by our College Data Analytics Team
[Design & Applied Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 9 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value design & applied arts schools.
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Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts
Translate your creative ideas through concept, design and digital media with a bachelor's in graphic design online from Southern New Hampshire University.
Take the first step toward a career of visual expression and doing what you love with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
Learn to create a striking portfolio and hone the skills you need to succeed in the world of professional photography with this online digital photography degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the design & applied arts degrees they offer, see the list below.
Manchester Community College Nh tops our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools in New Hampshire. Manchester Community College Nh is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Manchester. Students from in state pay about $7,090 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $15,340. Median earnings reach $49,063 ten years out.
Keene State College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools. Set in the town of Keene, Keene State College is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,784, while out-of-state students pay about $26,840. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $25,371 in student loans. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Keene State College earn a median of $34,947 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes New England College one of the best values for design & applied arts. Set in the rural area of Henniker, New England College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $27,474 in tuition and fees. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $35,038 in student loans. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $68,950. Set against $35,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.
Southern New Hampshire University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools. Set in the suburb of Manchester, Southern New Hampshire University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $17,200. Students borrow a median of $33,260 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from Southern New Hampshire University generally make around $35,878. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%.
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 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 · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.
