Cheapest Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Minnesota

Saint Cloud State University offers Design and Applied Arts students the lowest net cost at $14,485, making it nearly $14,000 cheaper than Bethel University's $28,439. This gap reflects Minnesota's split between affordable public options and pricier private institutions. University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn the highest salaries at $43,984, while Concordia University-Saint Paul graduates start at $23,351. Minnesota's design market benefits from major employers like Target, headquartered in Minneapolis, which regularly hires creative professionals for retail marketing, product design, and digital experiences. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with four of the five cheapest programs offered by state schools. The 95% acceptance rate at Saint Cloud State makes quality design education accessible to most applicants.

Programs

$14,485 – $28,439

Net Price Range

$34,294

Avg. Program Earnings

62.4%

Avg. Graduation Rate

15 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
#	School	Net Price	In-State Tuition	Graduation Rate	Acceptance Rate
1	Saint Cloud State University Saint Cloud, Minnesota	$14,485	$10,117	46.9%	95.3%
2	Bemidji State University Bemidji, Minnesota	$17,050	$10,164	53.4%	77.5%
3	University of Minnesota-Twin Cities Minneapolis, Minnesota	$17,139	$16,488	84.8%	74.9%
4	Concordia University-Saint Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$17,566	$25,000	58.8%	69.1%
5	Bethany Lutheran College Mankato, Minnesota	$17,680	$30,010	59.6%	58.5%
6	Minnesota State University Moorhead Moorhead, Minnesota	$17,816	$10,336	54.6%	56.6%
7	University of Minnesota-Duluth Duluth, Minnesota	$18,464	$14,318	64.5%	80.7%
8	Rasmussen University-Minnesota St. Cloud, Minnesota	$19,071	$10,899	53.2%
9	Saint Mary's University of Minnesota Winona, Minnesota	$21,034	$43,160	67.7%	96.8%
10	St Catherine University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$21,563	$49,758	65.1%	92.5%
11	Augsburg University Minneapolis, Minnesota	$23,875	$43,942	52.4%	76.5%
12	University of Northwestern-St Paul Saint Paul, Minnesota	$25,140	$36,830	68.4%	92.5%
13	Minneapolis College of Art and Design Minneapolis, Minnesota	$25,935	$43,824	69.2%	56.9%
14	Dunwoody College of Technology Minneapolis, Minnesota	$27,023	$25,659	62.7%	98.0%
15	Bethel University Saint Paul, Minnesota	$28,439	$42,930	75.2%	72.5%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge cost difference between Minnesota's cheapest and most expensive Design and Applied Arts programs?

The $14,000 gap between Saint Cloud State ($14,485) and Bethel University ($28,439) reflects the public versus private divide. Public universities receive state funding that keeps costs lower, especially for in-state students who pay around $10,000-$16,000 in tuition. Private institutions like Bethel charge full tuition rates near $43,000, though financial aid brings net costs down significantly.

How do earnings vary among Design and Applied Arts graduates in Minnesota?

University of Minnesota-Twin Cities graduates earn $43,984 annually, nearly double the $23,351 earned by Concordia University-Saint Paul alumni. Dunwoody College of Technology graduates also perform well at $43,798, likely due to their technical focus and industry partnerships. The earnings range of $20,000+ shows how program type and employer connections affect career outcomes.

Is it easier to get accepted at cheaper Design and Applied Arts programs in Minnesota?

Saint Cloud State accepts 95% of applicants while charging the lowest net cost at $14,485. However, University of Minnesota-Twin Cities accepts 75% despite being the second-cheapest public option at $17,139. Minneapolis College of Art and Design, a specialized institution, accepts only 57% of applicants and costs $25,935, showing that selectivity doesn't always correlate with price.

Where do most Minnesota Design and Applied Arts programs cluster geographically?

The Twin Cities metro area hosts eight of the 15 programs, including specialized schools like Minneapolis College of Art and Design and major employers like Target. Greater Minnesota offers budget-friendly options in Saint Cloud, Bemidji, and Duluth with net costs under $19,000. This geographic spread provides both urban internship opportunities and affordable rural alternatives for design students.

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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.