Skip to main content
Fairmont State University stands out with the lowest net cost at $9,055 for Design and Applied Arts students in West Virginia, while private options reach $22,012. The state's growing tourism and craft industries create demand for designers, with graduates earning between $27,397 and $38,018 annually. Public universities dominate the affordable end, with four of six schools maintaining net costs under $17,000, making design education accessible in a state where living costs remain among the nation's lowest.
6
Programs
$9,055 – $22,012
Net Price Range
$31,389
Avg. Program Earnings
51.4%
Avg. Graduation Rate

6 Design and Applied Arts Programs

Program rankings
# School Net Price In-State Tuition Graduation Rate Acceptance Rate
1 $9,055 $8,454 48.3% 98.5%
2 $9,983 $9,700 42.3% 91.4%
3 $12,997 $9,648 61.2% 88.4%
4 $16,295 $8,732 60.6% 74.1%
5 $18,148 $33,494 49.5% 96.4%
6 $22,012 $32,842 46.3% 67.7%

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Fairmont State University the most affordable option for design students?

Fairmont State offers the lowest net cost at $9,055 and maintains an in-state tuition of just $8,454. The university accepts 98.49% of applicants, making it highly accessible for students seeking affordable design education.

How much can Design and Applied Arts graduates expect to earn in West Virginia?

Graduate earnings range from $27,397 at Concord University to $38,018 at West Virginia University. These salaries reflect the state's lower cost of living, where design professionals can maintain comfortable lifestyles while building careers in tourism, marketing, and local businesses.

Is there a significant cost difference between public and private design programs?

Public universities average around $12,000 in net costs, while private institutions like University of Charleston reach $22,012. The $10,000 gap makes public options particularly attractive, especially with similar graduation rates ranging from 42% to 61%.

Net price reflects the average cost after grants and scholarships for first-time, full-time students. See our methodology for details.