Cheapest Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Maryland

University of Maryland Eastern Shore offers the state's most affordable Design and Applied Arts program at just $14,035 net cost, while the most expensive reaches $38,429 at Maryland Institute College of Art. This $24,000 gap reflects Maryland's mix of accessible public options and specialized private institutions. The state's proximity to federal agencies and defense contractors creates steady demand for graphic designers and multimedia specialists, particularly around Baltimore and the D.C. corridor.

Programs

$14,035 – $38,429

Net Price Range

$29,764

Avg. Program Earnings

58.7%

Avg. Graduation Rate

7 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	University of Maryland Eastern Shore Princess Anne, Maryland	$14,035	$8,898	34.6%	81.6%
2	Morgan State University Baltimore, Maryland	$15,015	$8,118	41.6%	85.4%
3	University of Maryland-College Park College Park, Maryland	$15,590	$11,505	88.6%	44.6%
4	University of Maryland-Baltimore County Baltimore, Maryland	$18,328	$12,952	70.6%	80.6%
5	Bowie State University Bowie, Maryland	$19,335	$8,999	38.1%	86.5%
6	Stevenson University Owings Mills, Maryland	$26,806	$39,708	66.4%	84.1%
7	Maryland Institute College of Art Baltimore, Maryland	$38,429	$55,150	71.3%	79.6%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the wide earnings gap among Maryland design graduates?

Stevenson University graduates earn $37,568 annually compared to $25,194 from University of Maryland Eastern Shore. Private institutions often have stronger industry connections and internship programs that lead to higher-paying positions in Baltimore's growing creative sector.

How do graduation rates correlate with program costs in Maryland?

University of Maryland-College Park achieves an 88.6% graduation rate at $15,590 net cost, while more expensive Maryland Institute College of Art graduates 71.3% of students at $38,429. Public universities often provide better support systems relative to their lower costs.

Does attending a specialized art school justify higher debt levels?

Maryland Institute College of Art students graduate with $26,842 in debt but earn $27,504 annually. Stevenson University offers similar earnings at $37,568 with comparable debt at $27,000, suggesting specialized schools don't always guarantee higher returns.

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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.