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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 Southwest 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 El Centro College, our #1 best value for design & applied arts in the Southwest Region. El Centro College is a very large public school located in the city of Dallas. In-state tuition and fees average $2,730, with out-of-state students paying around $6,900. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $11,835 in student loans. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from El Centro College generally make around $31,478. That is a strong return on a $11,835 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in design & applied arts will find it at Pima Community College, which ranked #2. Pima Community College is a very large public school located in the city of Tucson. Students from in state pay about $2,442 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $7,758. Students borrow a median of $10,655 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $40,977. That is a strong return on a $10,655 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at South Texas College earned it the #3 place for design & applied arts. South Texas College is a very large public school located in the city of McAllen. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,920, compared with $7,620 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $6,868. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from South Texas College generally make around $30,227. That is a strong return on a $6,868 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in design & applied arts will find it at Austin Community College District, which ranked #4. Set in the city of Austin, Austin Community College District is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,550, with out-of-state students paying around $10,590. Students borrow a median of $19,939 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from Austin Community College District generally make around $40,289. That is a strong return on a $19,939 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Juan College earned it the #5 place for design & applied arts. Located in the rural area of Farmington, San Juan College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $1,910, compared with $5,393 for out-of-state students. Design & Applied Arts graduates carry a median of $16,150 in student loans. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $41,697. That is a strong return on a $16,150 median debt.
ADBLOCK #101
Oklahoma City Community College ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools. Set in the city of Oklahoma City, Oklahoma City Community College is a large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,059, compared with $9,810 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $14,250. Design & Applied Arts graduates of Oklahoma City Community College earn a median of $30,101 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
El Paso Community College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools. El Paso Community College is a very large public school located in the city of El Paso. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,274, compared with $5,314 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $8,542. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $29,086. That is a strong return on a $8,542 median debt.
San Antonio College earned the #8 position for value in design & applied arts this year. Set in the city of San Antonio, San Antonio College is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,412, with out-of-state students paying around $9,952. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $11,839. Soon after graduation, design & applied arts degree recipients from San Antonio College generally make around $37,855. Set against $11,839 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Central Arizona College ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value design & applied arts schools. Set in the rural area of Coolidge, Central Arizona College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,250, compared with $4,500 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for design & applied arts graduates is $11,635. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $48,826. That is a strong return on a $11,635 median debt.
The University Of Texas Pan American placed #10 among the best values for design & applied arts. Located in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,694 to complete the design & applied arts program here. Early-career design & applied arts graduates make about $46,404. Set against $14,694 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 94% 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. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong design & applied arts education at a price that pays off.
