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Cheapest Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Kentucky

Ranked by lowest net price after financial aid. See our methodology.

Kentucky's most affordable Design and Applied Arts program at Northern Kentucky University costs just $7,168 per year after aid, while graduates can expect median earnings of $33,138. The state's automotive manufacturing sector, anchored by Toyota's Georgetown facility, creates steady demand for industrial designers and product development specialists. Seven Kentucky colleges offer these programs with costs ranging up to $36,431, though public options deliver the strongest value proposition for creative students entering fields that support the state's manufacturing economy.
7
Programs
$7,168 – $36,431
Net Price Range
$38,957
Avg. Program Earnings
54.2%
Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $7,168 $10,896 48.3% 86.0%
2 $14,626 $30,450 46.0% 50.4%
3 $17,218 $13,212 69.9% 94.9%
4 $20,428 $33,640 65.0% 78.7%
5 $23,587 $47,180 67.7% 87.8%
6 $25,785 $14,220 30.2%
7 $36,431 $33,393 52.6% 68.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the $29,263 cost difference between Kentucky's cheapest and most expensive Design and Applied Arts programs?

Northern Kentucky University's public funding keeps net costs at $7,168, while Kentucky Wesleyan College's private status pushes costs to $36,431. Public institutions like University of Kentucky also benefit from state subsidies, resulting in an in-state tuition of just $13,212 compared to private colleges averaging over $30,000.

How do graduation rates vary among Kentucky's Design and Applied Arts programs?

University of Kentucky leads with a 69.9% graduation rate, followed closely by Bellarmine at 67.7% and Asbury at 65%. Sullivan University lags significantly at 30.2%, while Northern Kentucky University achieves 48.3% despite offering the lowest net cost in the state.

Does the University of Kentucky offer the best earnings potential for Design graduates?

Yes, University of Kentucky graduates earn a median of $44,776, substantially higher than Northern Kentucky University's $33,138. This $11,638 difference reflects UK's stronger industry connections and the earning premium that comes with the state's flagship institution, despite UK's higher net cost of $17,218.

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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.