Cheapest Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Massachusetts

Bay Path University delivers the most affordable Design and Applied Arts education in Massachusetts at just $14,590 net price, yet this private institution charges $37,227 in published tuition. This dramatic difference highlights how financial aid can transform accessibility in a state where design programs range from $14,590 to over $32,000 annually. Massachusetts hosts major creative employers like Hasbro, Reebok, and countless advertising agencies around Boston, creating steady demand for design graduates. The earnings gap tells an interesting story too, with some graduates earning $20,687 while others reach $59,124, reflecting the field's broad career paths from graphic design to industrial applications. Public institutions like Fitchburg State and Framingham State cluster around $15,000-$17,000 net cost, making them accessible alternatives to pricier private options. Yet acceptance rates reveal another pattern, with top-tier programs like Boston University accepting just 14% of applicants while state schools welcome 85-95% of students.

Programs

$14,590 – $43,273

Net Price Range

$38,475

Avg. Program Earnings

66.8%

Avg. Graduation Rate

26 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Bay Path University Longmeadow, Massachusetts	$14,590	$37,227	56.9%	75.6%
2	Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, Massachusetts	$15,432	$11,046	52.7%	86.1%
3	Framingham State University Framingham, Massachusetts	$16,698	$11,630	49.5%	87.4%
4	Salem State University Salem, Massachusetts	$18,441	$11,978	55.0%	92.7%
5	University of Massachusetts-Lowell Lowell, Massachusetts	$18,627	$16,570	70.1%	86.0%
6	University of Massachusetts-Dartmouth North Dartmouth, Massachusetts	$20,605	$15,208	49.0%	95.5%
7	Massachusetts College of Art and Design Boston, Massachusetts	$23,764	$14,960	69.2%	78.6%
8	Lasell University Newton, Massachusetts	$24,944	$26,000	53.2%	73.2%
9	Hampshire College Amherst, Massachusetts	$25,810	$56,630	57.2%	68.9%
10	Smith College Northampton, Massachusetts	$26,181	$61,568	89.7%	22.9%
11	Boston University Boston, Massachusetts	$26,996	$65,168	90.0%	14.4%
12	Assumption University Worcester, Massachusetts	$28,853	$49,414	74.6%	82.3%
13	Springfield College Springfield, Massachusetts	$29,187	$43,707	67.6%	75.6%
14	Anna Maria College Paxton, Massachusetts	$29,396	$43,064	40.4%	69.6%
15	Curry College Milton, Massachusetts	$29,504	$46,220	48.3%	87.5%
16	Stonehill College Easton, Massachusetts	$29,969	$54,500	80.8%	73.4%
17	Suffolk University Boston, Massachusetts	$30,031	$45,380	59.8%	86.8%
18	Emmanuel College Boston, Massachusetts	$31,569	$46,686	65.8%	79.7%
19	Lesley University Cambridge, Massachusetts	$31,805	$32,780	61.7%	86.2%
20	Northeastern University Boston, Massachusetts	$32,116	$63,141	90.4%	6.8%
21	Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston, Massachusetts	$34,170	$41,010	68.6%	92.3%
22	Montserrat College of Art Beverly, Massachusetts	$34,725	$39,000	61.5%
23	Merrimack College North Andover, Massachusetts	$37,899	$51,786	72.1%	74.6%
24	Bentley University Waltham, Massachusetts	$38,787	$58,150	88.2%	57.9%
25	Endicott College Beverly, Massachusetts	$39,324	$39,212	75.4%	73.3%
26	Worcester Polytechnic Institute Worcester, Massachusetts	$43,273	$59,070	88.4%	57.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Bay Path University so affordable for Design and Applied Arts students?

Bay Path University offers the lowest net price at $14,590 despite listing $37,227 in published tuition. The school provides substantial financial aid packages that reduce actual costs by over $22,000 annually. This private institution maintains a 75.63% acceptance rate, making it both accessible and affordable. The 56.90% graduation rate suggests students can complete their programs successfully.

How do Massachusetts public universities compare for design program costs?

Public design programs cluster between $15,432 and $20,605 in net costs across the state system. Fitchburg State leads at $15,432 net price with an in-state tuition of just $11,046. UMass Lowell costs $18,627 net but delivers a strong 70.10% graduation rate. Salem State accepts 92.66% of applicants while maintaining reasonable costs at $18,441 net price.

Does Massachusetts College of Art and Design justify its higher public school cost?

MassArt charges $23,764 net price, significantly more than other state schools, but offers specialized art education in Boston. The school maintains a 69.20% graduation rate and 78.64% acceptance rate. Graduates earn $34,298 on average with $25,537 in debt. The Boston location provides access to major design firms, museums, and creative agencies.

What earning potential can Design and Applied Arts graduates expect?

Massachusetts design graduates see wide earning ranges from $20,687 to $59,124 depending on specialization and employer. Boston University graduates average $42,682 with relatively low debt at $21,000. UMass Dartmouth graduates earn $34,298 on average. The state's concentration of tech companies, healthcare organizations, and creative agencies supports varied career paths.

Is the high cost of private design schools worth considering?

Private schools like Smith College charge $61,568 in published tuition but achieve 89.70% graduation rates. Boston University accepts only 14.37% of applicants yet graduates earn $42,682 annually. Assumption University costs $28,853 net with a solid 74.60% graduation rate. The investment often pays off through alumni networks and specialized facilities.

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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.