Best Value Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Minnesota

Minnesota's design schools show a striking earnings divide, with University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earning $43,984 annually while Concordia University-Saint Paul graduates average just $23,351. This $20,000 gap reflects different program focuses and regional job placement. Saint Cloud State University offers the lowest net cost at $14,485, making it nearly half the price of most private alternatives. The state's design job market benefits from major employers like Target, which relies heavily on graphic designers and UX professionals for its retail operations. Among the 15 programs, public universities dominate the value equation, with four of the top five schools offering in-state tuition below $17,000. Graduation rates vary widely from 46.90% at Saint Cloud State to 84.80% at Minnesota-Twin Cities, suggesting program rigor differs significantly across institutions.

Programs

$14,485 – $28,439

Net Price Range

$34,294

Avg. Program Earnings

62.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	Program Earnings	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$43,984	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
2	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$36,938	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
3	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$34,704	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
4	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$31,314	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
5	Dunwoody College of Technology Minneapolis, Minnesota	$27,023	$43,798	$25,659	62.7%	98.0%
6	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566	$23,351	$25,000	58.8%	69.1%
7	Minneapolis College of Art and Design Minneapolis, Minnesota	$25,935	$25,967	$43,824	69.2%	56.9%
8	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875		$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
9	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680		$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
10	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439		$42,930	75.2%	72.5%
11	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140		$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
12	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485		$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
13	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034		$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
14	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563		$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
15	Rasmussen University-Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota	$19,071		$10,899	53.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $20,000 earnings gap between top Minnesota design programs?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn $43,984 compared to $23,351 at Concordia University-Saint Paul, reflecting different program specializations and alumni networks. Twin Cities focuses on research-based design with strong industry connections to Target and other major employers. Dunwoody College of Technology also produces high earners at $43,798, but costs $27,023 annually versus $17,139 at Minnesota-Twin Cities. The earnings gap often correlates with program selectivity, as Minnesota-Twin Cities accepts 75% of applicants while Concordia accepts 69%.

How do Minnesota public universities compare to private design schools for value?

Public universities dominate value rankings, with net costs ranging from $14,485 to $18,464 compared to private schools averaging over $21,000. Saint Cloud State offers the lowest cost at $14,485 but has a 46.90% graduation rate, while Minnesota-Twin Cities costs $17,139 with an 84.80% graduation rate. Private nonprofit schools like Minneapolis College of Art and Design charge $25,935 but offer specialized programs and industry connections. Most public programs accept 70-95% of applicants, making them accessible options for budget-conscious students.

Is the Minneapolis College of Art and Design worth its $25,935 cost?

MCAD graduates earn $25,967 annually, which barely exceeds the school's $25,935 net cost, creating a challenging return on investment scenario. The 69.20% graduation rate suggests strong student support, but the school accepts only 57% of applicants, making admission competitive. Students graduate with $26,950 in debt, which is manageable given the specialized nature of art careers. The school's Minneapolis location provides access to Target's design teams and the Twin Cities creative economy, potentially boosting long-term earning potential beyond initial salaries.

Where can design students find the best combination of low cost and strong outcomes in Minnesota?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities offers the best overall value with a $17,139 net cost, $43,984 graduate earnings, and 84.80% graduation rate. Bemidji State University provides a budget alternative at $17,050 with decent outcomes, including $34,704 earnings and moderate debt of $21,908. Minnesota State University Moorhead balances affordability and performance with $17,816 net cost and $36,938 graduate earnings. These three schools demonstrate that students don't need to choose between quality and affordability in Minnesota's design education market.

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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.