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Cheapest Design and Applied Arts Colleges in Pennsylvania

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

The most affordable Design and Applied Arts programs in Pennsylvania span an extraordinary cost range, from Cheyney University's $9,837 net price to private options reaching $24,791. This gap reflects Pennsylvania's split between accessible public education and selective private colleges that offer significant need-based aid. Swarthmore College exemplifies this paradox with a $62,412 sticker price that drops to $18,686 after aid for qualifying students, while maintaining a 94.10% graduation rate. The state's design graduates enter a job market shaped by major employers like Comcast, which drives demand for digital media specialists, and pharmaceutical giants requiring packaging and product design expertise. Earnings vary considerably, with Kutztown University graduates averaging $39,677 compared to East Stroudsburg's $29,141. Public institutions like Indiana University of Pennsylvania offer solid value at $17,216 net cost with 52.40% graduation rates, while smaller private colleges such as Westminster and Geneva provide more personalized programs in the $20,000-$21,000 range. Pennsylvania's PA State Grant program helps bridge affordability gaps for in-state students, making these programs accessible across income levels.
41
Programs
$9,837 – $45,022
Net Price Range
$38,370
Avg. Program Earnings
64.6%
Avg. Graduation Rate

41 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,837 $10,904 16.2%
2 $13,766 $23,900 43.4% 84.3%
3 $15,089 $11,036 43.8% 93.6%
4 $17,216 $11,380 52.4% 91.9%
5 $18,686 $62,412 94.1% 6.9%
6 $19,258 $47,675 59.6% 75.2%
7 $19,685 $24,606 59.7% 95.6%
8 $20,231 $12,262 54.4% 92.4%
9 $20,800 $39,470 65.9% 75.3%
10 $21,043 $33,610 61.5% 79.1%
11 $21,205 $11,230 54.1% 96.1%
12 $21,241 $27,000 51.8% 94.1%
13 $21,664 $28,794 42.2% 84.9%
14 $21,900 $54,960 66.5% 69.7%
15 $21,972 $33,120 57.7% 97.4%
16 $22,222 $39,570 72.5% 80.8%
17 $22,558 $41,414 71.0% 78.3%
18 $23,331 $41,100 72.1% 73.4%
19 $24,051 $35,815 50.5% 78.5%
20 $24,791 $38,160 59.6% 82.1%
21 $25,157 $29,460 60.5% 75.6%
22 $25,747 $34,940 65.6% 93.8%
23 $25,866 $48,290 64.0% 77.6%
24 $26,084 $17,940 50.4%
25 $26,198 $36,842 77.1% 81.1%
26 $26,539 $57,400 74.1% 76.7%
27 $27,263 $44,510 58.7% 80.6%
28 $27,663 $56,402 68.9% 76.2%
29 $27,686 $40,640 78.5% 79.4%
30 $28,132 $50,320 72.5% 76.7%
31 $28,163 $45,683 68.2% 88.9%
32 $29,219 $22,082 74.7% 79.7%
33 $29,266 $31,370 63.8% 44.3%
34 $29,577 $32,625 65.2% 81.0%
35 $31,229 $66,104 96.8% 6.5%
36 $31,671 $63,829 92.5% 11.3%
37 $33,549 $62,180 89.2% 37.0%
38 $38,428 $60,663 77.1% 79.6%
39 $43,369 $50,279 63.4% 53.2%
40 $44,154 $54,290 69.2% 80.0%
41 $45,022 $44,600 67.6% 91.3%

Frequently Asked Questions

What explains the huge difference between Cheyney University's $9,837 cost and other schools?

Cheyney University stands out with the lowest net price at $9,837, significantly below the next cheapest option at $13,766. However, this comes with trade-offs including a 16.20% graduation rate, the lowest among all schools listed. The university serves as Pennsylvania's historically black public institution, prioritizing access over selectivity with generous financial aid packages for qualifying students.

How do public versus private school costs compare for Design and Applied Arts in Pennsylvania?

Public schools generally offer lower net prices, with institutions like East Stroudsburg at $15,089 and Indiana University of Pennsylvania at $17,216. Private colleges range from $13,766 at Harrisburg University to $21,972 at La Roche University. The gap narrows significantly when comparing net prices rather than sticker prices, as private schools often provide substantial need-based aid.

Is Swarthmore College actually affordable despite its $62,412 sticker price?

Swarthmore's generous need-based aid reduces costs to $18,686 for qualifying students, making it competitive with many state schools. The college maintains a 6.93% acceptance rate and 94.10% graduation rate, suggesting this aid targets high-achieving students from lower-income families. Students who qualify essentially receive a $43,000+ annual discount from one of the nation's top liberal arts colleges.

Does graduation rate correlate with program cost in Pennsylvania Design and Applied Arts programs?

Higher-cost programs generally show better graduation rates, with Swarthmore at 94.10% and Westminster College at 65.90%. Public institutions show more variation, with Indiana University of Pennsylvania achieving 52.40% compared to Cheyney's 16.20%. However, schools like East Stroudsburg demonstrate that affordable public education can still deliver solid 43.80% graduation rates at just $15,089 net cost.

Where do Design and Applied Arts graduates find the best earning potential in Pennsylvania?

Kutztown University graduates earn the highest average at $39,677, despite the school's moderate $21,205 net cost and 96.14% acceptance rate. Indiana University of Pennsylvania graduates average $38,289 with lower debt loads at $27,000. East Stroudsburg shows the lowest earnings at $29,141, though graduates carry similar debt levels, suggesting regional job market differences affect outcomes more than school prestige.

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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.