2026 Best Value Instructional Media Design Doctoral Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Instructional Media Design doctoral degree programs in the United States? This list ranks 385 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect 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 evaluated 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 Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Here are the top-ranked schools for value:
Leading the list is Brigham Young University Provo, our #1 best-value Instructional Media Design school in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Provo, UT. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Northern Illinois University earned it the #2 place in the United States. Set in Dekalb, IL, Northern Illinois University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,060 in tuition and fees. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $25,209. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,808 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,209 median debt. Northern Illinois University admits about 70% of applicants. Read more about Northern Illinois University
A rank of #3 makes Capella University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $35,998 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,189. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Capella University
Out of the 385 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Towson University landed the #4 spot. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, while out-of-state students pay about $29,820. Towson University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $21,241 in debt. Towson University alumni report median earnings of $64,390 a decade after entry. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Towson University admits about 82% of applicants. Get the full Towson University report
A rank of #5 makes Central Michigan University one of the best values in the United States. Set in Mount Pleasant, MI, Central Michigan University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $15,480. Students borrow a median of $27,857 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $55,874. Set against $27,857 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. See the full Central Michigan University profile
University Of North Texas ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Denton, TX, University Of North Texas is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,309, with out-of-state students paying around $21,149. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $21,817. Median earnings reach $57,010 ten years out. Set against $21,817 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of North Texas
Sam Houston State University landed the #6 spot for value in the United States this year. Sam Houston State University is a public school based in Huntsville, TX. Students from in state pay about $9,228 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,068 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,850 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,211 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
University Of Southern Mississippi placed #8 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Set in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,998, while out-of-state students pay about $11,998. Graduates carry a median of $25,415 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,140 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,415 median debt. About 99% of those who apply are admitted. More on University Of Southern Mississippi
Kennesaw State University placed #9 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This public school is set in Kennesaw, GA. In-state tuition and fees average $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,004. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,552. Set against $27,004 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 69% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Kennesaw State University profile
Lehigh University landed the #10 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Bethlehem, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $64,980. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $23,008. Graduates go on to earn a median of $105,584 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,008 median debt. The acceptance rate is 26%. Read the full report on Lehigh University
Iowa State University placed #11 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in Ames, IA, Iowa State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,787 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $28,881. Iowa State University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $23,495 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,386. Set against $23,495 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Iowa State University admits about 89% of applicants. More on Iowa State University
Texas Tech University ranked #12 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Lubbock, TX, Texas Tech University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $11,852, compared with $24,157 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,271 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,454. That is a strong return on a $24,271 median debt. The acceptance rate is 73%. More on Texas Tech University
University Of Georgia landed the #13 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Georgia is a public school based in Athens, GA. Students from in state pay about $11,450 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $21,792. Graduates go on to earn a median of $68,726 ten years after entry. Set against $21,792 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Georgia admits about 38% of applicants. See the full University Of Georgia profile
Duquesne University placed #14 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in Pittsburgh, PA, Duquesne University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $48,986. Duquesne University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $26,297 in debt. Median earnings reach $74,742 ten years out. Set against $26,297 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 84% of those who apply are admitted. More on Duquesne University
University Of Phoenix Arizona placed #15 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in Phoenix, AZ, University Of Phoenix Arizona is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,552. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $35,323. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,752. That is a strong return on a $35,323 median debt. Read the full report on University Of Phoenix Arizona
Boise State University came in at #16 in this year's value ranking. Based in Boise, ID, Boise State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,048, while out-of-state students pay about $27,788. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $24,311. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $51,658. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Boise State University admits about 87% of applicants. More on Boise State University
Florida State University came in at #17 in this year's value ranking. Florida State University is a public school based in Tallahassee, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,517, while out-of-state students pay about $21,683. Students borrow a median of $20,488 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $61,675. Set against $20,488 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 24% of those who apply are admitted. More on Florida State University
Utah State University landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Logan, UT, Utah State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,560, while out-of-state students pay about $24,993. Graduates carry a median of $16,191 in student loans. Median earnings reach $54,022 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $16,191 median debt. About 92% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Utah State University profile
Ohio University Main Campus placed #19 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This public school is set in Athens, OH. Students from in state pay about $14,158 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $24,838. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $24,546. Ohio University Main Campus alumni report median earnings of $52,581 a decade after entry. Set against $24,546 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ohio University Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Get the full Ohio University Main Campus report
Teachers College At Columbia University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in New York, NY, Teachers College At Columbia University is a private not-for-profit institution. Teachers College At Columbia University alumni report median earnings of $73,294 a decade after entry. More on Teachers College At Columbia University
Indiana University Bloomington came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Bloomington, IN. In-state tuition and fees average $12,144, while out-of-state students pay about $41,891. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $20,542. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $63,742. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 78% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Indiana University Bloomington report
University Of Cincinnati Main Campus placed #22 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in Cincinnati, OH, University Of Cincinnati Main Campus is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,363, with out-of-state students paying around $28,697. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $23,530. Median earnings reach $54,810 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $23,530 median debt. University Of Cincinnati Main Campus admits about 85% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of Cincinnati Main Campus
Syracuse University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Syracuse University is a private not-for-profit school based in Syracuse, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $65,528. Students borrow a median of $26,130 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,164. That is a strong return on a $26,130 median debt. The acceptance rate is 46%. Read the full report on Syracuse University
University Of Hawaii At Manoa offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Set in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,186 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $34,218. Students borrow a median of $20,577 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,624. Set against $20,577 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 87% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa report
West Virginia University came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Morgantown, WV, West Virginia University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,104, while out-of-state students pay about $28,608. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $23,772. West Virginia University alumni report median earnings of $55,939 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,772 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. More on West Virginia University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Instructional Media Design Doctoral Degree Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Michigan State University landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in East Lansing, MI, Michigan State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $18,079 in tuition and fees, compared with $44,850 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,213 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $67,253. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Michigan State University report
Keiser University Ft Lauderdale placed #27 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Keiser University Ft Lauderdale is a private not-for-profit school based in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Students from in state pay about $25,056 in tuition and fees. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $36,416. Median earnings reach $39,696 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $36,416 median debt. Keiser University Ft Lauderdale has an acceptance rate of 97%. Read more about Keiser University Ft Lauderdale
Idaho State University landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Pocatello, ID, Idaho State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,610, while out-of-state students pay about $27,720. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $24,640. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,608 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,640 median debt. Get the full Idaho State University report
Wayne State University came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Wayne State University is a public school based in Detroit, MI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $16,159, compared with $34,650 for out-of-state students. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $26,689. Wayne State University alumni report median earnings of $53,493 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,689 median debt. About 81% of those who apply are admitted. More on Wayne State University
Pepperdine University offered strong value this year, earning the #30 position. Pepperdine University is a private not-for-profit school based in Malibu, CA. Students from in state pay about $69,918 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,645 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $82,939. That is a strong return on a $23,645 median debt. About 63% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Pepperdine University report
University Of Rio Grande came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. See the full University Of Rio Grande profile
University Of West Alabama landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of West Alabama
High Point University offered strong value this year, earning the #33 position. Get the full High Point University report
Saint Vincent College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. See the full Saint Vincent College profile
Edgewood College
Edgewood College offered strong value this year, earning the #35 position. Get the full Edgewood College report
National Louis University placed #36 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Read the full report on National Louis University
Rowan University
Rowan University landed the #37 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about Rowan University
Dakota State University placed #38 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. See the full Dakota State University profile
Jacksonville State University placed #39 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. More on Jacksonville State University
University Of Montevallo landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. More on University Of Montevallo
Wright State University Main Campus landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Read the full report on Wright State University Main Campus
Albertus Magnus College ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. More on Albertus Magnus College
Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College placed #43 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. See the full Louisiana State University And Agricultural And Mechanical College profile
Universidad Ana G Mendez came in at #44 in this year's value ranking. See the full Universidad Ana G Mendez profile
University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. Read more about University Of Oklahoma Norman Campus
California State University Sacramento came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Get the full California State University Sacramento report
East Central University placed #47 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Read the full report on East Central University
Northwest Missouri State University placed #48 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Get the full Northwest Missouri State University report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus came in at #49 in this year's value ranking. See the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus profile
Western Washington University offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. More on Western Washington University
Related Instructional Media Design Value Rankings
Compare value rankings at other degree levels:
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Schools (All Levels)
- 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
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced 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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