Cheapest Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Indiana

Indiana University-Indianapolis delivers the state's most affordable Design and Applied Arts education at just $11,408 net cost, while also producing graduates who earn $42,682 annually. This combination of low cost and high earning potential stands out in a state where tuition varies dramatically from $11,408 at public institutions to over $42,000 at private colleges. The earnings gap proves equally striking, with Grace College graduates starting at $25,194 compared to IU-Indianapolis alumni earning nearly 70% more. Indiana's manufacturing economy creates natural demand for design professionals, particularly at companies like Cummins and Subaru of Indiana Automotive where industrial design and user experience roles support product development. Public universities dominate the affordability rankings, with Purdue Fort Wayne offering in-state tuition at just $9,254. Private institutions like Oakland City University provide smaller class sizes but require careful financial planning, with sticker prices reaching $37,760 despite aid packages reducing actual costs to $12,820.

Programs

$11,408 – $43,465

Net Price Range

$33,776

Avg. Program Earnings

65.5%

Avg. Graduation Rate

23 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Indiana University-Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$11,408	$10,449	53.9%	82.9%
2	Purdue University Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, Indiana	$11,513	$9,254	32.5%	80.7%
3	Oakland City University Oakland City, Indiana	$12,820	$27,150	70.0%	55.7%
4	Huntington University Huntington, Indiana	$13,710	$29,982	68.2%	77.5%
5	Purdue University-Main Campus West Lafayette, Indiana	$13,945	$9,992	83.1%	52.7%
6	International Business College-Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$14,989	$16,480	69.1%	71.8%
7	Indiana University-Bloomington Bloomington, Indiana	$15,342	$11,790	81.2%	82.4%
8	Goshen College Goshen, Indiana	$15,725	$37,760	60.5%	93.5%
9	Ball State University Muncie, Indiana	$15,898	$10,758	63.3%	69.0%
10	Grace College and Theological Seminary Winona Lake, Indiana	$18,406	$30,034	69.9%	84.6%
11	University of Indianapolis Indianapolis, Indiana	$18,748	$36,136	55.8%	76.1%
12	Bethel University Mishawaka, Indiana	$19,726	$33,320	57.2%	99.5%
13	University of Evansville Evansville, Indiana	$20,230	$42,676	71.3%	76.3%
14	University of Saint Francis-Fort Wayne Fort Wayne, Indiana	$20,361	$35,420	60.7%	98.1%
15	Hanover College Hanover, Indiana	$21,826	$42,894	63.6%	74.1%
16	Anderson University Anderson, Indiana	$22,144	$35,640	49.4%	51.8%
17	Franklin College Franklin, Indiana	$22,762	$37,350	63.4%	92.9%
18	Indiana Wesleyan University-Marion Marion, Indiana	$23,069	$31,168	66.3%	86.7%
19	Marian University Indianapolis, Indiana	$23,594	$39,100	60.9%	93.8%
20	Taylor University Upland, Indiana	$24,327	$39,104	76.6%	74.6%
21	University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, Indiana	$27,823	$62,693	96.8%	12.9%
22	Butler University Indianapolis, Indiana	$38,472	$45,980	80.2%	82.1%
23	Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College Saint Mary of the Woods, Indiana	$43,465	$33,490	52.3%	78.2%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Indiana University-Indianapolis the cheapest option for Design and Applied Arts?

IU-Indianapolis combines low tuition with substantial financial aid, resulting in a net cost of just $11,408 for design students. In-state students pay only $10,449 before aid, making it accessible to Indiana residents. The university accepts 82.89% of applicants while maintaining a 53.90% graduation rate. Graduates earn an average of $42,682, providing strong return on investment for the program cost.

How much do graduates from Indiana design programs typically earn?

Design and Applied Arts graduates in Indiana earn between $25,194 and $42,682 annually depending on their school. Indiana University-Indianapolis leads with $42,682 average earnings, followed by Purdue Main Campus at $38,289. Grace College graduates start lowest at $25,194, creating a $17,488 gap between highest and lowest earners. These figures reflect early career salaries and typically increase with experience in Indiana's manufacturing sector.

Is private college worth the extra cost for design students in Indiana?

Private colleges in Indiana charge significantly more, with University of Evansville costing $20,230 net despite a $42,676 sticker price. However, private institutions often provide smaller class sizes and specialized facilities. Huntington University graduates 68.20% of students compared to 53.90% at IU-Indianapolis, potentially justifying the $2,302 difference in net cost. Students should compare graduation rates and career support services when evaluating the premium.

Does Purdue offer competitive design programs at both campuses?

Purdue operates two campuses with design programs at different price points and outcomes. The main West Lafayette campus charges $13,945 net cost and graduates 83.10% of students with average earnings of $38,289. Purdue Fort Wayne costs less at $11,513 net but graduates only 32.50% of students. The Fort Wayne campus requires just $9,254 in-state tuition, making it extremely affordable for Indiana residents.

Where do design graduates find employment opportunities in Indiana?

Indiana's manufacturing sector employs many design graduates at companies like Cummins, Subaru of Indiana Automotive, and various automotive suppliers. Healthcare organizations including Indiana University Health also hire designers for digital interfaces and patient experience roles. Eli Lilly and other pharmaceutical companies need packaging and communication design specialists. Many graduates also find opportunities in Indianapolis' growing tech sector and with consulting firms serving regional manufacturers.

More Design and Applied Arts Rankings

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

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