2026 Best Value Design & Applied Arts Schools in Nebraska

1

Metropolitan Community College Area
Omaha, NE

For return on investment in design & applied arts, no school beat Metropolitan Community College Area this year. Metropolitan Community College Area is a very large public school located in the city of Omaha. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,375, with out-of-state students paying around $4,950. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $12,526 in student loans. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Metropolitan Community College Area earn a median of $29,902 early in their careers. Set against $12,526 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

2

Central Community College
Grand Island, NE

Central Community College came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools. Set in the city of Grand Island, Central Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,360, compared with $4,800 for out-of-state students. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $10,277 in student loans. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Central Community College earn a median of $43,218 early in their careers. Set against $10,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Southeast Community College Area
Lincoln, NE

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeast Community College Area earned it the #3 place for design & applied arts. Located in the city of Lincoln, Southeast Community College Area is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,444, compared with $4,032 for out-of-state students. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $14,935 in student loans. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $44,877. Set against $14,935 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Wayne State College
Wayne, NE

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Wayne State College earned it the #4 place for design & applied arts. Set in the town of Wayne, Wayne State College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,171. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $22,974 in student loans. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $46,646. Set against $22,974 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

University Of Nebraska Lincoln
Lincoln, NE

University Of Nebraska Lincoln came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools. Set in the city of Lincoln, University Of Nebraska Lincoln is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,434 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,584. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from University Of Nebraska Lincoln generally make around $38,585. That is a strong return on a $21,500 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

6

Bellevue University
Bellevue, NE

Bellevue University earned the #6 position for value in design & applied arts this year. Located in the suburb of Bellevue, Bellevue University is a very large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,873. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $29,688. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from Bellevue University generally make around $39,313. Set against $29,688 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.