2026 Best Value Industrial Design Associate’s Degree Schools

1

Cuny Laguardia Community College
Long Island City, NY

Cuny Laguardia Community College tops our 2026 list of the best value industrial design schools in the United States. Cuny Laguardia Community College is a large public school located in the city of Long Island City. In-state tuition and fees average $5,218, while out-of-state students pay about $8,098. Typical student debt for industrial design graduates is $8,858. Industrial Design graduates of Cuny Laguardia Community College earn a median of $13,554 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Jackson Community College
Jackson, MI

A rank of #2 makes Jackson Community College one of the best values for industrial design. Set in the rural area of Jackson, Jackson Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $7,350 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $10,200. Typical student debt for industrial design graduates is $16,960. Industrial Design graduates of Jackson Community College earn a median of $41,322 early in their careers. Set against $16,960 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Bunker Hill Community College
Boston, MA

Bunker Hill Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value industrial design schools. Set in the city of Boston, Bunker Hill Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,168, with out-of-state students paying around $11,112. Typical student debt for industrial design graduates is $11,893. Industrial Design graduates of Bunker Hill Community College earn a median of $51,782 early in their careers. Set against $11,893 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

Community College Of Allegheny County
Pittsburgh, PA

Community College Of Allegheny County came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best value industrial design schools. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Community College Of Allegheny County is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $4,956, while out-of-state students pay about $12,583. Industrial Design graduates carry a median of $15,263 in student loans. Early-career industrial design graduates make about $47,420. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

5

Fashion Institute Of Technology
New York, NY

Fashion Institute Of Technology came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value industrial design schools. Set in the city of New York, Fashion Institute Of Technology is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,174, while out-of-state students pay about $22,696. Industrial Design graduates carry a median of $12,000 in student loans. Industrial Design graduates of Fashion Institute Of Technology earn a median of $14,361 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 60%.

6

University Of Advancing Technology
Tempe, AZ

University Of Advancing Technology landed the #6 spot for industrial design value this year. Located in the city of Tempe, University Of Advancing Technology is a small private for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $18,800. Typical student debt for industrial design graduates is $27,895. Early-career industrial design graduates make about $30,640. That is a strong return on a $27,895 median debt. Roughly 98% of applicants are accepted.

7

Rochester Institute Of Technology
Rochester, NY

Rochester Institute Of Technology placed #7 among the best values for industrial design. Rochester Institute Of Technology is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Rochester. Students from in state pay about $59,210 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for industrial design graduates is $27,000. Industrial Design graduates of Rochester Institute Of Technology earn a median of $34,709 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted.

8

Fidm Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising Los Angeles
Los Angeles, CA

Fidm Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising Los Angeles came in at #8 for value in industrial design this year. Set in the city of Los Angeles, Fidm Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising Los Angeles is a small private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $35,000. Students borrow a median of $14,165 to complete the industrial design program here. Industrial Design graduates of Fidm Fashion Institute Of Design And Merchandising Los Angeles earn a median of $24,393 early in their careers. Set against $14,165 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

9

Pratt Institute Main
Brooklyn, NY

Pratt Institute Main ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value industrial design schools. Pratt Institute Main is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Brooklyn. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,845. Students borrow a median of $12,000 to complete the industrial design program here. Industrial Design graduates of Pratt Institute Main earn a median of $40,880 early in their careers. Set against $12,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%.

10

The New School
New York, NY

The New School came in at #10 for value in industrial design this year. The New School is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of New York. Students from in state pay about $58,730 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for industrial design graduates is $21,211. Early-career industrial design graduates make about $44,640. That is a strong return on a $21,211 median debt. The New School admits about 64% of applicants.