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DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts" with relevance 0.9
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DEBUG: Checking offer "AA in Digital Photography" with relevance 0.8
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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.
Learn More
2026 Best Value Design & Applied Arts Schools in Arkansas
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 Northwest Arkansas Community College, our #1 best value for design & applied arts in Arkansas. Set in the city of Bentonville, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,342 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,238. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $12,479 in student loans. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $40,671. Set against $12,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Arkansas State University Main Campus one of the best values for design & applied arts. Set in the city of Jonesboro, Arkansas State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,090, with out-of-state students paying around $14,522. Students borrow a median of $23,399 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $35,970. That is a strong return on a $23,399 median debt. The acceptance rate is 82%.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Arkansas Tech University earned it the #3 place for design & applied arts. Arkansas Tech University is a large public school located in the town of Russellville. Students from in state pay about $8,674 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,668. Students borrow a median of $28,950 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $20,285. That is a strong return on a $28,950 median debt. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes University Of Central Arkansas one of the best values for design & applied arts. Set in the city of Conway, University Of Central Arkansas is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,523 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $18,023. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $22,920 in student loans. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from University Of Central Arkansas generally make around $43,106. Set against $22,920 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Arkansas admits about 90% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in design & applied arts will find it at University Of Arkansas, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Fayetteville, University Of Arkansas is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, with out-of-state students paying around $29,966. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $23,881. Design & Applied Arts graduates of University Of Arkansas earn a median of $41,782 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 74%.
ADBLOCK #101
Harding University came in at #6 for value in design & applied arts this year. Harding University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Searcy. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,962. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $26,715. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Harding University earn a median of $35,582 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 70%.
John Brown University earned the #7 position for value in design & applied arts this year. Located in the town of Siloam Springs, John Brown University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $31,756 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Design & Applied Arts graduates of John Brown University earn a median of $24,893 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. John Brown University admits about 76% of applicants.
[Design & Applied Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
