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Best Value Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Texas

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

Texas design students face a stark choice between affordable public options and costly private institutions, with net costs ranging from $10,948 at Texas Woman's University to $41,942 at Baylor University. The University of Texas at Austin graduates earn $55,151 annually despite charging just $11,678 for in-state students, making it an strong outlier in both selectivity and return on investment. Texas Woman's University offers the lowest net cost at $10,948, though graduates typically earn $33,459. The state's growing creative economy benefits from major employers like advertising agencies in Dallas and design firms serving Houston's energy sector. Public universities dominate the value equation, with seven of the top eight most affordable programs coming from state institutions. Private schools like Texas Christian University and Southern Methodist University charge significantly more but don't always deliver proportionally higher earnings, creating a complex value market for aspiring designers.
33
Programs
$6,500 – $41,942
Net Price Range
$34,914
Avg. Program Earnings
53.7%
Avg. Graduation Rate

33 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price Program Earnings In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $13,853 $43,426 $9,711 64.9% 66.2%
2 $10,948 $33,459 $8,648 44.2% 93.6%
3 $11,268 $32,569 $10,026 45.9% 86.5%
4 $19,678 $55,151 $11,678 87.6% 31.4%
5 $14,352 $38,937 $11,164 59.6% 79.1%
6 $16,438 $39,784 $11,450 56.2% 87.7%
7 $11,429 $26,896 $8,690 37.2% 83.7%
8 $16,025 $33,459 $9,228 55.1% 84.6%
9 $20,071 $36,134 $11,852 67.5% 67.3%
10 $17,435 $26,739 $14,564 70.8% 84.7%
11 $20,498 $29,685 $35,660 51.8% 94.2%
12 $33,531 $46,966 $57,220 85.6% 56.1%
13 $23,636 $27,126 $51,384 64.2% 85.1%
14 $41,778 $42,728 $64,460 83.3% 52.3%
15 $41,942 $41,342 $54,844 80.2% 45.9%
16 $20,841 $18,315 $9,101 47.3% 91.6%
17 $27,401 $20,824 $42,380 60.2% 65.8%
18 $15,235 $11,728 56.5% 80.8%
19 $20,540 $23,186 19.2% 69.7%
20 $15,152 $10,600 51.7% 89.5%
21 $23,878 $12,480 40.0% 93.8%
22 $20,410 $37,396 43.7% 85.2%
23 $14,041 $11,299 43.2% 76.1%
24 $6,500 $9,859 49.3% 87.7%
25 $21,998 $17,692 45.5%
26 $19,988 $31,372 38.6% 56.5%
27 $28,690 $33,150 53.4% 95.7%
28 $25,910 $27,298 48.7% 81.6%
29 $8,624 $7,499 26.5% 82.1%
30 $19,710 $38,100 49.8% 84.5%
31 $21,031 $31,686 49.6% 88.3%
32 $30,092 $38,140 60.4% 91.4%
33 $15,137 $9,748 33.7% 88.0%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The University of Texas at Austin stand out for design value?

UT Austin combines relatively low in-state tuition of $11,678 with the highest graduate earnings at $55,151, creating an strong return on investment. The program maintains an 87.60% graduation rate while accepting only 31.35% of applicants. Students graduate with just $18,000 in debt, well below the state average.

How do public and private school costs compare for Texas design programs?

Public universities charge between $10,948 and $20,071 in net costs, while private institutions range from $20,498 to $41,942. Texas Woman's University offers the most affordable option at $10,948 with a 93.63% acceptance rate. Private schools cost nearly double but don't guarantee proportionally higher earnings for graduates.

Is Texas Woman's University worth considering despite lower earnings?

TWU provides excellent value with the lowest net cost at $10,948 and graduates earning $33,459 annually. The 93.63% acceptance rate makes it accessible to most applicants. While earnings trail flagship universities, the minimal debt burden of $8,648 in-state tuition creates financial flexibility for new graduates.

Does attending expensive private schools lead to better career outcomes?

Private school graduates don't consistently earn more despite higher costs. Texas Christian University charges $33,531 net but graduates earn $46,966, while UT Austin costs $19,678 and produces $55,151 earners. Baylor University's $41,942 net cost yields $41,342 in graduate earnings, below several cheaper public options.

Where do design graduates find the best job opportunities in Texas?

Houston's energy sector creates demand for technical and industrial designers, while Dallas supports a thriving advertising and marketing design industry. Austin's growing tech scene offers user experience and digital design roles. San Antonio's military presence and medical facilities provide specialized design opportunities in healthcare and defense sectors.

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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.