2026 Best Value Other Design & Applied Arts Schools in California

1

California State University Dominguez Hills
Carson, CA

California State University Dominguez Hills earned the #1 spot for value among other design & applied arts schools in California. Set in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,454 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,054. Other Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $12,688 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other design & applied arts degree recipients from California State University Dominguez Hills generally make around $52,683. That is a strong return on a $12,688 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

2

California State University San Bernardino
San Bernardino, CA

California State University San Bernardino is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other design & applied arts, landing the #2 spot this year. Set in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,088 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. Typical student debt for other design & applied arts graduates is $16,139. Soon after graduation, other design & applied arts degree recipients from California State University San Bernardino generally make around $24,604. That is a strong return on a $16,139 median debt. California State University San Bernardino admits about 94% of applicants.

3

California State University Long Beach
Long Beach, CA

California State University Long Beach came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value other design & applied arts schools. California State University Long Beach is a very large public school located in the city of Long Beach. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Other Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $17,215 in student loans. Other Design & Applied Arts graduates of California State University Long Beach earn a median of $37,395 early in their careers. Set against $17,215 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California State University Long Beach admits about 46% of applicants.

4

California State University Sacramento
Sacramento, CA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Sacramento earned it the #4 place for other design & applied arts. Set in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,018, compared with $20,618 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for other design & applied arts graduates is $15,750. Early-career other design & applied arts graduates make about $32,240. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants.

5

San Francisco State University
San Francisco, CA

A rank of #5 makes San Francisco State University one of the best values for other design & applied arts. Set in the city of San Francisco, San Francisco State University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,846 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,446. Students borrow a median of $18,000 to complete the other design & applied arts program here. Soon after graduation, other design & applied arts degree recipients from San Francisco State University generally make around $34,845. Set against $18,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

6

San Jose State University
San Jose, CA

San Jose State University came in at #6 for value in other design & applied arts this year. Located in the city of San Jose, San Jose State University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $8,410, with out-of-state students paying around $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 85%.

7

University Of California Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

University Of California Los Angeles earned the #7 position for value in other design & applied arts this year. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of California Los Angeles is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,233, compared with $46,121 for out-of-state students. Other Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. Other Design & Applied Arts graduates of University Of California Los Angeles earn a median of $57,615 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 9% of applicants are accepted.

8

Azusa Pacific University
Azusa, CA

Azusa Pacific University earned the #8 position for value in other design & applied arts this year. Located in the suburb of Azusa, Azusa Pacific University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $44,458. Students borrow a median of $23,709 to complete the other design & applied arts program here. Early-career other design & applied arts graduates make about $58,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

9

Otis College Of Art And Design
Los Angeles, CA

Otis College Of Art And Design placed #9 among the best values for other design & applied arts. Set in the city of Los Angeles, Otis College Of Art And Design is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $56,488 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for other design & applied arts graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, other design & applied arts degree recipients from Otis College Of Art And Design generally make around $31,172. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 82%.