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Best Value Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

Carnegie Mellon University stands apart in Pennsylvania's Design and Applied Arts market, with graduates earning $89,859 annually despite a $31,671 net cost and ultra-selective 11.30% acceptance rate. This earning power reflects the school's connections to Pittsburgh's tech sector, where companies like UPMC and major pharmaceutical firms increasingly value design thinking for digital health platforms and user experience roles. Meanwhile, East Stroudsburg University offers the state's most affordable option at $15,089 net cost, though graduates earn $29,141 annually. The 20 programs across Pennsylvania show a clear divide between public universities averaging around $20,000 net cost and private institutions often exceeding $25,000. Pennsylvania's healthcare and finance industries provide strong employment opportunities for design graduates, particularly in Philadelphia and Pittsburgh markets where user interface design and medical device development drive demand for skilled professionals.
41
Programs
$9,837 – $45,022
Net Price Range
$38,370
Avg. Program Earnings
64.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

41 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $31,671 $89,859 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
2 $17,216 $38,289 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
3 $15,089 $29,141 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
4 $21,205 $39,677 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
5 $21,664 $35,701 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
6 $22,222 $35,823 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
7 $19,685 $30,119 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
8 $25,866 $39,369 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
9 $26,539 $39,369 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
10 $29,219 $42,682 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
11 $24,051 $35,060 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
12 $27,263 $39,009 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
13 $26,084 $36,674 $17,940 50.4%
14 $28,163 $36,344 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
15 $38,428 $45,477 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
16 $25,747 $24,421 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
17 $43,369 $31,314 $50,279 63.4% 53.2%
18 $44,154 $22,329 $54,290 69.2% 80.0%
19 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
20 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
21 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
22 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
23 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
24 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
25 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
26 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
27 $13,766 $23,900 43.4% 84.3%
28 $29,577 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%
29 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
30 $29,266 $31,370 63.8% 44.3%
31 $45,022 $44,600 67.6% 91.3%
32 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
33 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
34 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
35 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
36 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
37 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
38 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
39 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
40 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
41 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Carnegie Mellon's Design program worth its $31,671 net cost?

Carnegie Mellon graduates earn $89,859 annually, more than double any other Pennsylvania design program. The university maintains a 92.50% graduation rate with only 11.30% acceptance rate. Pittsburgh's tech sector, including companies like UPMC developing digital health solutions, creates high-demand positions for CMU's design graduates.

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

Public universities like East Stroudsburg ($15,089 net cost) and Indiana University of Pennsylvania ($17,216) offer significantly lower costs than private alternatives. However, earnings vary widely from $29,141 to $38,289 at public schools. Private institutions generally show higher graduation rates, with Marywood University reaching 72.50% compared to public averages around 50%.

Is Temple University a good middle-ground option for design students?

Temple offers strong value with a $29,219 net cost and $42,682 graduate earnings, ranking second highest for salary outcomes. The Philadelphia location provides access to major employers like Comcast and pharmaceutical companies. With a 74.70% graduation rate and 79.70% acceptance rate, Temple balances selectivity with accessibility.

Does Pennsylvania's job market support design graduates effectively?

Pennsylvania's healthcare, finance, and tech sectors create strong demand for design professionals. UPMC, Comcast, and pharmaceutical companies actively hire for user experience and medical device design roles. Graduate earnings range from $22,329 to $89,859, with higher salaries concentrated in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia metropolitan areas where major employers operate.

Where can students find the most affordable design education in Pennsylvania?

East Stroudsburg University offers the lowest net cost at $15,089 with $11,036 in-state tuition. Indiana University of Pennsylvania follows at $17,216 net cost with stronger graduate earnings of $38,289. Both schools accept over 90% of applicants, making them accessible options for budget-conscious students seeking design education.

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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.