2026 Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools
Looking for the best-value Instructional Media Design programs programs in the United States? This list ranks 385 institutions by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Each school below is scored on factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
So you can compare your options, Teaching Degree Search analyzed schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Instructional Media Design Schools in the United States
Learn more about these high-value schools below:
La Salle University tops our 2026 ranking of the best-value Instructional Media Design programs schools in the United States. Located in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $37,800 in tuition and fees. Graduates carry a median of $25,462 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $67,416. Set against $25,462 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 97% of applicants are accepted. Get the full La Salle University report
Out of the 385 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Mayville State University landed the #2 spot. Located in Mayville, ND, Mayville State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $7,979, while out-of-state students pay about $11,237. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $27,464. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,828. That is a strong return on a $27,464 median debt. Read the full report on Mayville State University
Out of the 385 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Concordia University Irvine landed the #3 spot. Set in Irvine, CA, Concordia University Irvine is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $43,480. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,085. Concordia University Irvine alumni report median earnings of $65,083 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Irvine admits about 66% of applicants. Read the full report on Concordia University Irvine
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Brigham Young University Provo earned it the #5 place in the United States. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. Students from in state pay about $6,688 in tuition and fees. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $12,184. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $75,790. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Brigham Young University Provo has an acceptance rate of 68%. Get the full Brigham Young University Provo report
Lone Star College System offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Lone Star College System is a public school based in The Woodlands, TX. Students from in state pay about $2,664 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,512 for out-of-state students. Lone Star College System Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $10,425 in debt. Lone Star College System alumni report median earnings of $42,466 a decade after entry. Set against $10,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Lone Star College System profile
Western Governors University placed #7 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Salt Lake City, UT. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,658. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $23,277. Median earnings reach $60,615 ten years out. Set against $23,277 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. More on Western Governors University
Essex County College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Essex County College is a public school based in Newark, NJ. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,415, while out-of-state students pay about $9,523. Graduates carry a median of $12,472 in student loans. Median earnings reach $37,230 ten years out. Set against $12,472 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Essex County College
University Of Sioux Falls offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, University Of Sioux Falls is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $21,750. Students borrow a median of $26,103 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,521. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Sioux Falls
Wisconsin Lutheran College offered strong value this year, earning the #10 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Milwaukee, WI. In-state tuition and fees average $36,110. Wisconsin Lutheran College Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $26,916 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,664 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Wisconsin Lutheran College report
Minnesota State University Mankato landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Minnesota State University Mankato is a public school based in Mankato, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,572, with out-of-state students paying around $18,942. Students borrow a median of $25,260 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,260 median debt. Minnesota State University Mankato has an acceptance rate of 88%. More on Minnesota State University Mankato
Bemidji State University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bemidji, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $10,237. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $25,819. Median earnings reach $53,755 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Bemidji State University admits about 56% of applicants. Get the full Bemidji State University report
Bellevue University placed #13 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in Bellevue, NE, Bellevue University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,873. Students borrow a median of $27,852 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $61,289 ten years out. Set against $27,852 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Bellevue University
Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System landed the #14 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Aliso Viejo, CA, Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,540 in tuition and fees. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,471 in debt. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System alumni report median earnings of $65,703 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,471 median debt. More on Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System
Mcdaniel College ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Westminster, MD. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $52,081. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $23,247. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $60,663. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. Mcdaniel College has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Mcdaniel College
Doane College Crete offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Based in Crete, NE, Doane College Crete is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,985. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $28,802. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,316. Set against $28,802 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Doane College Crete admits about 98% of applicants. See the full Doane College Crete profile
Northwest Missouri State University ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Maryville, MO, Northwest Missouri State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,611 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $23,585. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,885. That is a strong return on a $23,585 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. See the full Northwest Missouri State University profile
Concordia University Saint Paul offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,600. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $29,026. Concordia University Saint Paul alumni report median earnings of $59,871 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 79%. More on Concordia University Saint Paul
Wilson College came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. Located in Chambersburg, PA, Wilson College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $27,100. Students borrow a median of $34,814 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $43,326. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Wilson College
Buena Vista University offered strong value this year, earning the #20 position. Set in Storm Lake, IA, Buena Vista University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,798. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $29,317. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,156. That is a strong return on a $29,317 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Buena Vista University
Saint Marys University Of Minnesota ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Winona, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,080. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,081. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota alumni report median earnings of $58,170 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,081 median debt. Saint Marys University Of Minnesota has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Saint Marys University Of Minnesota profile
Baldwin Wallace College landed the #22 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $39,832. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $27,307. Median earnings reach $54,122 ten years out. Set against $27,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Baldwin Wallace College
Concordia University Chicago ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in River Forest, IL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,488. Students borrow a median of $26,956 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Concordia University Chicago alumni report median earnings of $54,089 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Chicago has an acceptance rate of 93%. See the full Concordia University Chicago profile
William Woods University ranked #24 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Fulton, MO, William Woods University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,340. Graduates carry a median of $25,512 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,401 ten years out. Set against $25,512 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 71% of applicants are accepted. See the full William Woods University profile
Delaware Technical Community College Terry came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dover, DE, Delaware Technical Community College Terry is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,332, while out-of-state students pay about $5,763. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $11,154. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,448. That is a strong return on a $11,154 median debt. More on Delaware Technical Community College Terry
Dakota State University ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Madison, SD, Dakota State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,654, while out-of-state students pay about $12,756. Students borrow a median of $28,724 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $50,970 ten years out. Set against $28,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Dakota State University admits about 88% of applicants. Read more about Dakota State University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Instructional Media Design Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
Wilmington University placed #27 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in New Castle, DE, Wilmington University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $12,630 in tuition and fees. Wilmington University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $26,054 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,844. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Wilmington University
Northern Illinois University offered strong value this year, earning the #28 position. Northern Illinois University is a public school based in Dekalb, IL. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,060. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $25,209. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,808. Set against $25,209 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. See the full Northern Illinois University profile
American Public University System offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Based in Charles Town, WV, American Public University System is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $23,438. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,409 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about American Public University System
Martin Luther College ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Set in New Ulm, MN, Martin Luther College is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,120. Graduates carry a median of $20,224 in student loans. Martin Luther College alumni report median earnings of $47,491 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $20,224 median debt. Martin Luther College has an acceptance rate of 87%. Get the full Martin Luther College report
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offered strong value this year, earning the #31 position. Based in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,092 in tuition and fees. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $23,917 in debt. Southern Illinois University Edwardsville alumni report median earnings of $56,346 a decade after entry. Set against $23,917 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Southern Illinois University Edwardsville report
Stark State College landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in North Canton, OH, Stark State College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,790 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $7,886. Students borrow a median of $17,349 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $34,661 ten years after entry. Set against $17,349 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Stark State College profile
Arizona State University Skysong offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. This public school is set in Scottsdale, AZ. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,627, compared with $13,925 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $23,742 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Arizona State University Skysong alumni report median earnings of $62,668 a decade after entry. Set against $23,742 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Arizona State University Skysong has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read the full report on Arizona State University Skysong
Nicholls State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Thibodaux, LA, Nicholls State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,149, compared with $9,242 for out-of-state students. Nicholls State University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $24,513 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $45,454. Set against $24,513 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. More on Nicholls State University
Walden University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $49,361. Walden University alumni report median earnings of $42,810 a decade after entry. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Walden University
Marian University Wisconsin offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Fond Du Lac, WI. Students from in state pay about $35,204 in tuition and fees. Marian University Wisconsin Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,242 in debt. Marian University Wisconsin alumni report median earnings of $53,501 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,242 median debt. Marian University Wisconsin admits about 75% of applicants. Get the full Marian University Wisconsin report
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #37 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in West Chester, PA. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,775, compared with $22,599 for out-of-state students. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,258. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Saint Cloud State University offered strong value this year, earning the #38 position. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 95%. More on Saint Cloud State University
Piedmont College came in at #39 in this year's value ranking. Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit school based in Demorest, GA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,700. Graduates carry a median of $29,975 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,130. Set against $29,975 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Piedmont College admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Piedmont College
Grand Canyon University offered strong value this year, earning the #40 position. Set in Phoenix, AZ, Grand Canyon University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $18,508. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $30,027. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,186 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $30,027 median debt. Grand Canyon University admits about 79% of applicants. More on Grand Canyon University
Aurora University placed #40 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in Aurora, IL, Aurora University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,170 in tuition and fees. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $24,507. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,709. Set against $24,507 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Aurora University admits about 81% of applicants. Get the full Aurora University report
Concordia University Wisconsin came in at #42 in this year's value ranking. Based in Mequon, WI, Concordia University Wisconsin is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $35,470. Concordia University Wisconsin Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,172 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,075 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Concordia University Wisconsin has an acceptance rate of 78%. Read more about Concordia University Wisconsin
Emmanuel College Massachusetts landed the #43 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Boston, MA, Emmanuel College Massachusetts is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $48,550 in tuition and fees. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,866. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,245. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. More on Emmanuel College Massachusetts
Western Illinois University came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. Located in Macomb, IL, Western Illinois University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,639 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,163. That is a strong return on a $27,639 median debt. Western Illinois University admits about 71% of applicants. Read the full report on Western Illinois University
The College Of Saint Scholastica placed #45 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,778. Graduates carry a median of $26,755 in student loans. Median earnings reach $65,934 ten years out. Set against $26,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. Get the full The College Of Saint Scholastica report
Anderson University Sc placed #46 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Anderson University Sc is a private not-for-profit school based in Anderson, SC. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,970. Students borrow a median of $28,034 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,101. That is a strong return on a $28,034 median debt. About 55% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Anderson University Sc
University Of South Dakota offered strong value this year, earning the #47 position. Based in Vermillion, SD, University Of South Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,432, while out-of-state students pay about $12,942. University Of South Dakota Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $26,322 in debt. University Of South Dakota alumni report median earnings of $51,926 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,322 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on University Of South Dakota
Fort Hays State University placed #49 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in Hays, KS, Fort Hays State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $5,923, while out-of-state students pay about $17,741. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $25,967. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $48,928. That is a strong return on a $25,967 median debt. Fort Hays State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Fort Hays State University
Park University landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Parkville, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. Graduates carry a median of $22,112 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,309. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Park University profile
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,570 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $15,824. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $26,307. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,351 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. The acceptance rate is 86%. Read more about Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Liberty University ranked #51 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Lynchburg, VA, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,173. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $27,414. Median earnings reach $44,813 ten years out. Set against $27,414 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about Liberty University
Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools by Degree Level
See the best values at each degree level:
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Teaching Degree Search (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment — drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 385 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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