Skip to main content

Best Value Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Missouri

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

College of the Ozarks delivers the most affordable Design and Applied Arts education in Missouri at just $7,669 net cost, while Washington University graduates earn $41,205 annually,creating a $33,536 earnings gap that reflects the state's varied design opportunities. Public universities like Missouri Western State and University of Central Missouri offer middle-ground options with net costs around $12,000-$15,000. Missouri's healthcare giants like BJC HealthCare and tech companies such as Cerner create steady demand for visual designers, web developers, and user experience specialists. The state's 15 programs span from specialized art institutes like Kansas City Art Institute to full universities, with graduation rates ranging from 30% at Park University to 94.4% at Washington University. Stevens Institute achieves an impressive 80% graduation rate despite being a for-profit institution, while Missouri State University maintains strong regional connections with a 57.3% completion rate.
24
Programs
$7,669 – $29,555
Net Price Range
$31,364
Avg. Program Earnings
56.3%
Avg. Graduation Rate

24 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,375 $31,133 $8,044 32.1%
2 $12,638 $28,598 $9,800 39.8%
3 $15,336 $33,637 $9,739 49.4% 71.3%
4 $22,117 $41,205 $62,982 94.4% 11.8%
5 $17,502 $30,167 $9,024 57.3% 92.6%
6 $26,047 $39,369 $27,166 71.5% 87.8%
7 $20,095 $29,685 $12,968 80.0% 100.0%
8 $21,523 $31,133 $35,235 66.0% 63.4%
9 $23,277 $26,933 $28,200 46.5% 64.2%
10 $24,051 $25,194 $24,326 45.7%
11 $29,555 $27,947 $43,550 64.9% 58.5%
12 $12,837 $11,988 55.9% 69.5%
13 $14,824 $10,181 57.5% 85.6%
14 $7,669 $21,290 61.3% 21.1%
15 $15,529 $16,400 30.0%
16 $18,516 $21,100 50.3% 74.0%
17 $21,082 $28,320 51.2% 99.6%
18 $21,123 $26,880 44.3% 67.1%
19 $18,705 $27,192 64.8% 67.9%
20 $26,196 $30,730 61.1% 55.1%
21 $26,111 $34,188 57.5% 75.3%
22 $16,602 $19,890 61.6% 41.0%
23 $22,270 $28,860 57.0% 61.5%
24 $22,080 $29,915 50.2% 97.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes College of the Ozarks such an affordable option for design students?

College of the Ozarks charges a net cost of just $7,669, making it the most affordable design program in Missouri. The school operates on a unique work-study model where students work on campus to offset tuition costs. With a 61.3% graduation rate and acceptance rate of only 21.13%, it maintains selectivity while keeping costs low. This combination creates strong value for students willing to participate in the work program.

How do public universities compare to private schools for design education costs?

Public universities like Missouri Western State ($12,638 net) and University of Central Missouri ($15,336 net) cost significantly less than most private options. Washington University commands $22,117 net cost but delivers the highest earnings at $41,205 annually. Private schools range from Stevens Institute at $20,095 to Kansas City Art Institute at $29,555. The 71.5% graduation rate at Maryville University justifies its $26,047 cost for many students.

Is Washington University worth the higher cost for design students?

Washington University graduates earn $41,205 annually, which is $13,072 more than the next highest-earning program. The school maintains a 94.4% graduation rate and 11.76% acceptance rate, indicating highly selective admissions. At $22,117 net cost, students pay more but typically see strong returns on investment. The combination of high earnings potential and near-certain graduation makes it compelling for qualified applicants.

Does Missouri's job market support design and applied arts graduates?

Missouri's healthcare sector, anchored by BJC HealthCare, requires medical illustrators and health communication designers. Technology companies like Cerner need user interface designers and digital media specialists. The state's agriculture and defense industries also employ technical illustrators and visual communication professionals. Earnings across Missouri design programs range from $25,194 to $41,205, reflecting varied career paths in these established sectors.

Where can students find the best graduation rates for design programs?

Washington University leads with a 94.4% graduation rate, followed by Stevens Institute at 80% and Maryville University at 71.5%. Kansas City Art Institute, despite being an art-focused school, maintains a solid 64.9% rate. Public options like Missouri State University (57.3%) and Northwest Missouri State (57.5%) offer reasonable completion rates. Students should note that Park University has only a 30% graduation rate, requiring careful consideration.

More Design and Applied Arts Rankings

Cheapest Design and Applied Arts in Missouri Design and Applied Arts Under $20,000 in Missouri

Related

All Design and Applied Arts Programs Best Colleges in Missouri Best Design and Applied Arts in Missouri

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