuition and fees average $21,600. Lindenwood University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $28,663 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,278. That is a strong return on a $28,663 median debt. Lindenwood University admits about 57% of applicants. Read more about Lindenwood University
Out of the 1237 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Ferris State University landed the #2 spot. Based in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,735 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ferris State University
You'll get strong value at Atlantic College, which ranked #3 this year. Located in Guaynabo, PR, Atlantic College is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,280 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $5,286 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $25,272. Set against $5,286 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Atlantic College
A rank of #4 makes Liberty University one of the best values in the United States. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $16,173. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,813. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Liberty University
You'll get strong value at Endicott College, which ranked #5 this year. Set in Beverly, MA, Endicott College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $40,650. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $27,000. Endicott College alumni report median earnings of $58,336 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Endicott College has an acceptance rate of 71%. Read more about Endicott College
Marywood University placed #6 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Scranton, PA, Marywood University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,420. Students borrow a median of $27,362 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,817. That is a strong return on a $27,362 median debt. Marywood University has an acceptance rate of 61%. See the full Marywood University profile
University Of Wisconsin Stout came in at #7 in this year's value ranking. Set in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,701 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. University Of Wisconsin Stout Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,084. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 88%. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
University Of Delaware placed #8 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Newark, DE, University Of Delaware is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,810, with out-of-state students paying around $41,400. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. University Of Delaware alumni report median earnings of $72,950 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Delaware
Mississippi College landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Clinton, MS, Mississippi College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,500. Students borrow a median of $25,510 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Mississippi College alumni report median earnings of $47,485 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,510 median debt. Mississippi College admits about 29% of applicants. More on Mississippi College
Arizona State University Skysong ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. Students from in state pay about $11,627 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $13,925. Students borrow a median of $23,742 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong admits about 67% of applicants. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in Austin, TX, The University Of Texas At Austin is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,688, with out-of-state students paying around $44,908. Graduates carry a median of $22,500 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $75,121 ten years after entry. Set against $22,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The University Of Texas At Austin has an acceptance rate of 27%. Read more about The University Of Texas At Austin
The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Based in Chattanooga, TN, The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,448 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,512. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $25,000. The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga alumni report median earnings of $51,151 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. See the full The University Of Tennessee At Chattanooga profile
Illinois Institute Of Technology ranked #13 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in Chicago, IL, Illinois Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $52,202. Students borrow a median of $26,774 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Illinois Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $82,592 a decade after entry. Set against $26,774 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Illinois Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 55%. Read more about Illinois Institute Of Technology
Clemson University came in at #14 in this year's value ranking. Based in Clemson, SC, Clemson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,554, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Graduates carry a median of $26,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,513. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Clemson University
Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania offered strong value this year, earning the #15 position. This public school is set in Kutztown, PA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,206, compared with $16,330 for out-of-state students. Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $53,775 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Kutztown University Of Pennsylvania
Oklahoma State University Main Campus landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Stillwater, OK. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,110, with out-of-state students paying around $25,630. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $22,337. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $57,413. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%. Read the full report on Oklahoma State University Main Campus
University Of North Texas placed #18 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. University Of North Texas is a public school based in Denton, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. University Of North Texas Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $22,288 in debt. University Of North Texas alumni report median earnings of $57,010 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $22,288 median debt. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of North Texas profile
Brenau University offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Brenau University is a private not-for-profit school based in Gainesville, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $33,757. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $36,299. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,003 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $36,299 median debt. The acceptance rate is 88%. See the full Brenau University profile
Marymount University ranked #20 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Arlington, VA. In-state tuition and fees run about $40,120. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $67,516 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Marymount University has an acceptance rate of 93%. Read the full report on Marymount University
University Of Houston came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Houston, TX. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,717, while out-of-state students pay about $22,547. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,377. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Houston admits about 74% of applicants. Read more about University Of Houston
Texas State University San Marcos landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in San Marcos, TX. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $22,930. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $24,353. Texas State University San Marcos alumni report median earnings of $56,906 a decade after entry. Set against $24,353 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 89%. See the full Texas State University San Marcos profile
Purdue University Main Campus landed the #23 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in West Lafayette, IN, Purdue University Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $20,250. Graduates go on to earn a median of $72,424 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Purdue University Main Campus has an acceptance rate of 50%. Read more about Purdue University Main Campus
California State University Long Beach placed #24 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Based in Long Beach, CA, California State University Long Beach is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $17,215. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $64,403. That is a strong return on a $17,215 median debt. About 46% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full California State University Long Beach report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $21,900. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $47,896 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Iowa State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $63,386 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on Iowa State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Design And Applied Arts Master’s Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
San Francisco State University placed #27 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. San Francisco State University is a public school based in San Francisco, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,846, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $18,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,077 ten years after entry. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted. Get the full San Francisco State University report
Wichita State University came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. Located in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,684, compared with $19,869 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Median earnings reach $51,532 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. The acceptance rate is 94%. More on Wichita State University
Northeastern University ranked #29 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Located in Boston, MA, Northeastern University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $66,162. Graduates carry a median of $28,250 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $92,538 ten years after entry. Set against $28,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 5%. Read the full report on Northeastern University
Ohio University Main Campus landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Athens, OH, Ohio University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,838. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $26,791. Median earnings reach $52,581 ten years out. Set against $26,791 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Ohio University Main Campus
Temple University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Based in Philadelphia, PA, Temple University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $23,005, with out-of-state students paying around $38,805. Temple University Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $26,875 in debt. Temple University alumni report median earnings of $63,727 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,875 median debt. Temple University admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on Temple University
University Of Central Oklahoma came in at #32 in this year's value ranking. Based in Edmond, OK, University Of Central Oklahoma is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,818 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $19,704. Graduates carry a median of $15,875 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $48,351 ten years after entry. Set against $15,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Central Oklahoma
University Of Washington Seattle Campus placed #33 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a public school based in Seattle, WA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,973, with out-of-state students paying around $43,209. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $12,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $78,466. Set against $12,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Washington Seattle Campus admits about 39% of applicants. See the full University Of Washington Seattle Campus profile
University Of California Los Angeles came in at #33 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Los Angeles, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,233, with out-of-state students paying around $46,121. Students borrow a median of $20,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Median earnings reach $82,511 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 9% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on University Of California Los Angeles
Jacksonville University came in at #35 in this year's value ranking. Jacksonville University is a private not-for-profit school based in Jacksonville, FL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $48,150. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $25,619. Jacksonville University alumni report median earnings of $68,010 a decade after entry. Set against $25,619 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Jacksonville University admits about 57% of applicants. Get the full Jacksonville University report
Washington State University placed #36 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Pullman, WA, Washington State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,391 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $29,950. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $22,802. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $68,905. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Washington State University has an acceptance rate of 87%. Read the full report on Washington State University
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Set in Minneapolis, MN, University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $24,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $69,020. Set against $24,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Twin Cities
Florida State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Tallahassee, FL, Florida State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Graduates carry a median of $22,250 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,675. That is a strong return on a $22,250 median debt. Florida State University has an acceptance rate of 24%. Get the full Florida State University report
Depaul University came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Set in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,405. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Depaul University alumni report median earnings of $68,751 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Depaul University
University Of Maryland Baltimore County ranked #40 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. Based in Baltimore, MD, University Of Maryland Baltimore County is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,256, compared with $31,225 for out-of-state students. University Of Maryland Baltimore County Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $21,531 in debt. Median earnings reach $69,960 ten years out. Set against $21,531 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 72% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Maryland Baltimore County
University Of Florida landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Gainesville, FL, University Of Florida is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $19,839 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $71,588. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 24% of applicants are accepted. More on University Of Florida
University Of Notre Dame placed #42 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Notre Dame, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $65,025. Graduates carry a median of $20,250 in student loans. Median earnings reach $99,980 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Notre Dame admits about 11% of applicants. See the full University Of Notre Dame profile
Ball State University placed #43 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Located in Muncie, IN, Ball State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,082, compared with $29,630 for out-of-state students. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $22,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,833. That is a strong return on a $22,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. Read more about Ball State University
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public school based in Cincinnati, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $25,851. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. See the full University Of Cincinnati Main Campus profile
University Of Kansas landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Kansas is a public school based in Lawrence, KS. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,102, while out-of-state students pay about $30,432. University Of Kansas Design And Applied Arts students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $61,945. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. See the full University Of Kansas profile
Auburn University placed #46 among the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools in the United States. Based in Auburn, AL, Auburn University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,890, while out-of-state students pay about $34,922. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $26,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $65,337. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Auburn University has an acceptance rate of 46%. See the full Auburn University profile
American University landed the #46 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Washington, DC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $58,771. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $24,139. Median earnings reach $77,370 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,139 median debt. The acceptance rate is 62%. Read the full report on American University
University Of Kentucky landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Lexington, KY. In-state tuition and fees average $13,502, while out-of-state students pay about $34,140. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $59,025 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Kentucky has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full University Of Kentucky profile
Jacksonville State University came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. Based in Jacksonville, AL, Jacksonville State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,894, while out-of-state students pay about $23,334. Students borrow a median of $24,751 to complete their Design And Applied Arts program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,235. Set against $24,751 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Jacksonville State University
Carnegie Mellon University ranked #50 on our 2026 list of the best-value Design And Applied Arts schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pittsburgh, PA. In-state tuition and fees average $65,636. Typical Design And Applied Arts student debt is $24,500. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $114,862. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Carnegie Mellon University has an acceptance rate of 12%. See the full Carnegie Mellon University profile
Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Indianapolis, IN, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. The median Design And Applied Arts program debt is $23,146. 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%. Read more about Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Design And Applied Arts Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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