by our College Data Analytics Team
[Interior Design](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/interior-design/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value interior design schools.
What’s on this page:
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the interior design degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Joliet Junior College, our #1 best value for interior design in Illinois. Set in the suburb of Joliet, Joliet Junior College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,530, compared with $13,800 for out-of-state students. Interior Design graduates carry a median of $11,995 in student loans. Early-career interior design graduates make about $40,118. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
College Of Dupage came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value interior design schools. Set in the suburb of Glen Ellyn, College Of Dupage is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,560, compared with $12,750 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for interior design graduates is $11,077. Early-career interior design graduates make about $31,798. That is a strong return on a $11,077 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Harper College earned it the #3 place for interior design. Harper College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Palatine. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,894, with out-of-state students paying around $11,874. Typical student debt for interior design graduates is $10,963. Early-career interior design graduates make about $44,523. That is a strong return on a $10,963 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in interior design will find it at Illinois State University, which ranked #4. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. Students borrow a median of $24,986 to complete the interior design program here. Interior Design graduates of Illinois State University earn a median of $39,287 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,986 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Columbia College Chicago is a great value for students pursuing a degree in interior design, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the city of Chicago, Columbia College Chicago is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,088. Interior Design graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career interior design graduates make about $29,630. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia College Chicago admits about 90% of applicants.
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The ranking above is published 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 · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.