2026 Best Value Design & Applied Arts Schools in Indiana

1

Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN

For return on investment in design & applied arts, no school beat Ivy Tech Community College this year. Located in the city of Indianapolis, Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $5,154 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $9,935. Students borrow a median of $12,710 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Ivy Tech Community College earn a median of $26,602 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,710 median debt.

2

Vincennes University
Vincennes, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Vincennes University earned it the #2 place for design & applied arts. Vincennes University is a very large public school located in the town of Vincennes. Students from in state pay about $7,126 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $16,858. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $14,506 in student loans. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Vincennes University earn a median of $45,976 early in their careers. Set against $14,506 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis
Indianapolis, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in design & applied arts, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Indianapolis, Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,762, compared with $34,891 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,146 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Indianapolis generally make around $56,930. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted.

4

Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Purdue University Main Campus earned it the #4 place for 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, with out-of-state students paying around $28,794. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $20,250 in student loans. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Purdue University Main Campus earn a median of $44,602 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 50%.

5

Indiana University Bloomington
Bloomington, IN

Indiana University Bloomington came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools. Located in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $12,144 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $21,064 in student loans. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Indiana University Bloomington earn a median of $26,421 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 78%.

6

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne
Fort Wayne, IN

Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools. Located in the city of Fort Wayne, Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $9,532 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,887 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from Indiana University Purdue University Fort Wayne generally make around $27,517. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 84%.

7

Ball State University
Muncie, IN

Ball State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools. Set in the city of Muncie, Ball State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,082, while out-of-state students pay about $29,630. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Ball State University earn a median of $36,864 early in their careers. Set against $22,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

8

Taylor University
Upland, IN

Taylor University came in at #8 for value in design & applied arts this year. Set in the rural area of Upland, Taylor University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $40,490. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $22,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from Taylor University generally make around $31,921. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.

9

University Of Notre Dame
Notre Dame, IN

University Of Notre Dame placed #9 among the best values for design & applied arts. University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Notre Dame. Students from in state pay about $65,025 in tuition and fees. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $20,250 in student loans. Design & Applied Arts graduates of University Of Notre Dame earn a median of $46,825 early in their careers. Set against $20,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 11% of applicants are accepted.