If you want to pursue a career as a graphic designer, getting an education in the field is a great way to start building the necessary skills and knowledge—from using tools like Adobe Creative Cloud and Sketch, to soft skills such as communication, and critical thinking, to professional requirements like building a digital presence and human-centered design. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll discuss some of the cheapest graphic design schools, the types of jobs this training can prepare you for, and how to choose the right program for you.
How Much Do the Cheapest Graphic Design Schools Cost?
The cheapest graphic design schools cost between $10,000 and $60,000 per year. Most graphic design schools’ costs include tuition, health insurance, housing, and more.
Cheapest Graphic Design Schools Costs Breakdown
- Tuition and fees. Tuition and fees include basic services you receive at university, like lectures and student services.
- Health insurance. Health insurance fees included in the cost of a university go toward a health insurance plan which ensures you are covered medically during college.
- Housing. If you decide to live in a dorm during your college education, you’ll have to pay for that as well. Your college costs decrease if you choose not to live on campus.
- Activities/student fees. These fees cover other student services such as career coaching, tutoring, and counseling.
- Books and supplies. While studying at a university, you need textbooks, materials, and supplies to complete projects. Colleges usually have a books or supplies fee, which covers the cost of these materials and textbooks.
Why Attend a Graphic Design School?
You should attend a graphic design school if you’re interested in learning basic and advanced graphic design, communication, drawing, and technical skills. Getting these skills from a reputable school can help you on your way to becoming a successful graphic designer.
Many degree programs, whether bachelor’s or master’s degrees, include internships during which you gain real-world experience before entering the job market. Attending a graphic design school also helps you build an impressive professional portfolio.
Best Graphic Design School Career Options
Some career options are graphic designer, art director, web designer, and animator. These design jobs involve not only creative work in the graphic arts, but also problem-solving and critical thinking skills, as well as collaborating with and managing other people.The projected job outlook for graphic designers is 2% from 2024 to 2034.1 Although this is a fairly low job outlook, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information technology employment is projected to grow “much faster” than the average for all occupations during this same period.2 Graphic design students can pursue jobs in that field should they want to.
Graphic Design Salary
The average salary for a graphic designer is $61,300 per year, according to BLS.3 However, this salary may increase or decrease depending on your company, location, work experience, skills, and degree level. According to a Statista report on the mean earnings in the U.S., salaries tend to be higher for those with a more advanced degree.4
Can You Attend Graphic Design School for Free?
No, you cannot attend a graphic design school for free, but you can apply for financial aid, which can cover a large portion of your entire cost of attendance. You can also learn valuable graphic design skills with free online courses. MIT OpenCourseWare has free graphic design courses, such as Digital Typography and Fundamentals of Computational Media Design.
Cheapest Graphic Design Schools That Won’t Break the Bank
School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Graduation Rate |
---|---|---|---|
North Carolina State University | $8,895 | $31,767 | 84% |
Iowa State University | $10,497 | $27,683 | 74% |
University of Illinois at Chicago | $14,338 | $29,360 | 71% |
Liberty University | $21,222 | $21,222 | 40% |
Academy of Art University | $28,024 | $28,024 | 28% |
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) | $40,595 | $40,595 | 70% |
Otis College of Art and Design | $55,513 | $55,513 | 71% |
Maryland Institute College of Art | $54,120 | $54,120 | 75% |
California Institute of the Arts | $56,724 | $56,724 | 72% |
Rhode Island School of Design | $59,760 | $59,760 | 91% |
What Are the Cheapest Graphic Design Schools? A Deep Dive
North Carolina State University | Average Annual Cost: $16,931
North Carolina State University is a public university founded in 1887. Currently, there are more than 37,500 students enrolled in this university. It offers over 300 graduate and undergraduate degree programs. Students can pursue degrees in design, engineering, and biology, among others.
North Carolina State University Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Acceptance Rate: 40%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 84%
- U.S. News National Ranking: 64 (National Universities), 29 (Top Public Schools), 66 (Best Value Schools)
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $68,758
- Graphic Design Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Graphic Design, Master of Graphic Design
Top Graphic Design Degrees at North Carolina State University
- Bachelor of Graphic and Experience Design. Students pursuing this graphic design program complete graphic design courses and earn 120 college credits. Students develop knowledge in typography and technology, the history of graphic design, and graphic design theory during this four-year degree.
- Master of Graphic and Experience Design. This degree has between 24 and 48 credit hours. It covers topics like conceptual frameworks for designers and challenges in information design. Students gain hands-on experience during design studio courses. It takes two to three years to complete this Master of Graphic Design.
Iowa State University | Average Annual Cost: $18,165
This land-grant university was founded in 1858. Iowa State University has 100 majors and currently has 30,708 students enrolled. It is known for its highly reputable college of design. This university is a people’s college and aims to give everyone access to higher education.
Iowa State University Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Acceptance Rate: 89%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 74%
- U.S. News National Ranking: 117 (National Universities), 57 (Top Public Schools), 131 (Best Value Schools)
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $63,386
- Graphic Design Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts
Top Graphic Design Degrees at Iowa State University
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. During this 124-credit program, students learn about typography, 3D animation, and motion graphics. This degree can be finished in four years, and it also includes a summer internship or a summer studying abroad.
- Master of Arts in Experiential Graphic Design. This is a great degree option for students who have little to no experience in graphic design. Students earn 30 credit hours and learn about graphic design theory, critical media, and user engagement. This degree takes one year to complete.
Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Graphic design students enrolled in this degree need to earn 60 credit hours. It includes a thesis, and courses cover research design, design and cultural semiotics, and graphic design theory. Students complete this degree in two to three years.
University of Illinois at Chicago | Average Annual Cost: $12,313
The University of Illinois at Chicago is a public institution established in 1982. It’s well-known for its high-quality research in engineering, education, public affairs, health, sustainability, and more. This university offers over 300 degrees and certificates to its more than 33,000 undergraduate and graduate students.
University of Illinois at Chicago Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Acceptance Rate: 79%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 71%
- U.S. News National Ranking: 84 (National Universities), 42 (Top Public Schools), 179 (Best Value Schools)
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $68,740
- Graphic Design Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Design, Master of Design
Top Graphic Design Degrees at University of Illinois at Chicago
- Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design. This bachelor’s degree program teaches students graphic design fundamentals such as typography and digital media design. Students need to earn 132 credits during this four-year degree.
Master of Design in Graphic Design. Students learn about advanced graphic design and graphic design research during this degree. It consists of 64 credit hours and takes about two years to complete. Students must complete a master’s project near the end of the program.
Liberty University | Average Annual Cost: $29,552
This private institution was established in 1971 and is well-known for its on-campus and online degrees. Liberty University has over 100,000 students enrolled from over 70 different countries. Students at this university have many degree options, with over 300 residential degree programs and 450 online degree programs.
Liberty University Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Acceptance Rate: 99%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 40%
- U.S. News National Ranking: 395-434 (National Universities)
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $44,813
- Graphic Design Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Science, Master of Fine Arts
Top Graphic Design Degrees at Liberty University
- Bachelor of Science in Studio and Digital Arts: Graphic Design. This bachelor’s degree focuses on graphic design fundamentals. Students take graphic design courses such as vector illustration, digital imaging, and typography. It has 120 credits and can be completed in four years.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. This is a four-year degree program. Students earn 120 credits during this program while learning about digital photography, 3D design, and an introduction to graphic design.
Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. This three-year master’s degree consists of 60 credit hours. Students take courses in art and design research methodologies, publication design, and vector illustrations. Students must also complete a thesis at the end of this degree.
Academy of Art University | Average Annual Cost: $39,778
The Academy of Art University, founded in San Francisco in 1929, is a well-known private institution. This university has 900 art and design classes. Students can pursue degrees in fashion, advertising, acting, and animation. There are approximately 6,320 students attending this university.
Academy of Art University Overview
- Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation (NASAD)
- Acceptance Rate: 100%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 28%
- U.S. News Regional Ranking: 105-115 (Regional Universities West)
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $39,008
- Graphic Design Degrees Offered: Associate of Arts, Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts
Top Graphic Design Degrees at Academy of Art University
- Associate of Arts in Graphic Design. This two-year associate degree gives students a solid foundation in basic concepts of design. It covers typography, package design, interactive design, layout, design thinking, and branding. Students must earn 60 credits to complete the program.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. This 120-credit degree program takes four years to complete. It teaches students about the basic graphic design process. Students take graphic design classes about visual design tools, an introduction to interaction design, and visual communication.
Master of Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media. Students learn all about digital design, type systems design, and visual thinking during this graphic design degree. Students earn 36 credits during this two-year program.
Savannah College of Art and Design | Average Annual Cost: $45,450
This highly reputable private institution dates its roots back to 1978. It has over 100 programs, and there are over 18,000 students enrolled at this university. Students at Savannah College of Art and Design have a wide range of degree options because it has furniture, illustration, accessory, and graphic design majors.
Savannah College of Art and Design Overview
- Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 70%
- U.S. News National Ranking: 8 (Regional Universities South), 37 (Best Value Schools), 6 (Best Undergraduate Teaching)
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $45,954
- Graphic Design Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts
Top Graphic Design Degrees at Savannah College of Art and Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. This degree teaches students about graphic design principles. Students complete courses about the core, basic principles of interactive design, visual design systems, and color theory and application. This is a 180-credit program.
- Master of Arts in Graphic Design and Visual Experience. While completing this degree, students must do an internship and learn about visual storytelling and contextual research methods. This degree has 45 credit hours and may include more depending on each student’s admission documents.
Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Visual Experience. This degree program can take up to five years to complete and has 90 credit hours. Students take courses in the visual analysis of static content and experience design for physical spaces. Students must complete a thesis for this degree.
Otis College of Art and Design | Average Annual Cost: $45,864
Otis College of Art and Design is a private institution established in 1918. It offers eight undergraduate design majors, 13 undergraduate minors, and two graduate degrees. There are currently around 1,200 students enrolled, and it has roughly 400 faculty members.
Otis College of Art and Design Overview
- Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation (NASAD)
- Acceptance Rate: 84%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 71%
- U.S. News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $58,152
- Graphic Design Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Fine Arts
Top Graphic Design Degrees at Otis College of Art and Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. In this four-year bachelor’s degree, students learn about design principles, communications, and typography. Students must earn 120 credits and gain skills in interaction design and package design.
- Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Students take courses in contemporary graphic design issues and entrepreneurship during this degree program. Students attend workshops and learn from industry experts during mentorships. It takes two years to complete this 60-credit program.
Maryland Institute College of Art | Average Annual Cost: $38,429
This private institution for art and design was founded in 1826 and currently has around 1,320 undergrad students enrolled, with a low student-to-faculty ratio of eight to one. This school has 21 undergraduate majors, 23 undergraduate minors, and 19 graduate degrees.
Maryland Institute College of Art Overview
- Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation
- Acceptance Rate: 77%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 75%
- U.S. News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $45,212
- Graphic Design Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Arts
Top Graphic Design Degrees at Maryland Institute College of Art
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. This bachelor’s degree has 120 credits and requires students to complete specific coursework to earn the credits. Students learn about graphic design history, typography, and photoimaging.
- Master of Arts in Graphic Design. During this 30-credit degree, students gain fundamental graphic design skills while attending workshops, working in the studio, and learning about design theory and practice.
Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Students pursuing this master’s degree complete 60 credits while taking courses and writing a thesis. It includes an advanced publication design course that helps students create their graphic design portfolios.
California Institute of the Arts | Average Annual Cost: $47,183
This private institution was founded in 1961 and offers over 40 graduate and undergraduate degree programs. The California Institute of the Arts currently has nearly 1,500 students enrolled and offers degrees in music, art, graphic design, and dance.
California Institute of the Arts Overview
- Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation
- Acceptance Rate: 26%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 72%
- U.S. News National Ranking: 28 (Regional Universities West)
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $41,198
- Graphic Design Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Fine Arts
Top Graphic Design Degrees at California Institute of the Arts
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. The four-year graphic design degree program teaches students valuable skills such as typography, digital photography, visualizations, virtual reality, and more.
Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. During this graduate degree program, students complete coursework and a workshop practicum covering typography, conducting independent research, and graphic design theory. It takes two years to earn this degree.
Rhode Island School of Design | Average Annual Cost: $46,253
The Rhode Island School of Design, established in 1877, is a private institution. It’s well-known for its art and design degrees in ceramics, furniture design, interior architecture, and industrial design. It currently has more than 2,700 students enrolled and offers over 40 degree programs.
Rhode Island School of Design Overview
- Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation
- Acceptance Rate: 14%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 91%
- U.S. News National Ranking: 3 (Regional Universities North), 1 (Most Innovative Schools)
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $68,140
- Graphic Design Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Master of Fine Arts
Top Graphic Design Degrees at Rhode Island School of Design
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. This bachelor’s degree takes approximately four years to complete and has 120 credit hours. Students learn typography, drawing, and spatial dynamics fundamentals during this degree program.
Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. Students completing this degree need to choose a two- or three-year degree track. It has 66 credit hours and requires students to complete a thesis. Students learn about graphic design history and conduct research courses

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Paying for Graphic Design School With Financial Aid
Paying for Graphic Design School With Financial Aid
There are many financial aid options for graduate and undergraduate students to help them pay for their graphic design education. Typical financial aid options include grants, loans, scholarships, and work-study programs. Read the breakdown of different financial assistance options below.
Federal Grants
The federal government awards federal grants to undergraduate and graduate students. A grant is financial aid money that students don’t need to pay back. There are many federal grants, such as Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants.
The federal government awards federal grants to undergraduate and graduate students. A grant is financial aid money that students don’t need to pay back. There are many federal grants, such as Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, and more.
Federal Pell Grants are a prevalent form of financial assistance, and they’re usually awarded to undergraduate students who display a financial need. According to a report on Statista on the amount of undergraduate student aid provided, approximately $31.4 billion worth of grants were awarded to undergraduate students during the 2023–2024 academic year.5
Federal Loans
A federal loan is money that you borrow from the federal government. The federal government funds federal loans and offers these loans to graduate and undergraduate students. Students need to pay back federal loans, but payments only start after graduation and have a fixed interest rate.
The four kinds of federal loans include Direct Subsidized Loans, Direct Unsubsidized Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Direct Consolidation Loans. Each has different features that distinguish it from other federal loans.
Private Loans
A private loan is an amount of money borrowed from a bank, state-based organization or credit union that helps you pay for college. Prospective students need to pay back a private loan and pay interest on the loan. A private loan payment usually starts during your college education, and they have many different interest rates.
Work-Study
Work-study programs give jobs to undergraduate and graduate students who show financial need. They allow students to make money while pursuing their degrees. Students can use the money they receive from their work to pay for their college education. These jobs may be on campus or off campus, depending on the kind of job.
Scholarships
Scholarships are need-based or merit-based awards given to students to help fund their education. They are awarded to students by schools, organizations, and employers. Scholarships usually cover some if not all tuition costs and they do not have to be paid back.
How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your Graphic Design School Program
There are a few essential steps you need to follow when applying for federal aid to pay for your graphic design education. Below, we’ve broken down five crucial steps to help make your federal aid application process easier.
- Collect required documents. Before you can apply for federal financial aid, you must gather specific documents needed to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You need your social security number, driver’s license, tax information, and information on your bank accounts.
- Fill out the FAFSA. First, you need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID to fill out the application online. Then you will proceed to the FAFSA and fill in all the required information.
- Review the Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR is a document you can find online or receive on paper that summarizes all the information you included in your FAFSA. You should check that all the information in the SAR is correct. You can also access the SAR with your FSA ID.
- Respond to your offer. When your FAFSA is complete and processed, you will get a financial aid offer that you need to review. You must choose which financial aid offers you will accept during this stage. Read the terms and conditions of each offer carefully before you accept.
- Receive federal student aid. Once you have accepted your federal student aid offer, you will receive financial aid. When you receive the financial assistance will depend on what kind of aid you receive. Federal student aid may go directly into your bank account or directly to the school.
Graphic Design Scholarships
- Against The Grain Artistic Scholarship | Amount: $1,000. This scholarship is for students pursuing a full-time degree in visual or performing arts. Students must be at least 25% Asian or Pacific Islander and US citizens or residents. The application deadline is 31st May each year.
- American Advertising Federation-New Mexico Scholarship | Amount: Up to $1,400. This scholarship is for New Mexico residents enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree in marketing or graphic design. Students need a minimum grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 to be eligible.
- CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship | Amount: $5,000. Students qualify for this scholarship if they are African American, show leadership, are active in the community, and are enrolled in a visual arts degree program
Cheapest Undergraduate Graphic Design Schools
Many of the cheapest undergraduate graphic design schools have excellent associate and bachelor’s degrees. These degrees in graphic design can help you gain fundamental skills to start a successful graphic design career. Read the detailed list below to help find some of the best and most affordable undergraduate schools for you.
Most Affordable Graphic Design Associate Degree Programs
- Brookdale Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design | $209/credit (in-county); $313/credit (out-of-county); $338/credit (out-of-state). This associate degree from Brookdale Community College teaches students graphic design techniques and production. It also helps students build a strong graphic design portfolio and has 60 credits.
- Central Pennsylvania’s Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Graphic and Interactive Design | $343.50/credit (in-state); $458/credit (out-of-state). This associate degree program at Central Pennsylvania’s Community College has 62 credit hours students must complete in two years.
- Rasmussen University | Associate Degree in Graphic Design | $297/credit. This 18-month online education program from Rasmussen University teaches students about digital photography, image editing, and web design. Students must earn 91 credit hours to qualify for graduation.
- Lynn University | Associate of Science in Graphic Design | $44,700/year. Lynn University offers this degree that teaches students fundamental graphic design skills in two years. Students earn 65 credit hours learning about digital photography, drawing, and interactive design.
- Academy of Art University | Associate of Arts in Graphic Design | $1,301/credit. This degree teaches students the integrating principles of graphic design, graphic design history, and visual communication. Students complete coursework and earn 60 units over two years.
Most Affordable Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- North Carolina State University | Bachelor of Graphic and Experience Design | $272.29/credit (residents); $1,312.50/credit (non-residents). Students pursuing this bachelor’s degree get a lot of experience working with photographic, computer, and videographic media. Students take four years to complete 120 credits.
- Iowa State University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | $5,751/semester (in-state); $15,322/semester (out-of-state). During this 124-credit program, students complete coursework over four years. This degree includes an internship or study abroad option and allows students to complete projects for real-world clients.
- University of Illinois at Chicago | Bachelor of Design in Graphic Design | $12,992/year (in-state); $33,344/year (out-of-state). This bachelor’s degree consists of 132 credit hours of coursework. Students learn about graphic design fundamentals over four years. Students gain experience in graphic design through professional projects.
- Liberty University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | $24,650/year. During this bachelor’s degree, students gain essential skills in graphic design to create integrated campaigns and work with industry software. Students complete this degree in four years and earn 120 credits.
Savannah College of Art and Design | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | $937/credit. Students complete 180 credits during this degree while learning about digital communication and Interface design. Students can also do an undergraduate graphic design internship to gain experience in the graphic design field
Cheapest Graduate Schools for Graphic Design
Some of the cheapest graduate graphic design schools have high-quality graphic design master’s degrees and PhDs. These graduate programs aim to help you fine-tune your graphic design skills and land a higher-paying job. Below, we’ll discuss a handful of the cheapest graduate schools for graphic design.
Most Affordable Schools for Master’s Degrees in Graphic Design
- University of Illinois Chicago | Master of Design in Graphic Design | $7,237/semester. During this 64-credit master’s degree, students learn about design history, design research, and other essential skills to conduct independent research in graphic design.
- Otis College of Art and Design | Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | $27,060/semester. This two-year master’s degree allows students to learn through hands-on experience. Students earn 60 credits and engage in discussions, studio projects, and workshops.
- Maryland Institute College of Art | Master of Arts in Graphic Design | $27,060/semester. This two-year master’s degree has 30 credit hours. Students get an intensive immersion into graphic design practices to prepare for a successful graphic design career.
- California Institute of the Arts | Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | $30,325/semester. During this degree program, students will learn about different design principles such as ideation, composition, and typography through projects. This is a two-year degree.
Rhode Island School of Design | Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | $31,983/semester. This degree can take two or three years to complete because there are two different learning tracks. Students learn about graphic design tools, techniques, and history while earning 66 credit hours.
Most Affordable PhDs in Graphic Design Universities
- Virginia Commonwealth University | PhD in Media, Art, & Text | $5,364/semester (in-state); $11,446/semester (out-of-state). The PhD in Media, Art, & Text at Virginia Commonwealth University is a 42-credit program with 36 hours worth of coursework and six hours of dissertation research. Students take courses in text and complete workshops.
- University of California Irvine | PhD in Visual Studies | $11,442/year (in-state); $26,544/year (out-of-state). This degree program at the University of California Irvine requires students to take 14 courses, write a preliminary exam and submit a dissertation. Once the dissertation is submitted, students must pass an oral defense of their dissertation.
- Arizona State University | PhD in Design, Environment and the Arts | $12,014/year (in-state); $24,498/year (out-of-state). Students earn 54 credit hours during this PhD while learning about visual communication methods. Students attend conferences and workshops, and they submit a dissertation.
- Rochester Institute of Technology | PhD in Color Science | $2,257/credit. This degree at the Rochester Institute of Technology includes coursework in principles of color science, modeling visual perception, and research and publication methods. It is a 60-credit program that takes four years to complete.
How to Choose a Good and Affordable Graphic Design School

When choosing a good and affordable graphic design school, you should consider a few factors, such as accreditation, format, and tuition. Read the five essential criteria below to help you choose a good graphic design school and an affordable degree.
Tuition
The tuition cost is an essential factor when looking for an affordable graphic design school. The National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) reported that the average tuition cost for attending a public four-year institution is $9,800.6 You need to look for graphic design programs that fit your tuition budget but also have a high-quality program.
Flexibility and Format
The format of a program is critical. There are many on-campus, online, and hybrid graphic design degrees, so it’s important to find an affordable program that fits your needs. A Statista report on the most important factors when choosing an online program found that the top consideration for college students who choose to pursue online degrees was affordability.7
Accreditation
Accreditation means that a university meets all higher education standards and delivers high-quality educational programs. Before applying for admission to a school, you should research its accreditation to ensure it is a good quality school.
School’s Reputation
When searching for an affordable graphic design school, it’s essential to find a school that has a good reputation. You can check a school’s reputation by looking at its rankings on Times Higher Education and U.S. News & World Report.
Curriculum
The curriculum of a program is a vital deciding factor. When looking at the cheapest graphic design degrees, you should look at the curriculum and decide whether the degree covers all the areas of graphic design you would like to learn about, such as color theory or digital illustration, and that match current market trends and open job postings.
Tips for Saving Money While Attending Graphic Design School
- Apply for financial aid. You can apply for financial assistance such as scholarships and grants to help you pay for your college education and save money.
- Get a part-time job. Getting a job is an excellent idea because it will help you earn extra money to help pay for your degree and cover personal expenses.
- Stick to a budget. Making a strict budget of how much you can spend on certain things each month will help you save some money, but make sure you stick to the budget.
- Live off-campus. Living on campus in a dorm room will cost you a pretty penny. If you want to save money, you can live with friends or family or rent an apartment in a cheaper area or town.
- Find out about student discounts. In some college towns, local businesses, such as coffee shops, offer discounts to students. These discounts can help you save a lot of money.
Will Attending an Online Graphic Design School Save Me Money?
Depending on the school, getting a graphic design degree online can allow you to learn from home and reduce the cost of accommodation, tuition, and travel. You should pursue an online graphic design degree at one of the most affordable graphic design schools if you want to save on personal costs, lower your tuition, and keep your full-time job while you work.
Benefits of Online Graphic Design Programs
- Self-paced program. Online graphic design programs are self-paced, so students can complete their degrees at their own pace. You may finish your degree faster or slower than the average time for completion.
- Lower tuition costs. Your costs for tuition will be much lower because you do not need to pay for accommodation and other expenses that come with on-campus learning.
- Learn from anywhere. While completing an online graphic design degree, you can study anywhere because you do not need to attend in-person graphic design classes. You can learn as long as you have a computer with you.
- Work while you study. A flexible online curriculum allows students to study at any time. This enables students to work and earn money while completing their degrees.
- Recorded lectures. The benefit of an online degree is being able to access video lectures whenever you want and as often as you like.
Highest-Paying Graphic Design Careers
Graphic Design Job | Graphic Design Degree | Median Salary |
---|---|---|
Art Director | Bachelor’s degree | $111,040 |
Animator | Bachelor’s degree | $99,800 |
Web Designer | High school diploma/bachelor’s degree | $98,090 |
Industrial Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $79,450 |
Graphic Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $61,300 |
Art Director
Projected Job Growth: 4%13
Highest-paying States: California, New York, Illinois14
Art directors manage creative teams and departments and the style of all creative elements in a film set, publication, or advertising campaign. To become an art director, you need exceptional design and management skills.
Animator
Overall Job Growth: 2%15
Highest-paying States: California, Washington, New York14
Job responsibilities of an animator include creating 3D images that appear to move on computer software. They work in teams to create animations and visual effects for films, TV shows, or video games.
Web Designer
Overall Job Growth: 7%16
Highest-paying States: California, New York, Washington14
Web designers are responsible for planning, creating, and designing a functioning website or application. After the creation of a website, web designers need to maintain its functionality. To become a web designer, you must know how to work with programming languages such as HTML.
Industrial Designer
Overall Job Growth: 3%17
Highest-paying States: California, Michigan, New York14
An industrial designer works with engineers and manufacturers. Industrial designers meet with clients and discuss their ideas for a product or service. They use computer software to create digital models of ideas, develop working prototypes, and show these prototypes to clients.
Graphic Designer
Overall Job Growth: 2%18
Highest-paying States: California, Texas, New York14
Graphic designers create images and text that convey an idea on websites, advertisements, and other marketing materials. They work with design elements, including text, layout, images, and color. You will work with people in a team and need effective communication skills to become a graphic designer.
Graphic Design Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Graphic Design Schools
We chose the most affordable graphic design colleges based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Additional Reading About Graphic Design
- https://careerkarma.com/blog/start-a-graphic-design-career-masters-design-lab/
- https://careerkarma.com/blog/graphic-design-bachelors-degrees/
- https://careerkarma.com/blog/graphic-design-certificates/
Cheapest Graphic Design Schools FAQ
Yes, you can get a job as a graphic designer without a degree if you show adequate skills and an impressive portfolio. You can take online courses in graphic design to sharpen your software and design skills and increase your chances of employment if you don’t have a degree. There is also the possibility of accessing high-paying careers without a degree and advanced studies if you enhance your skills through professional development.
In most cases, a graphic design online degree is respected as long as it is accredited, and you can find an online program’s accreditation information on the online university’s website. Programs offered by many accredited online universities are of the same quality as in-person courses, offer an excellent online learning platform, and some of them can also be more affordable colleges too.
Yes, there are PhDs in Graphic Design, but graphic design options regarding these programs are rare and hard to find. If you want to take your graphic design career to the next level and are willing to put in several hours of study, you can pursue a PhD program in a related subject such as color science or computer graphics.
Yes, many universities offer undergraduate and graduate graphic design certificates where you can enhance your creative skills. For example, the Academy of Art University offers a four-year graphic design certificate. However, make sure you know the difference between a certificate and a certification before you pursue the program you want.
1https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-6
2https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/home.htm
3https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-5
4https://www.statista.com/statistics/184242/mean-earnings-by-educational-attainment/
5https://www.statista.com/statistics/235287/undergraduate-student-aid-in-the-us/
6https://nces.ed.gov/fastfacts/display.asp?id=76
7https://www.statista.com/statistics/956111/reasons-online-college-selection-students/
8https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm#tab-5
9https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm#tab-5
10https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm#tab-5
11https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/industrial-designers.htm#tab-5
12https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-5
13https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm#tab-6
14https://data.bls.gov/oesprofile/
15https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm#tab-6
16https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm#tab-6
17https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/industrial-designers.htm#tab-6
18https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm#tab-6
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