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Best Value Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Massachusetts

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

Northeastern University stands out among Massachusetts design programs with graduates earning $59,124 annually, nearly double the state average of $34,298 for public institutions. This earnings gap reflects the school's strong connections to Boston's tech and biotech sectors, where design professionals command higher salaries for user experience, product development, and medical device design roles. The state's 20 design programs show dramatic cost variations, from Salem State's $18,441 net price to Endicott College's $39,324. Public options like UMass Dartmouth and Massachusetts College of Art provide solid training at $20,605 and $23,764 respectively, while private institutions often justify higher costs through industry partnerships and career placement services. Boston's concentration of healthcare companies, startups, and established tech firms creates steady demand for design talent across digital interfaces, marketing materials, and product development. The MassGrant Plus program helps state residents access these programs at reduced costs.
26
Programs
$14,590 – $43,273
Net Price Range
$38,475
Avg. Program Earnings
66.8%
Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $32,116 $59,124 $63,141 90.4% 6.8%
2 $20,605 $34,298 $15,208 49.0% 95.5%
3 $26,996 $42,682 $65,168 90.0% 14.4%
4 $30,031 $44,551 $45,380 59.8% 86.8%
5 $34,170 $49,939 $41,010 68.6% 92.3%
6 $23,764 $34,298 $14,960 69.2% 78.6%
7 $29,969 $41,789 $54,500 80.8% 73.4%
8 $28,853 $35,954 $49,414 74.6% 82.3%
9 $24,944 $31,038 $26,000 53.2% 73.2%
10 $39,324 $45,435 $39,212 75.4% 73.3%
11 $31,805 $20,687 $32,780 61.7% 86.2%
12 $34,725 $21,899 $39,000 61.5%
13 $29,187 $43,707 67.6% 75.6%
14 $26,181 $61,568 89.7% 22.9%
15 $18,441 $11,978 55.0% 92.7%
16 $29,396 $43,064 40.4% 69.6%
17 $43,273 $59,070 88.4% 57.5%
18 $37,899 $51,786 72.1% 74.6%
19 $18,627 $16,570 70.1% 86.0%
20 $25,810 $56,630 57.2% 68.9%
21 $16,698 $11,630 49.5% 87.4%
22 $15,432 $11,046 52.7% 86.1%
23 $31,569 $46,686 65.8% 79.7%
24 $29,504 $46,220 48.3% 87.5%
25 $38,787 $58,150 88.2% 57.9%
26 $14,590 $37,227 56.9% 75.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $38,437 earnings difference between Northeastern and Lesley University graduates?

Northeastern's cooperative education program places design students directly into Boston's tech and biotech companies, leading to $59,124 average earnings. Lesley's focus on art therapy and community-based design results in $20,687 earnings, reflecting different career paths. The 90.40% graduation rate at Northeastern also indicates stronger student support systems. Industry connections and program focus significantly impact post-graduation earning potential.

How do Massachusetts public design programs compare in value?

UMass Dartmouth offers the lowest net cost at $20,605 with graduates earning $34,298, providing solid return on investment. Massachusetts College of Art charges $23,764 with similar earnings and a higher 69.20% graduation rate. Salem State costs just $18,441 but lacks available earnings data. The 95.52% acceptance rate at UMass Dartmouth makes it accessible for most applicants.

Is Boston University worth its $26,996 net price for design students?

BU graduates earn $42,682 annually with a 90% graduation rate, making it competitive despite the higher cost. The school's location in Boston provides internship access at major employers like Fidelity, Wayfair, and local design agencies. With only 14.37% acceptance rate, admission remains highly selective. The $21,000 average debt load stays below the $27,000 typical at other private institutions.

Does Wentworth Institute deliver strong career outcomes for design majors?

Wentworth graduates earn $49,939 annually, ranking third in the state behind Northeastern and Suffolk University. The 68.60% graduation rate reflects the school's hands-on technical approach to design education. Located in Boston's Fenway area, students access internships in architecture, engineering, and product design firms. The 92.31% acceptance rate makes it more accessible than highly selective alternatives.

Where do Massachusetts design graduates find the best job opportunities?

Boston's tech corridor houses companies like HubSpot, Drift, and Toast that actively hire UX designers and product designers. The city's biotech sector, including Moderna and Biogen, needs design talent for medical devices and digital health platforms. Cambridge startups and MIT spin-offs create additional opportunities for design graduates. Healthcare systems like Mass General Brigham also employ design professionals for patient experience and digital interface projects.

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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.