2026 Best Value Costume Design Bachelor’s Degree Schools

1

Dixie State College Of Utah
Saint George, UT

Our analysis ranked Dixie State College Of Utah the best value for a degree in costume design in the United States. Dixie State College Of Utah is a large public school located in the city of Saint George. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,306, compared with $18,246 for out-of-state students. Costume Design graduates carry a median of $18,666 in student loans. Early-career costume design graduates make about $42,266. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

2

Brenau University
Gainesville, GA

Brenau University came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value costume design schools. Brenau University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Gainesville. Students from in state pay about $33,757 in tuition and fees. Costume Design graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, costume design degree recipients from Brenau University generally make around $59,258. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt. Brenau University admits about 88% of applicants.

3

Stephens College
Columbia, MO

Stephens College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value costume design schools. Stephens College is a small private not-for-profit school located in the city of Columbia. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $28,300. Costume Design graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career costume design graduates make about $16,476. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

4

Webster University
Saint Louis, MO

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Webster University earned it the #4 place for costume design. Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, Webster University is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. Typical student debt for costume design graduates is $26,000. Early-career costume design graduates make about $13,182. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

5

Shenandoah University
Winchester, VA

A rank of #5 makes Shenandoah University one of the best values for costume design. Shenandoah University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Winchester. Students from in state pay about $36,950 in tuition and fees. Costume Design graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Costume Design graduates of Shenandoah University earn a median of $62,948 early in their careers. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.

6

Carnegie Mellon University
Pittsburgh, PA

Carnegie Mellon University landed the #6 spot for costume design value this year. Located in the city of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Mellon University is a large private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,636. Typical student debt for costume design graduates is $25,000. Costume Design graduates of Carnegie Mellon University earn a median of $32,967 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $25,000 median debt. Carnegie Mellon University admits about 12% of applicants.

7

Bennington College
Bennington, VT

Bennington College placed #7 among the best values for costume design. Set in the town of Bennington, Bennington College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $66,262. Students borrow a median of $26,445 to complete the costume design program here. Soon after graduation, costume design degree recipients from Bennington College generally make around $16,579. Set against $26,445 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bennington College admits about 44% of applicants.

8

Marymount Manhattan College
New York, NY

Marymount Manhattan College earned the #8 position for value in costume design this year. Set in the city of New York, Marymount Manhattan College is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $41,870. Typical student debt for costume design graduates is $27,000. Costume Design graduates of Marymount Manhattan College earn a median of $30,533 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Marymount Manhattan College admits about 83% of applicants.

9

Academy Of Art University
San Francisco, CA

Academy Of Art University ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value costume design schools. Located in the city of San Francisco, Academy Of Art University is a moderately-sized private for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $30,736. Typical student debt for costume design graduates is $31,000. Soon after graduation, costume design degree recipients from Academy Of Art University generally make around $20,798. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

California Institute Of The Arts
Valencia, CA

California Institute Of The Arts landed the #10 spot for costume design value this year. California Institute Of The Arts is a small private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Valencia. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $58,996. Costume Design graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, costume design degree recipients from California Institute Of The Arts generally make around $22,673. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 32%.