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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Instructional Media Design Schools

92 Colleges in the United States
7,669 Instructional Media Design Degrees Awarded
$57,884 Avg Early-Career Salary

Instructional Media Design degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 385 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best instructional media design schools.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great Instructional Media Design School

Best Instructional Media Design Schools

Where you study instructional media design matters for your future. That is why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Instructional Media Design rankings. For our Best Overall Instructional Media Design School ranking, we roll up the results of our degree-level rankings, weighted by the number of degrees awarded at that level.

To find the best fit, you can narrow this list to a specific degree level below.

Instructional Media Design Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Instructional Media Design
Bachelor's Degrees in Instructional Media Design
Master's Degrees in Instructional Media Design
Doctoral Degrees in Instructional Media Design

We offer several rankings, including this Best Instructional Media Design Schools list, to help you decide. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.

Read more about College Factual’s methodology

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Best Schools for Instructional Media Design in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest overall instructional media design education, regardless of degree level.

Top Schools in Instructional Media Design

1
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY

New York University tops our 2026 ranking of the best instructional media design schools. Set in the city of New York, New York University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. New York University graduates 88% of students within six years. New York University awarded about 55 instructional media design degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from New York University generally make around $64,516. New York University graduates carry a median of $21,897 in student loans. Read more about the instructional media design program at New York University

2

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in instructional media design, landing the #2 spot this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Ann Arbor. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. About 12 instructional media design degrees were awarded at University Of Michigan Ann Arbor in the most recent year. Instructional Media Design graduates of University Of Michigan Ann Arbor earn a median of $66,254 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $19,137. See the full instructional media design program report for University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

3
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

Students looking for a strong instructional media design program will find one at James Madison University, which ranked #3. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. About 80% of students finish within six years. About 11 instructional media design degrees were awarded at James Madison University in the most recent year. Graduates of the instructional media design program make about $52,997 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,218. See the full instructional media design program report for James Madison University

4

Concordia University Irvine came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best instructional media design schools. Concordia University Irvine is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Irvine. Roughly 58% of students complete a degree within six years here. Concordia University Irvine awarded about 43 instructional media design degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from Concordia University Irvine generally make around $86,662. Typical student debt for the program is $26,085. See the full instructional media design program report for Concordia University Irvine

5
Harvard University crest
Harvard University
Cambridge, MA

Students looking for a strong instructional media design program will find one at Harvard University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Cambridge, Harvard University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. Harvard University graduates 98% of students within six years. About 180 instructional media design degrees were awarded at Harvard University in the most recent year. Instructional Media Design graduates of Harvard University earn a median of $90,736 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $16,616 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in instructional media design from Harvard University

6
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA

University Of Pennsylvania came in at #6 for instructional media design this year. Located in the city of Philadelphia, University Of Pennsylvania is a very large private not-for-profit university. About 96% of students finish within six years. About 46 instructional media design degrees were awarded at University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent year. Graduates of the instructional media design program make about $99,682 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,155. Get the full instructional media design details for University Of Pennsylvania

7

California State University Fullerton ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best instructional media design schools. Located in the suburb of Fullerton, California State University Fullerton is a very large public university. Roughly 70% of students complete a degree within six years here. California State University Fullerton awarded about 129 instructional media design degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the instructional media design program make about $78,229 in their early career. California State University Fullerton graduates carry a median of $15,525 in student loans. Get the full instructional media design details for California State University Fullerton

8

Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College came in at #8 for instructional media design this year. Set in the city of Baton Rouge, Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College is a very large public institution. Roughly 66% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 12 instructional media design students who graduated with this degree at Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College in the most recent data year. Graduates of the instructional media design program make about $49,718 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $21,348 to complete this degree. Read more about the instructional media design program at Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College

9

George Mason University earned the #9 position for instructional media design this year. Located in the suburb of Fairfax, George Mason University is a very large public university. George Mason University graduates 68% of students within six years. George Mason University awarded about 25 instructional media design degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their instructional media design degree from George Mason University earn around $78,324 in the first couple years of their career. George Mason University graduates carry a median of $23,529 in student loans. Get the full instructional media design details for George Mason University

10

California State University Long Beach placed #10 among the best instructional media design schools. Set in the city of Long Beach, California State University Long Beach is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. About 14 instructional media design degrees were awarded at California State University Long Beach in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from California State University Long Beach generally make around $80,952. Students borrow a median of $15,671 to complete this degree. Read more about the instructional media design program at California State University Long Beach

11

University Of Cincinnati Main Campus landed the #11 spot for instructional media design this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Cincinnati. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus graduates 74% of students within six years. About 25 instructional media design degrees were awarded at University Of Cincinnati Main Campus in the most recent year. Graduates of the instructional media design program make about $58,659 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $23,530 to complete this degree. Read more about the instructional media design program at University Of Cincinnati Main Campus

12

Concordia University Chicago came in at #12 for instructional media design this year. Set in the suburb of River Forest, Concordia University Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. About 36% of students finish within six years. About 37 instructional media design degrees were awarded at Concordia University Chicago in the most recent year. Instructional Media Design graduates of Concordia University Chicago earn a median of $68,606 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $26,956 to complete this degree. Read more about the instructional media design program at Concordia University Chicago

13
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University came in at #13 for instructional media design this year. Set in the city of Towson, Towson University is a very large public institution. Towson University graduates 70% of students within six years. About 155 instructional media design degrees were awarded at Towson University in the most recent year. Instructional Media Design graduates of Towson University earn a median of $65,061 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,241. Get the full instructional media design details for Towson University

14

Johns Hopkins University earned the #14 position for instructional media design this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Baltimore. About 94% of students finish within six years. About 29 instructional media design degrees were awarded at Johns Hopkins University in the most recent year. Students who receive their instructional media design degree from Johns Hopkins University earn around $78,058 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $13,426. More information about a degree in instructional media design from Johns Hopkins University

15

California State University East Bay landed the #15 spot for instructional media design this year. This large public university is located in the suburb of Hayward. About 48% of students finish within six years. California State University East Bay awarded about 84 instructional media design degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their instructional media design degree from California State University East Bay earn around $74,406 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $18,073 to complete this degree. Read more about the instructional media design program at California State University East Bay

16
Syracuse University crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY

Syracuse University landed the #16 spot for instructional media design this year. Located in the city of Syracuse, Syracuse University is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 84% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 42 instructional media design degrees were awarded at Syracuse University in the most recent year. Graduates of the instructional media design program make about $54,785 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $26,130 to complete this degree. See the full instructional media design program report for Syracuse University

17

University Of San Diego placed #17 among the best instructional media design schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of San Diego. University Of San Diego graduates 84% of students within six years. There were roughly 24 instructional media design students who graduated with this degree at University Of San Diego in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from University Of San Diego generally make around $68,281. Students borrow a median of $23,795 to complete this degree. Read more about the instructional media design program at University Of San Diego

18
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best instructional media design schools. Set in the city of Tallahassee, Florida State University is a very large public institution. About 86% of students finish within six years. Florida State University awarded about 53 instructional media design degrees in the most recent data year. Instructional Media Design graduates of Florida State University earn a median of $62,599 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $20,488. See the full instructional media design program report for Florida State University

19

Texas A And M University College Station placed #19 among the best instructional media design schools. Texas A And M University College Station is a very large public school located in the city of College Station. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. There were roughly 15 instructional media design students who graduated with this degree at Texas A And M University College Station in the most recent data year. Instructional Media Design graduates of Texas A And M University College Station earn a median of $65,086 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $20,031 to complete this degree. Read more about the instructional media design program at Texas A And M University College Station

20
Georgetown University crest
Georgetown University
Washington, DC

Georgetown University landed the #20 spot for instructional media design this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Washington. About 95% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 18 instructional media design students who graduated with this degree at Georgetown University in the most recent data year. Instructional Media Design graduates of Georgetown University earn a median of $79,632 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $16,483. Read more about the instructional media design program at Georgetown University

21

University Of Connecticut earned the #21 position for instructional media design this year. Located in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public university. University Of Connecticut graduates 83% of students within six years. About 13 instructional media design degrees were awarded at University Of Connecticut in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, instructional media design degree recipients from University Of Connecticut generally make around $58,784. Typical student debt for the program is $23,637. More information about a degree in instructional media design from University Of Connecticut

22

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best instructional media design schools. Located in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill awarded about 26 instructional media design degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the instructional media design program make about $61,361 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $15,117 to complete this degree. See the full instructional media design program report for University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

23

University Of Georgia placed #23 among the best instructional media design schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Athens. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 78 instructional media design degrees were awarded at University Of Georgia in the most recent year. Students who receive their instructional media design degree from University Of Georgia earn around $65,188 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,792. Get the full instructional media design details for University Of Georgia

24

California State University Los Angeles came in at #24 for instructional media design this year. California State University Los Angeles is a very large public school located in the city of Los Angeles. California State University Los Angeles graduates 53% of students within six years. About 26 instructional media design degrees were awarded at California State University Los Angeles in the most recent year. Students who receive their instructional media design degree from California State University Los Angeles earn around $48,403 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $14,430. Get the full instructional media design details for California State University Los Angeles

25

Bowling Green State University Main Campus placed #25 among the best instructional media design schools. Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public school located in the town of Bowling Green. Roughly 61% of students complete a degree within six years here. Bowling Green State University Main Campus awarded about 20 instructional media design degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their instructional media design degree from Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn around $57,194 in the first couple years of their career. Bowling Green State University Main Campus graduates carry a median of $19,294 in student loans. See the full instructional media design program report for Bowling Green State University Main Campus

Rest of the Top 50 Instructional Media Design Schools

Not far behind, these schools also delivered a strong instructional media design education:

26
Adelphi University crest
Adelphi University
Garden City, NY
27
28
National University crest
National University
San Diego, CA
29
Wilkes University crest
Wilkes University
Wilkes-Barre, PA
30
31
32
33
34
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ
35
36
Michigan State University crest
Michigan State University
East Lansing, MI
37
38
Buena Vista University crest
Buena Vista University
Storm Lake, IA
39
40
41
Mississippi State University crest
Mississippi State University
Mississippi State, MS
42
Lehigh University crest
Lehigh University
Bethlehem, PA
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Additional Instructional Media Design Award Winners

These schools also stood out for instructional media design:

Rank School Location
#51 San Diego State University San Diego, CA
#55 Western Governors University Salt Lake City, UT
#66 Kennesaw State University Kennesaw, GA
#111 University Of North Carolina At Wilmington Wilmington, NC

Honorable Mentions

Also worth considering for instructional media design:

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Instructional Media Design by Region

View the Best Instructional Media Design Schools for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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Explore other rankings in majors related to Instructional Media Design. See all related rankings.

Major Annual Graduates
Educational/Instructional Technology 7,669

View All Instructional Media Design Concentrations >

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 385 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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