2026 Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Fort Hays State University
Hays, KS

For return on investment in instructional media design, no school beat Fort Hays State University this year. Set in the town of Hays, Fort Hays State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. Typical student debt for instructional media design graduates is $25,967. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from Fort Hays State University generally make around $59,495. That is a strong return on a $25,967 median debt. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants.

2

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

Students looking for strong value in instructional media design will find it at University Of Northern Iowa, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, with out-of-state students paying around $21,712. Students borrow a median of $22,635 to complete the instructional media design program here. Early-career instructional media design graduates make about $46,054. Set against $22,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

3

Northwest Missouri State University
Maryville, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwest Missouri State University earned it the #3 place for instructional media design. Located in the town of Maryville, Northwest Missouri State University is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,611, compared with $17,324 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for instructional media design graduates is $23,585. Instructional Media Design graduates of Northwest Missouri State University earn a median of $42,939 early in their careers. Set against $23,585 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.

4

University Of Central Missouri
Warrensburg, MO

University Of Central Missouri is a great value for students pursuing a degree in instructional media design, landing the #4 spot this year. University Of Central Missouri is a large public school located in the town of Warrensburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,050, compared with $18,600 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $24,304 to complete the instructional media design program here. Instructional Media Design graduates of University Of Central Missouri earn a median of $49,628 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,304 median debt. The acceptance rate is 64%.

5

Park University
Parkville, MO

Students looking for strong value in instructional media design will find it at Park University, which ranked #5. Set in the suburb of Parkville, Park University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,116. Instructional Media Design graduates carry a median of $22,112 in student loans. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from Park University generally make around $55,093. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Concordia University Saint Paul
Saint Paul, MN

Concordia University Saint Paul placed #6 among the best values for instructional media design. Set in the city of Saint Paul, Concordia University Saint Paul is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $25,600 in tuition and fees. Instructional Media Design graduates carry a median of $29,026 in student loans. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from Concordia University Saint Paul generally make around $54,835. That is a strong return on a $29,026 median debt. Roughly 79% of applicants are accepted.

7

Missouri State University Springfield
Springfield, MO

Missouri State University Springfield ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value instructional media design schools. Missouri State University Springfield is a very large public school located in the city of Springfield. In-state tuition and fees average $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for instructional media design graduates is $24,408. Instructional Media Design graduates of Missouri State University Springfield earn a median of $46,503 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 90%.

8

Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA

Buena Vista University came in at #8 for value in instructional media design this year. Located in the town of Storm Lake, Buena Vista University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,798. Students borrow a median of $29,317 to complete the instructional media design program here. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from Buena Vista University generally make around $44,780. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Buena Vista University admits about 78% of applicants.

9

Capella University
Minneapolis, MN

Capella University earned the #9 position for value in instructional media design this year. Located in the city of Minneapolis, Capella University is a very large private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,400. Instructional Media Design graduates carry a median of $35,998 in student loans. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from Capella University generally make around $73,738. That is a strong return on a $35,998 median debt.

10

Minnesota State University Mankato
Mankato, MN

Minnesota State University Mankato earned the #10 position for value in instructional media design this year. Minnesota State University Mankato is a large public school located in the city of Mankato. Students from in state pay about $9,572 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,942 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for instructional media design graduates is $25,260. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from Minnesota State University Mankato generally make around $61,959. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.

11

Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University placed #11 among the best values for instructional media design. Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Pittsburg. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Students borrow a median of $22,669 to complete the instructional media design program here. Early-career instructional media design graduates make about $52,888. Set against $22,669 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

12

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota
Winona, MN

Saint Marys University Of Minnesota ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best value instructional media design schools. Set in the town of Winona, Saint Marys University Of Minnesota is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,080. Typical student debt for instructional media design graduates is $27,081. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from Saint Marys University Of Minnesota generally make around $59,529. That is a strong return on a $27,081 median debt. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.