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Best Value Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Maryland

Ranked by best return on investment (earnings vs. cost). See our methodology.

Maryland's Design and Applied Arts programs show a striking cost divide, with University of Maryland Eastern Shore offering a $14,035 net price while Maryland Institute College of Art reaches $38,429. Despite this nearly threefold difference, earnings outcomes cluster more tightly between $25,194 and $37,568. The state's proximity to Washington D.C. creates unique opportunities for designers in federal agencies and contractors, while Baltimore's growing tech scene provides additional career paths for graduates entering fields from user experience to architectural visualization.
7
Programs
$14,035 – $38,429
Net Price Range
$29,764
Avg. Program Earnings
58.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $14,035 $25,194 $8,898 34.6% 81.6%
2 $18,328 $31,839 $12,952 70.6% 80.6%
3 $26,806 $37,568 $39,708 66.4% 84.1%
4 $19,335 $26,715 $8,999 38.1% 86.5%
5 $38,429 $27,504 $55,150 71.3% 79.6%
6 $15,590 $11,505 88.6% 44.6%
7 $15,015 $8,118 41.6% 85.4%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide gap between Maryland's most and least expensive design programs?

Public universities like University of Maryland Eastern Shore charge $14,035 net price while specialized art schools like Maryland Institute College of Art reach $38,429. The 174% cost difference reflects varying institutional models, with public schools benefiting from state funding that private art colleges lack.

How do graduation rates vary among Maryland's design programs?

Graduation rates span from 34.60% at University of Maryland Eastern Shore to 88.60% at University of Maryland-College Park. Maryland Institute College of Art achieves a 71.30% graduation rate despite its high cost, while UMBC maintains 70.60% with more moderate pricing.

Does attending the most expensive program guarantee the highest earnings?

Stevenson University produces the highest median earnings at $37,568 despite charging $26,806 net price, not the maximum. Maryland Institute College of Art, the costliest option at $38,429, yields $27,504 in median earnings, showing that program cost doesn't directly correlate with graduate income.

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Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.