by our College Data Analytics Team
[Interior Design](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/interior-design/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value interior design schools.
What’s on this page:
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in interior design, balancing cost against outcomes.
For return on investment in interior design, no school beat Century College this year. Century College is a large public school located in the suburb of White Bear Lake. Students from in state pay about $6,214 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $15,000 to complete the interior design program here. Interior Design graduates of Century College earn a median of $41,814 early in their careers. Set against $15,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Dakota County Technical College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in interior design, landing the #2 spot this year. Dakota County Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the rural area of Rosemount. Students from in state pay about $6,679 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for interior design graduates is $13,474. Soon after graduation, interior design degree recipients from Dakota County Technical College generally make around $50,429. Set against $13,474 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Alexandria Technical And Community College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in interior design, landing the #3 spot this year. Alexandria Technical And Community College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Alexandria. In-state tuition and fees average $6,236. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the interior design program here. Interior Design graduates of Alexandria Technical And Community College earn a median of $31,830 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
University Of Minnesota Twin Cities came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value interior design schools. University Of Minnesota Twin Cities is a very large public school located in the city of Minneapolis. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $17,214, compared with $38,362 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for interior design graduates is $24,000. Soon after graduation, interior design degree recipients from University Of Minnesota Twin Cities generally make around $42,462. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Dunwoody College Of Technology one of the best values for interior design. Located in the city of Minneapolis, Dunwoody College Of Technology is a small private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $27,477. Interior Design graduates carry a median of $18,973 in student loans. Early-career interior design graduates make about $40,302. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Dunwoody College Of Technology admits about 99% of applicants.
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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 4 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.