by our College Data Analytics Team
[Industrial Design](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/industrial-design/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong industrial design education at a price that pays off.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 7 schools to find the best return on investment for industrial design students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the industrial design degrees they offer, see the list below.
Jackson Community College earned the #1 spot for value among industrial design schools in Michigan. Set in the rural area of Jackson, Jackson Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,350, while out-of-state students pay about $10,200. Industrial Design graduates carry a median of $16,960 in student loans. Early-career industrial design graduates make about $41,322. That is a strong return on a $16,960 median debt.
A rank of #2 makes Ferris State University one of the best values for industrial design. Set in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,778. Industrial Design graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career industrial design graduates make about $34,045. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #3 makes Western Michigan University one of the best values for industrial design. Set in the city of Kalamazoo, Western Michigan University is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $15,987, with out-of-state students paying around $19,952. Industrial Design graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career industrial design graduates make about $39,077. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Western Michigan University admits about 85% of applicants.
A rank of #4 makes Lawrence Technological University one of the best values for industrial design. Set in the city of Southfield, Lawrence Technological University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,760. Students borrow a median of $27,799 to complete the industrial design program here. Soon after graduation, industrial design degree recipients from Lawrence Technological University generally make around $74,924. That is a strong return on a $27,799 median debt. Roughly 56% of applicants are accepted.
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This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 7 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 1 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.