ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Instructional Media Design Master’s Degree Schools

87 Colleges in the United States
$24,122 Avg Student Debt
$58,479 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Instructional Media Design Master's Degree Badge [Instructional Media Design](/majors/education/instructional-media-design/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 385 schools to find the best return on investment for instructional media design students.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/instructional-media-design/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/instructional-media-design/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/instructional-media-design/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/education/instructional-media-design/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/education/instructional-media-design/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/instructional-media-design/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/education/instructional-media-design/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 2
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 13.05), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Grad Cert - Instructional Design (I Have a Bachelors)" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Grad Cert - Instructional Design (I Have a Bachelors)" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "MEd in Curriculum & Instruction - Technology Integration" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "MEd in Curriculum & Instruction - Technology Integration" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 2
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 1 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 1
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 0 offers with relevance >= 1.0
DEBUG: Backfilling with 1 offers with relevance >= 0.9

2026 Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in instructional media design, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools

1

California State University Fullerton earned the #1 spot for value among instructional media design schools in the United States. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,470 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,070. Students borrow a median of $15,525 to complete the instructional media design program here. Instructional Media Design graduates of California State University Fullerton earn a median of $78,229 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,525 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

2

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at California State University Los Angeles earned it the #2 place for instructional media design. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,164, compared with $19,764 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,430 to complete the instructional media design program here. Early-career instructional media design graduates make about $48,403. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

3

Students looking for strong value in instructional media design will find it at California State University Long Beach, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,374, with out-of-state students paying around $19,974. Instructional Media Design graduates carry a median of $15,671 in student loans. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from California State University Long Beach generally make around $80,952. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 46%.

4

Students looking for strong value in instructional media design will find it at California State University San Bernardino, which ranked #4. Set in the city of San Bernardino, California State University San Bernardino is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,088, compared with $20,688 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $15,149 to complete the instructional media design program here. Instructional Media Design graduates of California State University San Bernardino earn a median of $42,421 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.

5
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

A rank of #5 makes Florida State University one of the best values for instructional media design. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,517, with out-of-state students paying around $21,683. Students borrow a median of $20,488 to complete the instructional media design program here. Early-career instructional media design graduates make about $62,599. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Florida State University admits about 24% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #101
6

The University Of Texas Pan American earned the #6 position for value in instructional media design this year. The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public school located in the city of Edinburg. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, while out-of-state students pay about $19,645. Instructional Media Design graduates carry a median of $14,694 in student loans. Early-career instructional media design graduates make about $58,960. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 94%.

7

California State University East Bay placed #7 among the best values for instructional media design. Set in the suburb of Hayward, California State University East Bay is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,583 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,183 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for instructional media design graduates is $18,073. Instructional Media Design graduates of California State University East Bay earn a median of $74,406 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #8 among the best values for instructional media design. Located in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Instructional Media Design graduates carry a median of $21,829 in student loans. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $52,885. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 43%.

9
Western Governors University crest
Western Governors University
Salt Lake City, UT

Western Governors University placed #9 among the best values for instructional media design. Western Governors University is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Students borrow a median of $23,277 to complete the instructional media design program here. Instructional Media Design graduates of Western Governors University earn a median of $63,169 early in their careers. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

10

University Of Central Florida ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value instructional media design schools. Set in the suburb of Orlando, University Of Central Florida is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,368, while out-of-state students pay about $22,467. Instructional Media Design graduates carry a median of $21,620 in student loans. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from University Of Central Florida generally make around $62,483. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 40% of applicants are accepted.

ADBLOCK #115
11
Suny Empire State College crest
Suny Empire State College
Saratoga Springs, NY

Suny Empire State College came in at #11 for value in instructional media design this year. Set in the suburb of Saratoga Springs, Suny Empire State College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,648, while out-of-state students pay about $17,558. Instructional Media Design graduates carry a median of $23,693 in student loans. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from Suny Empire State College generally make around $58,140. Set against $23,693 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

12

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill placed #12 among the best values for instructional media design. Set in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,994, compared with $41,203 for out-of-state students. Instructional Media Design graduates carry a median of $15,117 in student loans. Early-career instructional media design graduates make about $61,361. Set against $15,117 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 15%.

13

Utah State University came in at #13 for value in instructional media design this year. Located in the city of Logan, Utah State University is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $8,560 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Students borrow a median of $16,191 to complete the instructional media design program here. Early-career instructional media design graduates make about $69,698. Set against $16,191 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 92%.

14

Valdosta State University earned the #14 position for value in instructional media design this year. Set in the city of Valdosta, Valdosta State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,124, with out-of-state students paying around $17,836. Students borrow a median of $28,661 to complete the instructional media design program here. Instructional Media Design graduates of Valdosta State University earn a median of $68,514 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants.

15

The University Of West Florida earned the #15 position for value in instructional media design this year. Set in the rural area of Pensacola, The University Of West Florida is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,776 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,658 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for instructional media design graduates is $19,677. Instructional Media Design graduates of The University Of West Florida earn a median of $54,158 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,677 median debt. The University Of West Florida admits about 58% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #145
16

New Jersey City University earned the #16 position for value in instructional media design this year. Located in the city of Jersey City, New Jersey City University is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $14,460. Students borrow a median of $22,107 to complete the instructional media design program here. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from New Jersey City University generally make around $70,914. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

17

University Of North Alabama earned the #17 position for value in instructional media design this year. University Of North Alabama is a large public school located in the city of Florence. In-state tuition and fees average $12,120, while out-of-state students pay about $22,320. Students borrow a median of $24,291 to complete the instructional media design program here. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from University Of North Alabama generally make around $41,357. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

18
Lamar University crest
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX

Lamar University placed #18 among the best values for instructional media design. Set in the city of Beaumont, Lamar University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. Instructional Media Design graduates carry a median of $26,988 in student loans. Early-career instructional media design graduates make about $64,005. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

19

Northern Illinois University landed the #19 spot for instructional media design value this year. Located in the suburb of Dekalb, Northern Illinois University is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. Instructional Media Design graduates carry a median of $25,209 in student loans. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from Northern Illinois University generally make around $68,913. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants.

20

University Of Hawaii At Manoa earned the #20 position for value in instructional media design this year. University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a very large public school located in the city of Honolulu. In-state tuition and fees average $12,186, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,577 to complete the instructional media design program here. Early-career instructional media design graduates make about $48,181. That is a strong return on a $20,577 median debt. The acceptance rate is 87%.

ADBLOCK #150
21

University Of Georgia placed #21 among the best values for instructional media design. Located in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,450, with out-of-state students paying around $31,688. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete the instructional media design program here. Early-career instructional media design graduates make about $65,188. That is a strong return on a $21,792 median debt. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants.

22

The University Of Texas At San Antonio placed #22 among the best values for instructional media design. Set in the city of San Antonio, The University Of Texas At San Antonio is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,326, with out-of-state students paying around $22,249. Instructional Media Design graduates carry a median of $23,312 in student loans. Instructional Media Design graduates of The University Of Texas At San Antonio earn a median of $49,955 early in their careers. Set against $23,312 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted.

23

Eastern Kentucky University earned the #23 position for value in instructional media design this year. Set in the town of Richmond, Eastern Kentucky University is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,320 in tuition and fees, compared with $21,230 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for instructional media design graduates is $25,122. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from Eastern Kentucky University generally make around $43,891. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.

24

Brigham Young University Provo landed the #24 spot for instructional media design value this year. Set in the city of Provo, Brigham Young University Provo is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete the instructional media design program here. Instructional Media Design graduates of Brigham Young University Provo earn a median of $74,972 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. Brigham Young University Provo admits about 68% of applicants.

25

Western Illinois University came in at #25 for value in instructional media design this year. Western Illinois University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Macomb. Students from in state pay about $14,572 in tuition and fees. Instructional Media Design graduates carry a median of $27,639 in student loans. Early-career instructional media design graduates make about $60,911. Set against $27,639 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for instructional media design this year:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
Purdue University Global crest
Purdue University Global
West Lafayette, IN
36
Arkansas Tech University crest
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR
37
38
39
40
Harvard University crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA
41
42
43
44
Wilmington University crest
Wilmington University
New Castle, DE
45
46
47
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD
48
49
50
Central Michigan University crest
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI

Other Instructional Media Design Degree Levels

Looking for a different degree level? Compare best-value Instructional Media Design rankings across degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Instructional Media Design
Associate's Degrees in Instructional Media Design
Bachelor's Degrees in Instructional Media Design
ADBLOCK #173
View All Instructional Media Design Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

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 · 385 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 87 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options