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.
What’s on this page:
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.