2026 Best Value Other Design & Applied Arts Schools in the Great Lakes Region

1

University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Blue Ash, OH

Our analysis ranked University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College the best value for a degree in other design & applied arts in the Great Lakes Region. Set in the suburb of Blue Ash, University Of Cincinnati Blue Ash College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,106, while out-of-state students pay about $15,904. Students borrow a median of $19,408 to complete the other design & applied arts program here. Early-career other design & applied arts graduates make about $42,936. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Lakeland Community College
Kirtland, OH

Students looking for strong value in other design & applied arts will find it at Lakeland Community College, which ranked #2. Located in the suburb of Kirtland, Lakeland Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,872 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $9,235. Typical student debt for other design & applied arts graduates is $19,857. Early-career other design & applied arts graduates make about $51,941. That is a strong return on a $19,857 median debt.

3

Vincennes University
Vincennes, IN

Vincennes University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in other design & applied arts, landing the #3 spot this year. Vincennes University is a very large public school located in the town of Vincennes. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,126, with out-of-state students paying around $16,858. Students borrow a median of $14,506 to complete the other design & applied arts program here. Soon after graduation, other design & applied arts degree recipients from Vincennes University generally make around $45,976. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

4

Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI

Ferris State University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value other design & applied arts schools. Set in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the other design & applied arts program here. Early-career other design & applied arts graduates make about $34,045. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

5

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Purdue University Main Campus earned it the #5 place for other design & applied arts. Set in the city of West Lafayette, Purdue University Main Campus is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,992, compared with $28,794 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $20,250 to complete the other design & applied arts program here. Early-career other design & applied arts graduates make about $44,602. That is a strong return on a $20,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 50%.

6

University Of Illinois At Chicago
Chicago, IL

University Of Illinois At Chicago ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value other design & applied arts schools. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,949, while out-of-state students pay about $32,009. Students borrow a median of $25,750 to complete the other design & applied arts program here. Soon after graduation, other design & applied arts degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $61,829. Set against $25,750 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 77%.

7

University Of Wisconsin Stout
Menomonie, WI

University Of Wisconsin Stout earned the #7 position for value in other design & applied arts this year. University Of Wisconsin Stout is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Menomonie. Students from in state pay about $10,701 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,265. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the other design & applied arts program here. Soon after graduation, other design & applied arts degree recipients from University Of Wisconsin Stout generally make around $40,615. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stout admits about 88% of applicants.

8

Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Bowling Green, OH

Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #8 on our 2026 list of the best value other design & applied arts schools. Set in the town of Bowling Green, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the other design & applied arts program here. Other Design & Applied Arts graduates of Bowling Green State University Main Campus earn a median of $35,645 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 81%.

9

College For Creative Studies
Detroit, MI

College For Creative Studies earned the #9 position for value in other design & applied arts this year. Set in the city of Detroit, College For Creative Studies is a small private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $53,350 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for other design & applied arts graduates is $26,000. Other Design & Applied Arts graduates of College For Creative Studies earn a median of $32,665 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%.