Graphic design is an interesting profession that sits at the center of modern marketing and product storytelling. If you want to work in this field, one practical way to begin is to choose an online degree program that has both transparent tuition and flexible pacing. Below, we’ll dive into current costs, timelines, and curricula for reputable and accredited programs, plus up-to-date job outlook and salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
Can I Get a Graphic Design Degree Online?
Yes. Many accredited colleges and universities are offering associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees in graphic design that you can complete either fully online or in hybrid formats. A typical full-time student can finish their associate’s or master’s in about two years, and a bachelor’s degree in about four years.
Why Choose an Online Graphic Design Degree?
Online degree programs are generally more flexible and less expensive per credit than comparable programs that are housed on-campus. Additionally, you can avoid commuting and housing costs that are associated with in-person study. For independent learners who have a reliable computer and internet connection, online study is a practical way to build your portfolio while keeping your work and family commitments on track. That said, if you prefer to have in-person studio time, campus labs, or in-person critique, a traditional program may be a better fit for you.
What Are the Most Affordable Online Graphic Design Degree Programs?
Below we will detail programs that are the most affordable for earning an online graphic design degree. The figures are reflective of 2025-2026 tuition rates.
Cheapest Graphic Design Degree Programs Online That Will Help You Stand Out
If you’re looking for the most affordable way to start a career in design, there are several accredited colleges that are offering low-cost online graphic design degrees. Here are three updated examples for 2025:
- Gateway Technical College – Online AAS in Graphic Design
- Rasmussen University (Wisconsin) – Online AAS in Graphic Design
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) – Online BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts
How Much Does an Online Graphic Design Degree Cost?
Most online programs charge by the credit, so annual tuition will vary based on how quickly you can complete the program. In 2025, undergrad per-credit rates that are included in this list range roughly from $150 to over $580, excluding additional fees.
Will Getting a Graphic Design Degree Online Save Me Money?
Often yes, getting a degree online generally will save you money. You can avoid commuting, parking, and campus housing costs. Some schools will price online and in-state tuition the same (e.g., Gateway’s note that online-only courses use the same per-credit tuition regardless of residency), but specific distance-learning or general fees may still apply.
Online vs In-Person Graphic Design Programs
Both in-person and online graphic design programs can prepare you really well for a career in the field, but the best choice for you will depend on your individual goals, schedule, and learning preferences. Many schools now offer hybrid learning options that blend online coursework with occasional campus sessions. This gives students a great balance of both flexibility and hands-on access.
Benefits of an Online Graphic Design Degree
- Learn at your own pace. Most online programs use asynchronous or accelerated terms, which lets you structure the coursework around your work schedule or family responsibilities.
- Study from anywhere. All you really need for online courses is a reliable computer and Internet connection, so you can study in the environment where you’re most productive.
- Lower overall costs. Online tuition is often equal to or less than on-campus tuition, and by studying remotely you will avoid housing costs, commuting fees, and meal-plan expenses.
- Keep your current job. Many online degrees are structured for working adults, with part-time and self-paced tracks available that reduce overall career disruption.
- Save time on commuting. By skipping daily travel, students gain necessary extra hours to complete assignments, freelance jobs, or work on building their design portfolio.
Benefits of In-Person Graphic Design Degree Programs
- Full campus experience. In-person study typically includes clubs, arts events, and face-to-face peer collaboration, which can be valuable for your creative growth.
- Fewer home distractions. A classroom environment removes many of the interruptions that are common with online study.
- Direct faculty and peer interaction. Meeting professors during office hours and engaging in live critiques can boost the opportunity for feedback and skill development.
- Hands-on equipment access. On-campus labs typically include high-powered computers, licensed Adobe Creative Cloud suites, and specialty tools like large-format printers and screen presses that you can’t always get with remote study
Tech support built in. Instead of troubleshooting your own system, you can rely on school IT staff to help keep your classes running smoothly.
Online Graphic Design Degree Career Options
Graphic designers work across brand marketing, product design, publishing, advertising, UI/UX, and motion graphics. Below is the current job outlook and median pay for roles that are adjacent to graphic design:
| Role | Typical Education | Job Outlook | Median Pay |
|---|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | Bachelor’s | +2% (slower than average)¹ | $61,300¹ |
| Web Developer / Digital Designer | Bachelor’s | +7% (much faster than average)² | $95,380² |
| Art Director | Bachelor’s | +4% (about average)³ | $111,040³ |
| Special Effects Artist / Animator | Bachelor’s | +2% (slower than average)⁴ | $99,800⁴ |
| Industrial Designer | Bachelor’s | +3% (about average)⁵ | $79,450⁵ |
Can I Enroll in an Online Graphic Design Program for Free?
As of 2025, there are no accredited colleges that are currently offering a full graphic design degree online for free. However, there are many ways to significantly reduce education-related costs.
- Low-cost online courses: While this is not a replacement for a degree, platforms like Coursera or edX sometimes offer free or low-cost introductory design classes that can help you build skills before enrolling in a degree program.
- Federal aid: Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year will determine if you are eligible for grants, loans, and work-study opportunities that will help pay for your schooling.
- Scholarships: Many schools and outside organizations offer scholarships for art and design students that can help partially or even fully offset your tuition.
- Employer tuition assistance: Some companies will provide education benefits that cover part of a degree in exchange for continuing to work during your program.
Cheapest Online Graphic Design Degrees: Program-by-Program Notes
Gateway Technical College (AAS, Graphic Design — Online)
- Tuition: $150 per credit6
- Why it’s affordable: transparent, sub-$200 in-state rate; strong transfer pathways into 4-year programs.
Rasmussen University (AAS/Bachelor’s in Graphic Design — Online)
- Tuition: $260 per credit7
- Why it’s affordable: laddered pathway lets you apply associate credits toward the bachelor’s.
Southern New Hampshire University (BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts — Online)
- Tuition: $342 per credit8
- Why it’s affordable: consistent, published online tuition with generous credit transfer acceptance.
Bellevue University (BA in Graphic Design — Online)
- tuition: $459 per credit9
- Why it’s affordable: competitive per-credit price; adult-learner focus; frequent credit transfer.
Regent University (BFA in Graphic Design — Online)
- Tuition: $395 per credit for full-time students; $450 per credit for part-time students10
- Why it’s affordable (context): lower annual tuition than many private peers; check your exact program page for definitive costs.
Liberty University (MFA in Graphic Design — Online)
- Tuition: $580 per credit full-time; $645 per credit part-time11
- Why it’s affordable: large online catalog with long-standing frozen undergrad online rates and competitive graduate pricing.
Arizona State University (MS in Graphic Information Technology — Online)
- Tuition: $580 per credit12
- Why it’s affordable (context): public-university pricing with multiple start dates and strong online support.
Quinnipiac University (MS in Interactive Media & Communications — Online)
- Tuition: $9,990 per semester13
- Why it’s notable: compact 30-credit curriculum with UX, content strategy, and portfolio capstone.
Full Sail University (BS in Graphic Design — Online)
- Tuition: $94,000 total14
- Why it’s notable: accelerated pacing; program-total pricing simplifies budgeting.
Savannah College of Art and Design / SCADnow (MA in Graphic Design & Visual Experience — Online)
- Tuition: $43,115 per year15
- Why it’s notable: studio-grade creative coursework with MA/MFA tracks available online (SCADnow).
Common Courses in Online Graphic Design Programs
Most of these types of curricula aim to build a portfolio while also teaching design craft, digital tools, and client problem-solving:
- Web & Digital Design (UI/UX, HTML/CSS fundamentals)
- Principles of Design (typography, layout, color, composition)
- Branding & Identity (logos, packaging, systems)
- Digital Imaging & Photography (Adobe Photoshop/Lightroom)
- Capstone / Portfolio (curation, critique, professional presentation)
Course names vary, but the learning outcomes target visual communication, concept development, and production fluency.
Can I Apply Federal Aid to an Online Graphic Design Degree?
Yes, you can. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year to determine if you are eligible for federal grants, loans, and work-study. Most schools also list institutional scholarships and state-based aid that may be available for residents on their financial aid pages.
Options to Help Pay for an Online Graphic Design Degree
- Federal & State Grants: Need-based and do not require repayment (e.g., Pell; state grants vary by residency).
- Federal & Private Loans: Borrow carefully; federal loans offer income-driven repayment options.
- Work-Study: Part-time campus/remote roles for eligible students.
- Scholarships: Departmental or external awards targeting art/design students.
Most Affordable Online Graphic Design Associate Degrees
Gateway Technical College | AAS in Graphic Design
Gateway’s associate degree covers design foundations such as branding, typography, and digital media. Students can transfer credits into four-year bachelor’s programs through established agreements.
Rasmussen University (Wisconsin) | AAS in Graphic Design
Rasmussen offers a laddered pathway: students who finish the associate degree can apply all credits toward a bachelor’s in graphic design, saving time and money.
Remington College | AAA in Digital Graphic Art
This 92-credit-hour program can be completed in as little as 18 months with full-time enrollment. Coursework covers website design, typography, and digital press operations. Remington advertises project-based learning to help students gain practical skills.
Columbus State Community College | AAS in Digital Design and Graphics
Requiring 65 credits, this associate program includes classes in digital photography, WordPress, branding, and storyboarding. The curriculum prepares graduates for entry-level roles or transfer to a bachelor’s program.
Wake Tech Community College | AAS in Advertising & Graphic Design
This 71-credit degree emphasizes real-world applications of design in multimedia, web development, advertising, and social media. Students also learn print and digital production, positioning them for versatile career opportunities.
Most Affordable Online Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degrees
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) | BA in Graphic Design and Media Arts
SNHU emphasizes multimedia design, digital imaging, and portfolio development.
Regent University | BFA in Graphic Arts
Regent offers a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) with a focus on both art theory and applied design.
Bellevue University | BA in Graphic Design
Bellevue University provides a balance of affordability and flexibility. The program includes general education coursework to build communication and leadership alongside design skills.
Full Sail University | BS in Graphic Design
Full Sail has an accelerated online bachelor’s degree that allows students to finish in 29 months, which is much faster than the typical four-year timeline, while building a professional design portfolio.
University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) | BA in Graphic Communication
This 120-credit bachelor’s degree combines design theory with applied media communication. As a public university, UMGC offers discounted in-state tuition for Maryland residents, making it one of the most affordable options for state students.
Most Affordable Online Graphic Design Master’s Degrees
Arizona State University (ASU) | MS in Graphic Information Technology
ASU’s program blends visual design with media production, motion graphics, and UX.
Liberty University | MFA in Graphic Design
Liberty’s online MFA focuses on advanced digital design, 3D graphics, and illustration.
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) | MA in Graphic Design and Visual Experience
SCADnow offers a fully online MA with courses in motion graphics, design theory, and graduate internships.
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Quinnipiac University | MS in Interactive Media and Communications
This 30-credit program emphasizes UX strategy, content development, and digital storytelling.
Radford University | MFA in Design Thinking
Radford’s terminal MFA program spans 60 credits, completed in two years full-time or four years part-time. The curriculum emphasizes design history, management, and research, preparing graduates for leadership and academic roles.
Most In-Demand Graphic Design Jobs with an Online Graphic Design Degree
- Animator / Special Effects Artist: BLS projects +2% growth.4
- Web Designer / Web Developer: +7% growth; median pay is $95,380.2
- Art Director: +4% growth; median pay $111,040.3
- Industrial Designer: +3% growth; median pay $79,450.5
- Graphic Designer: +2% growth; median pay $61,300.1
Is an Online Graphic Design Degree Worth It?
If you value flexibility, need to work while you’re studying, and want a structured path to a professional portfolio, an online degree can be very much worth it. To maximize the value, make sure you confirm current tuition rates, factor in any projected costs for software/equipment, and focus on programs that have portfolio-centric coursework, practical briefs, and clear capstone requirements.
Cheapest Online Graphic Design Degrees FAQ
Yes, it’s absolutely possible to work as a graphic designer without a degree if you can show a strong portfolio. Many self-taught designers and bootcamp graduates build careers this way, particularly in freelance or contract roles. That said, some employers, and especially ones at larger companies, may prefer or require candidates with a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a related field.
Graphic designers are employed across industries including tech, retail, media, marketing, and nonprofits. Opportunities exist at global companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google, as well as at design agencies and startups. You can find these types of open positions on company career pages or job boards such as LinkedIn, Indeed, and Glassdoor.
Yes. You can develop design skills at home through online resources such as YouTube tutorials, affordable bootcamps, or free courses on platforms like Coursera and edX. Success in this type of self-directed study requires discipline, reliable technology, and good time management.
We’d recommend that you start with the fundamentals of art and design: drawing, color theory, typography, and layout. Free and low-cost online resources can help you understand these basics, and many programs will offer student pricing for essential tools like Adobe Creative Cloud. Building small projects, such as posters, social media graphics, or personal branding, can help you practice and create work for a portfolio even before you enroll in a formal program.
References
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/graphic-designers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/computer-and-information-technology/web-developers.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/art-directors.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/multimedia-artists-and-animators.htm
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/arts-and-design/industrial-designers.htm
- https://www.gtc.edu/paying-college/determine-cost
- https://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/design/graphic-design/bachelors/
- https://www.snhu.edu/online-degrees/bachelors/ba-in-graphic-design-and-media-arts
- https://www.bellevue.edu/degrees/bachelor/graphic-design-ba/
- https://www.regent.edu/program/bfa-in-graphic-design/#tuition-fees/snippet-namecurrent-tuition-text/online-COA-Future
- https://www.liberty.edu/online/communication-and-the-arts/masters/graphic-design/
- https://asuonline.asu.edu/what-it-costs
- https://www.qu.edu/schools/communications/programs/dual-degree/communications-dual-degree-bachelors-masters-degree-program/tuition-and-financial-aid/?tab=graduate-costs
- https://www.fullsail.edu/admissions/tuition
- https://www.scad.edu/admission/tuition-and-fees/graduate
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