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Featured Design & Applied Arts Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
AA in Digital Photography
Take the first step toward a career of visual expression and doing what you love with this online associate degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
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BA in Digital Photography
Learn to create a striking portfolio and hone the skills you need to succeed in the world of professional photography with this online digital photography degree from Southern New Hampshire University.
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2026 Best Value Design & Applied Arts Schools in the Rocky Mountains Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in design & applied arts, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Design & Applied Arts Schools
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Idaho, our #1 best value for design & applied arts in the Rocky Mountains Region. Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the town of Rexburg. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $13,287 in student loans. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $43,853. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 96%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Salt Lake Community College earned it the #2 place for design & applied arts. Salt Lake Community College is a very large public school located in the suburb of Salt Lake City. Students from in state pay about $4,426 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,244. Students borrow a median of $10,766 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Salt Lake Community College earn a median of $34,227 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Utah Valley University earned it the #3 place for design & applied arts. Utah Valley University is a very large public school located in the city of Orem. In-state tuition and fees average $6,507, while out-of-state students pay about $18,489. Students borrow a median of $14,057 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from Utah Valley University generally make around $31,888. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northwest College earned it the #4 place for design & applied arts. Northwest College is a small public school located in the town of Powell. Students from in state pay about $4,962 in tuition and fees, compared with $11,262 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,996 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from Northwest College generally make around $40,014. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Red Rocks Community College earned it the #5 place for design & applied arts. Red Rocks Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Lakewood. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,859, while out-of-state students pay about $17,459. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $14,471. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $76,340. Set against $14,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
ADBLOCK #101
Aims Community College landed the #6 spot for design & applied arts value this year. Located in the city of Greeley, Aims Community College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,258, while out-of-state students pay about $11,786. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $11,199. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $45,909. That is a strong return on a $11,199 median debt.
Latter Day Saints Business College earned the #7 position for value in design & applied arts this year. Located in the city of Salt Lake City, Latter Day Saints Business College is a large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,004. Median earnings reach $50,630 ten years out.
Weber State University placed #8 among the best values for design & applied arts. Set in the city of Ogden, Weber State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $6,557, with out-of-state students paying around $17,545. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $21,851 in student loans. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $40,507. That is a strong return on a $21,851 median debt.
Community College Of Denver placed #9 among the best values for design & applied arts. Set in the city of Denver, Community College Of Denver is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,058, while out-of-state students pay about $17,658. Students borrow a median of $18,830 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from Community College Of Denver generally make around $45,202. Set against $18,830 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Pikes Peak Community College landed the #10 spot for design & applied arts value this year. Pikes Peak Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Colorado Springs. Students from in state pay about $4,510 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,110. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $16,066. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $41,037. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
[Design & Applied Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
