2026 Best Value Other Design & Applied Arts Schools in Pennsylvania

1

Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, PA

For return on investment in other design & applied arts, no school beat Thomas Jefferson University this year. Set in the city of Philadelphia, Thomas Jefferson University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $47,355. Other Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Other Design & Applied Arts graduates of Thomas Jefferson University earn a median of $36,433 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 81%.

2

University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other design & applied arts, landing the #2 spot this year. University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Philadelphia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $68,686. Typical student debt for other design & applied arts graduates is $16,155. Soon after graduation, other design & applied arts degree recipients from University Of Pennsylvania generally make around $99,682. That is a strong return on a $16,155 median debt. The acceptance rate is 5%.

3

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Students looking for strong value in other design & applied arts will find it at Carnegie Mellon University, which ranked #3. Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Pittsburgh. Students from in state pay about $65,636 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete the other design & applied arts program here. Other Design & Applied Arts graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $89,327 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.

4

Pennsylvania College Of Art And Design
Lancaster, PA

Pennsylvania College Of Art And Design came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value other design & applied arts schools. Located in the city of Lancaster, Pennsylvania College Of Art And Design is a small private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $32,150 in tuition and fees. Other Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, other design & applied arts degree recipients from Pennsylvania College Of Art And Design generally make around $25,830. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%.

5

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus
University Park, PA

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value other design & applied arts schools. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,644, while out-of-state students pay about $41,790. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,435. The acceptance rate is 61%.

6

Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA

Drexel University landed the #6 spot for other design & applied arts value this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, Drexel University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $62,412. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the other design & applied arts program here. Other Design & Applied Arts graduates of Drexel University earn a median of $38,154 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.