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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 South Carolina
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 Trident Technical College, our #1 best value for design & applied arts in South Carolina. Trident Technical College is a very large public school located in the city of Charleston. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,546, while out-of-state students pay about $8,620. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $18,116. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Trident Technical College earn a median of $50,166 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $18,116 median debt.
Horry Georgetown Technical College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in design & applied arts, landing the #2 spot this year. Located in the city of Conway, Horry Georgetown Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,518, compared with $10,978 for out-of-state students. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $22,024. That is a strong return on a $17,500 median debt.
A rank of #3 makes Tri County Technical College one of the best values for design & applied arts. Set in the suburb of Pendleton, Tri County Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,448, while out-of-state students pay about $12,007. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $15,787. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $43,438. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Students looking for strong value in design & applied arts will find it at Spartanburg Community College, which ranked #4. Spartanburg Community College is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Spartanburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,071, with out-of-state students paying around $10,135. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $10,148. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Spartanburg Community College earn a median of $41,598 early in their careers. Set against $10,148 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in design & applied arts will find it at Piedmont Technical College, which ranked #5. Set in the town of Greenwood, Piedmont Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,775, with out-of-state students paying around $6,923. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $17,652. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $36,577. Set against $17,652 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
ADBLOCK #101
Coastal Carolina University came in at #6 for value in design & applied arts this year. Located in the city of Conway, Coastal Carolina University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,640, with out-of-state students paying around $29,628. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Coastal Carolina University earn a median of $26,076 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Coastal Carolina University admits about 75% of applicants.
Winthrop University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools. Set in the city of Rock Hill, Winthrop University is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,678, compared with $28,676 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $29,917 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $40,119. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Winthrop University admits about 79% of applicants.
Charleston Southern University placed #8 among the best values for design & applied arts. Set in the city of Charleston, Charleston Southern University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $32,520. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $46,288. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Charleston Southern University admits about 96% of applicants.
Clemson University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools. Set in the suburb of Clemson, Clemson University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, compared with $40,866 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $26,000 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $46,689. Set against $26,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 38%.
Anderson University Sc placed #10 among the best values for design & applied arts. Anderson University Sc is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Anderson. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,970. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from Anderson University Sc generally make around $34,040. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
[Design & Applied Arts](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
