2026 Best Value Instructional Media Design Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Instructional Media Design graduate certificate degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 385 colleges 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 reviewed schools to compile 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat La Salle University this year in the United States. Set in Philadelphia, PA, La Salle University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $37,800. 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. The acceptance rate is 97%. More on La Salle University
Mayville State University came in at #2 on this year's best-value Instructional Media Design ranking in the United States. Mayville State University is a public school based in Mayville, ND. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,979, with out-of-state students paying around $11,237. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $27,464. Median earnings reach $47,828 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $27,464 median debt. More on Mayville State University
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Minnesota State University Mankato earned it the #3 place in the United States. Located in Mankato, MN, Minnesota State University Mankato is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,572, while out-of-state students pay about $18,942. Minnesota State University Mankato Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,260 in debt. Median earnings reach $56,922 ten years out. Set against $25,260 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Minnesota State University Mankato
A rank of #4 makes Bemidji State University one of the best values in the United States. Bemidji State University is a public school based in Bemidji, MN. Students from in state pay about $10,237 in tuition and fees. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $25,819. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $53,755. Set against $25,819 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Bemidji State University has an acceptance rate of 56%. See the full Bemidji State University profile
A rank of #5 makes Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System one of the best values in the United States. Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System is a public school based in Aliso Viejo, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,540. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $27,471. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $65,703. Set against $27,471 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Brandman University Part Of The Chapman University System report
Concordia University Saint Paul placed #6 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Paul, MN. In-state tuition and fees average $25,600. Students borrow a median of $29,026 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $59,871 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 79% of those who apply are admitted. More on Concordia University Saint Paul
Mcdaniel College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. This private not-for-profit school is set in Westminster, MD. Students from in state pay about $52,081 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $23,247 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $60,663. That is a strong return on a $23,247 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%. Get the full Mcdaniel College report
Concordia University Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #8 position. Concordia University Chicago is a private not-for-profit school based 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. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,089. Set against $26,956 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Concordia University Chicago admits about 93% of applicants. Read more about Concordia University Chicago
Southern Illinois University Edwardsville landed the #9 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Edwardsville, IL, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,092. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $23,917. Graduates go on to earn a median of $56,346 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $23,917 median debt. About 98% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
Baldwin Wallace College ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Berea, OH, Baldwin Wallace College is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $39,832. Baldwin Wallace College Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $27,307 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,122. Set against $27,307 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Baldwin Wallace College
Saint Cloud State University placed #11 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in Saint Cloud, MN, Saint Cloud State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,245. Graduates carry a median of $25,076 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $55,813. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Saint Cloud State University has an acceptance rate of 95%. See the full Saint Cloud State University profile
Western Illinois University came in at #12 in this year's value ranking. Western Illinois University is a public school based in Macomb, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,572. Graduates carry a median of $27,639 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,163 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 71%. Get the full Western Illinois University report
Nicholls State University placed #13 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This public school is set in Thibodaux, LA. 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. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,454. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 91% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Nicholls State University report
Walden University offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Walden University is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,067. Graduates carry a median of $49,361 in student loans. Median earnings reach $42,810 ten years out. Set against $49,361 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Walden University
West Chester University Of Pennsylvania came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Based in West Chester, PA, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,775, while out-of-state students pay about $22,599. Median earnings reach $61,258 ten years out. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on West Chester University Of Pennsylvania
Liberty University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Liberty University is a private not-for-profit school based in Lynchburg, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $16,173. Students borrow a median of $27,414 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,813 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 99% of applicants are accepted. More on Liberty University
Piedmont College landed the #17 spot for value in the United States this year. Piedmont College is a private not-for-profit school based in Demorest, GA. Students from in state pay about $31,700 in tuition and fees. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $29,975. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,130 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted. See the full Piedmont College profile
University Of Central Arkansas placed #18 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Set in Conway, AR, University Of Central Arkansas is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,523, compared with $18,023 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $22,920 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $45,938 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Central Arkansas
Emmanuel College Massachusetts placed #19 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Emmanuel College Massachusetts is a private not-for-profit school based in Boston, MA. Students from in state pay about $48,550 in tuition and fees. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,866. Emmanuel College Massachusetts alumni report median earnings of $68,245 a decade after entry. Set against $26,866 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Emmanuel College Massachusetts report
The College Of Saint Scholastica landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. The College Of Saint Scholastica is a private not-for-profit school based in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $41,778. The College Of Saint Scholastica Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $26,755 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $65,934 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $26,755 median debt. The College Of Saint Scholastica admits about 93% of applicants. Read the full report on The College Of Saint Scholastica
University Of Maryland University College landed the #21 spot for value in the United States this year. University Of Maryland University College is a public school based in Adelphi, MD. In-state tuition and fees average $8,136, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $23,276. Median earnings reach $65,287 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about University Of Maryland University College
University Of Southern Mississippi ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Hattiesburg, MS, University Of Southern Mississippi is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,998, with out-of-state students paying around $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. The acceptance rate is 99%. Read more about University Of Southern Mississippi
Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania landed the #25 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Shippensburg, PA, Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $13,570, compared with $15,824 for out-of-state students. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,307. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $56,351. That is a strong return on a $26,307 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted. More on Shippensburg University Of Pennsylvania
Southern Wesleyan University offered strong value this year, earning the #26 position. Set in Central, SC, Southern Wesleyan University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $29,800 in tuition and fees. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $31,554. Graduates go on to earn a median of $47,756 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 100%. Get the full Southern Wesleyan University report
Fairfield University came in at #27 in this year's value ranking. Set in Fairfield, CT, Fairfield University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $58,400. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,687. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $88,794. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fairfield University admits about 33% of applicants. See the full Fairfield University profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Instructional Media Design Graduate Certificate Degree Schools in the United States
These schools rounded out the top of this year’s value ranking:
University Of West Alabama landed the #28 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Livingston, AL, University Of West Alabama is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,990, compared with $20,090 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $31,894 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,232. Set against $31,894 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 43% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of West Alabama
American Public University System landed the #29 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in Charles Town, WV. Students from in state pay about $8,400 in tuition and fees. American Public University System Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $23,438 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,409. That is a strong return on a $23,438 median debt. See the full American Public University System profile
Valdosta State University placed #30 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Based in Valdosta, GA, Valdosta State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,124, while out-of-state students pay about $17,836. Graduates carry a median of $28,661 in student loans. Valdosta State University alumni report median earnings of $49,361 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Valdosta State University admits about 72% of applicants. Read more about Valdosta State University
California State University San Bernardino landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Bernardino, CA, California State University San Bernardino is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,088, while out-of-state students pay about $20,688. Students borrow a median of $15,149 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. California State University San Bernardino alumni report median earnings of $59,977 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%. More on California State University San Bernardino
University Of West Georgia placed #32 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This public school is set in Carrollton, GA. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,088, while out-of-state students pay about $17,800. Students borrow a median of $26,789 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $49,587 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 52% of applicants are accepted. See the full University Of West Georgia profile
Drury University offered strong value this year, earning the #32 position. Based in Springfield, MO, Drury University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $36,745. Graduates carry a median of $26,641 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $40,694. Set against $26,641 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Drury University has an acceptance rate of 58%. See the full Drury University profile
Webster University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,750. Graduates carry a median of $25,939 in student loans. Webster University alumni report median earnings of $50,876 a decade after entry. Set against $25,939 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 86% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Webster University report
University Of North Dakota ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Set in Grand Forks, ND, University Of North Dakota is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,951, while out-of-state students pay about $15,570. Students borrow a median of $25,110 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $63,552. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted. Get the full University Of North Dakota report
Sam Houston State University placed #36 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. This public school is set in Huntsville, TX. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, with out-of-state students paying around $19,068. Typical Instructional Media Design student debt is $24,850. Median earnings reach $54,211 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $24,850 median debt. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Sam Houston State University
University Of Memphis ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Based in Memphis, TN, University Of Memphis is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,728, while out-of-state students pay about $15,384. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $26,315. University Of Memphis alumni report median earnings of $48,458 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on University Of Memphis
Clemson University landed the #38 spot for value in the United States this year. Clemson University is a public school based in Clemson, SC. Students from in state pay about $15,554 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $40,866. Students borrow a median of $23,783 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $71,513 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 38%. Read the full report on Clemson University
St Catherine University offered strong value this year, earning the #39 position. Located in Saint Paul, MN, St Catherine University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,428. Students borrow a median of $29,883 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. St Catherine University alumni report median earnings of $59,282 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 92%. Read more about St Catherine University
Indiana State University landed the #40 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Terre Haute, IN, Indiana State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,258, with out-of-state students paying around $22,322. Students borrow a median of $25,582 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Median earnings reach $48,387 ten years out. Set against $25,582 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. More on Indiana State University
Towson University offered strong value this year, earning the #41 position. Located in Towson, MD, Towson University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,728, with out-of-state students paying around $29,820. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $21,241. Median earnings reach $64,390 ten years out. Set against $21,241 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted. More on Towson University
Western Washington University ranked #42 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Set in Bellingham, WA, Western Washington University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,582, with out-of-state students paying around $28,707. Western Washington University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $20,361 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,569 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full Western Washington University report
University Of Dayton ranked #43 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Located in Dayton, OH, University Of Dayton is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $49,140 in tuition and fees. University Of Dayton Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,033 in debt. Median earnings reach $75,537 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 65% of applicants are accepted. Read more about University Of Dayton
Quinnipiac University placed #44 among the best-value Instructional Media Design schools in the United States. Located in Hamden, CT, Quinnipiac University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $55,480. Quinnipiac University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,926 in debt. Median earnings reach $83,759 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,926 median debt. Roughly 72% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Quinnipiac University report
Missouri State University Springfield landed the #44 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Springfield, MO, Missouri State University Springfield is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,502, compared with $18,770 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,408 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $49,827. That is a strong return on a $24,408 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. More on Missouri State University Springfield
Governors State University offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Based in University Park, IL, Governors State University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,004. Students borrow a median of $24,990 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Governors State University alumni report median earnings of $58,169 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 48% of those who apply are admitted. More on Governors State University
University Of North Carolina At Charlotte came in at #47 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Charlotte, NC. In-state tuition and fees average $7,239, while out-of-state students pay about $22,492. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $24,673 in debt. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,289 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $24,673 median debt. University Of North Carolina At Charlotte admits about 80% of applicants. Read the full report on University Of North Carolina At Charlotte
Capella University landed the #48 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Minneapolis, MN, Capella University is a private for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $14,400 in tuition and fees. The median Instructional Media Design program debt is $35,998. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,189. Set against $35,998 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Capella University
Kennesaw State University landed the #49 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Kennesaw, GA, Kennesaw State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,808, compared with $17,736 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,004 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $57,552 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 69%. See the full Kennesaw State University profile
University Of Georgia came in at #50 in this year's value ranking. Set in Athens, GA, University Of Georgia is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $11,450, while out-of-state students pay about $31,688. Students borrow a median of $21,792 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. University Of Georgia alumni report median earnings of $68,726 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Georgia has an acceptance rate of 38%. Read the full report on University Of Georgia
Jacksonville University came in at #51 in this year's value ranking. Located in Jacksonville, FL, Jacksonville University is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $48,150. Jacksonville University Instructional Media Design students take on a median of $25,619 in debt. Jacksonville University alumni report median earnings of $68,010 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,619 median debt. About 57% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Jacksonville University
Wichita State University ranked #52 on our 2026 list of the best-value Instructional Media Design schools. Set in Wichita, KS, Wichita State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,684, while out-of-state students pay about $19,869. Students borrow a median of $24,262 to complete their Instructional Media Design program here. Wichita State University alumni report median earnings of $51,532 a decade after entry. Set against $24,262 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 94% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Wichita State 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 Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Instructional Media Design Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
The ranking above is published 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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