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If you want to pursue a graphic design career, you should read this comprehensive guide on the cheapest graphic design schools. We discuss highly reputable schools and their cheapest graphic design degrees.
Pursuing a degree at one of the most affordable graphic design schools will teach you everything you need to know to get a high-paying graphic design job such as graphic designers. Find out essential details about these high-paying jobs in this article.
What Are the Most Affordable Graphic Design Schools in the US?
The cheapest graphic design schools in the US are Iowa State University, North Carolina State University, University of Illinois Chicago, and Liberty University. These universities and colleges have the cheapest graphic design degrees that teach essential graphic design skills and get you job-ready.
How Much Do the Cheapest Graphic Design Schools Cost?
The cheapest graphic design schools cost between $22,000 and $31,000 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 will have to pay for it. 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 You Should Attend a Graphic Design School
You should attend a graphic design school because these excellent programs teach you basic and advanced graphic design, communication, drawing, and technical skills. These skills help you become 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 portfolio.
Best Graphic Design School Career Options
The best career options are graphic designer, art director, web designer, and animator. These graphic design jobs involve working with people and managing them. These jobs can get you a high-paying salary.
The projected job outlook for graphic designers is three percent from 2020 to 2030. Although this is a fairly low job outlook, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), computer and information technology employment will grow by 13 percent from 2020 to 2030. Graphic design students can pursue jobs in that field should they want to.
Graphic Design Salary
The average salary for a graphic design graduate is $50,710 per year, according to BLS. This highly-favorable salary may increase depending on your location, work experience, skills, and degree level. According to a Statista report on the mean earnings in the US, your salary will be higher if you have a more advanced degree.
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 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 | $9,131 | $29,916 | 84% |
| Iowa State University | $9,634 | $25,446 | 76% |
| University of Illinois at Chicago | $14,126 | $28,476 | 62% |
| Liberty University | $22,713 | $22,713 | 62% |
| Academy of Art University | $25,424 | $25,424 | 38% |
| Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) | $38,840 | $38,840 | 71% |
| Otis College of Art and Design | $50,950 | $50,950 | 69% |
| Maryland Institute College of Art | $52,040 | $52,040 | 74% |
| California Institute of the Arts | $53,466 | $53,466 | 72% |
| Rhode Island School of Design | $56,290 | $56,290 | 86% |
What Are the Cheapest Graphic Design Schools? A Deep Dive
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North Carolina State University | Average Annual Cost: $16,411
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: 46%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 84%
- US News National Ranking: 79
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $61,353
- Graphic Design Degrees Offered: Bachelor of Graphic Design, Master of Graphic Design
Top Graphic Design Degrees at North Carolina State University
- Bachelor of Graphic Design. Students pursuing this graphic design program complete graphic design courses and earn 120 college credits. Students learn about typography and technology, the history of graphic design, and graphic design theory during this four-year degree.
- Master of Graphic 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.
North Carolina State University Graphic Design Key Takeaway
Students at North Carolina State University can join many graphic design student organizations. These organizations give students opportunities to discuss industry topics with peers, attend events, and build professional networks.
Iowa State University | Average Annual Cost: $16,002
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: 88%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 76%
- US News National Ranking: 122
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $57,351
- 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. 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.
Iowa State University Graphic Design Key Takeaway
Iowa State University is known for its graphic design curriculum. Its college of design is part of a professional graphic design association giving students endless opportunities to attend events where they can network and connect with design companies.
University of Illinois at Chicago | Average Annual Cost: $13,214
The University of Illinois at Chicago is a public institution established in 1982. It is well known for its high-quality research in engineering, education, public affairs, health, sustainability, and more. This university offers 334 degrees and certificates to its 34,199 undergraduate and graduate students.
University of Illinois at Chicago Overview
- Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
- Acceptance Rate: 73%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 62%
- US News National Ranking: 103
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $59,780
- 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.
University of Illinois at Chicago Graphic Design Key Takeaway
Pursuing a graphic design degree at the University of Illinois at Chicago ensures that students work closely with faculty and receive extensive guidance throughout their studies because of the low student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to one.
Liberty University | Average Annual Cost: $29,382
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: 50%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 62%
- US News National Ranking: 299-391
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $42,394
- 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.
Liberty University Graphic Design Key Takeaway
Studying graphic design at Liberty University is an excellent option because it allows students to tailor their degree programs to their career goals. Graphic design degrees at this university are practice-based and ensure students gain practical experience during their degree.
Academy of Art University | Average Annual Cost: $36,143
The Academy of Art University, founded in San Francisco in 1929, is a well-known private institution. This university has 129 art degree programs. Students can pursue degrees in fashion, advertising, acting, and animation. There are approximately 8,928 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: 38%
- US News Regional Ranking: 94-122
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $40,185
- 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 66 credits to complete the program.
- Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. This 132-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.
Academy of Art University Graphic Design Key Takeaway
Students studying graphic design at the Academy of Art University learn from highly-qualified experts through hands-on experiences. Acceptance into this university is very straightforward because it has an inclusive admission policy.
Savannah College of Art and Design | Average Annual Cost: $44,632
This highly reputable private institution dates its roots back to 1978. It has over 100 programs, and there are over 15,000 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: 78%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 71%
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $44,071
- 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.
Savannah College of Art and Design Graphic Design Key Takeaway
Students enrolled in a graphic design degree at the SCAD learn through experience working in the design studio. This university also allows students to collaborate with Fortune 500 companies during their degree programs.
Otis College of Art and Design | Average Annual Cost: $45,026
Otis College of Art and Design is a private institution established in 1918. It offers seven undergraduate design majors, 17 undergraduate minors, and two graduate degrees. There are currently around 1,100 students enrolled, and it has 404 faculty members.
Otis College of Art and Design Overview
- Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation (NASAD)
- Acceptance Rate: 80%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 69%
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $54,531
- 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 Communication Arts Specialization in Graphic Design. This four-year bachelor’s degree in communication arts has a graphic design track. 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.
Otis College of Art and Design Graphic Design Key Takeaway
Students pursuing a graphic design degree at Otis College of Art and Design learn about design principles and processes from highly-qualified graphic design professionals.
Maryland Institute College of Art | Average Annual Cost: $38,867
This private institution for art and design was founded in 1826 and currently has around 3,500 students enrolled. Maryland Institute College of Art has a low student-to-faculty ratio of eight to one. This school has 20 undergraduate majors, 23 undergraduate minors, and 21 graduate degrees.
Maryland Institute College of Art Overview
- Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation
- Acceptance Rate: 90%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 74%
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $44,202
- 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.
Maryland Institute College of Art Graphic Design Key Takeaway
Maryland Institute College of Art has facilities for graphic design students, including a loft-style studio where they can work on projects. This studio has computers, a production area, and a color printing area.
California Institute of the Arts | Average Annual Cost: $56,876
This private institution was founded in 1961 and offers over 70 graduate and undergraduate degree programs. The California Institute of the Arts currently has 1,437 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: 32%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 72%
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $37,733
- 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 bachelor’s degree has 120 units and teaches students valuable graphic design skills. Students learn about typography, digital photography, and visualizations.
- Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design. During this 60-credit degree program, students complete coursework and a workshop practicum. Students learn about conducting independent research, typography, and graphic design theory. It takes two years to earn this degree.
California Institute of the Arts Graphic Design Key Takeaway
Students can access a fully-equipped graphic design studio at the California Institute of the Arts while studying graphic design. Students each have their own desk and space to work and study in the graphic design studio.
Rhode Island School of Design | Average Annual Cost: $44,979
The Rhode Island School of Design, established in 1877, is a private institution. It is well known for its fantastic art and design degrees in ceramics, furniture design, interior architecture, and industrial design. It currently has 2,576 students enrolled and offers 22 majors.
Rhode Island School of Design Overview
- Accreditation: National Association of Schools of Art and Design, Commission on Accreditation
- Acceptance Rate: 27%
- Overall Graduation Rate: 86%
- US News National Ranking: N/A
- Post-Grad Median Salary: $58,131
- 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 126 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.
Rhode Island School of Design Graphic Design Key Takeaway
The Rhode Island School of Design has excellent career services that students can use to attend seminars, events, and workshops that facilitate networking. It also has career advising programs to help students start their graphic design careers.
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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.
Federal Pell Grants are a prevalent form of financial assistance, and it is 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 $45 billion worth of grants were awarded to undergraduate students during the 2020 to 2021 academic year.
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.
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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.
Best 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 percent 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 grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 to be eligible. Two people receive this scholarship each year.
- Creative Arts/Design Scholarship | Amount: Up to $5,000. Students pursuing or accepted into a design school program can receive this scholarship. It is a merit-based scholarship, and the application deadline is 17th June each year.
- CBC Spouses Visual Arts Scholarship | Amount: Varies. 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. The deadline for this scholarship is 30th April each year.
- Graphic Design Scholarship | Amount: $1,000. This scholarship is for undergraduate students pursuing a degree at a two- or four-year institution. Students must have a GPA of 2.75. The application deadline is 31st December 2022.
Cheapest Undergraduate Graphic Design Schools
The cheapest undergraduate graphic design schools have excellent graphic design bachelor’s degrees and associate degrees. These degrees in graphic design help you gain fundamental skills to start a successful graphic design career. Read the detailed list below to help find the best and most affordable undergraduate school for you.
Most Affordable Graphic Design Associate Degree Programs
- Brookdale Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design | $148/credit (in-county); $253.50/credit (out-of-county); $278.50/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 | $235.50/credit (in-state); $283.25/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 | $260/credit. This 18-month graphic design degree 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 | $39,800/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 | $1,041/credit. This degree teaches students the integrating principles of graphic design, graphic design history, and visual communication. Students complete coursework and earn 66 units over two years.
Most Affordable Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- North Carolina State University | Bachelor of Graphic Design | $272.29/credit (residents); $1,178.17 per 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 | $4,576/semester (in-state); 12,175/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 | $6,805/semester (in-state); $14,109/semester (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 | $23,800/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 | $869/credit. Students complete 120 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.
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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 excellent graduate programs will help you fine-tune your graphic design skills and land a higher-paying job. We discuss the cheapest graduate schools for graphic design in the section below.
Most Affordable Schools for Master’s Degrees in Graphic Design
- University of Illinois Chicago | Master of Design in Graphic Design | $8,602/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 | $24,550/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 | $2,160/credit. 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 | $27,220/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 | $28,218/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.
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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 $9,400. You need to look for graphic design programs that fit your tuition budget but 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. You need to find an affordable program that fits your needs. A Statista report on the most important factors when choosing an online program found that 55 percent of college students pursue online degrees because of affordability.
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 is 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 US 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.
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.
Cheapest Online Schools for Graphic Design
Many of the cheapest online schools for graphic design have online classes and programs for people interested in gaining valuable technical graphic design skills. Read the detailed breakdown below of the most affordable online graphic design schools and their online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in graphic design.
| School | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Southern New Hampshire University | $320/credit | 39% |
| Liberty University | $390/credit (undergraduate); $565/credit (graduate) | 62% |
| Regent University | $395/credit (full time); $450/credit (part time) | 62% |
| Bellevue University | $440/credit | 23% |
| Savannah College of Art and Design | $869/credit (undergraduate); $890/credit (graduate) | 71% |
Most Affordable Online Graphic Design Bachelor’s Programs
- Rasmussen University | Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design | $229/credit. Students can complete this 90-credit degree in 18 months. Students learn about interactive publishing and collateral design during this degree at Rasmussen University.
- Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts | $320/credit. This degree at SNHU has two concentration options, web design and 3D modeling and animation. Students earn 120 credits over four years.
- Regent University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Arts | $395/credit (full time); $450/credit (part time). This degree program at Regent University teaches students about graphic design history and technologies. Students earn 120 credits and build a portfolio throughout this program.
- Bellevue University | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design | $440/credit. Students pursuing this degree at Bellevue University earn 127 credits while learning about typography, layout, color theory, design basics, and fundamentals of JavaScript.
- Upper Iowa University | Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design | $498/credit. This degree at Upper Iowa University teaches students about digital technologies and problem-solving skills. Students also learn other essential technical and artistic skills for a successful graphic design career.
Most Affordable Online Graphic Design Master’s Programs
- Liberty University | Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | $565/credit. During this online degree, students earn 60 credits over four years. It helps students gain interactive design, publication, and visualization illustration skills.
- Arizona State University | Master of Science in Graphic Information Technology | $740/credit. This degree program at Arizona State University includes online courses in color metrology, research methods, and new media internet technologies. It is a two-year degree with 30 credit hours.
- Savannah College of Art and Design | Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design and Visual Experience | $890/credit. This program includes hands-on learning and covers topics such as visual design for interactive contexts and ideation methods. During this degree, students earn 90 credits and must complete a graduate internship.
- Minneapolis College of Art and Design | Master of Arts in Graphic and Web Design | $900/credit. This 30-credit degree teaches students how to work in teams effectively. Students take graphic design classes about motion design, typography, and user experience design.
- Academy of Art University | Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | $1,171/credit. Students earn 63 credits while learning about graphic design fundamentals. Students complete a thesis and an internship. Students also build a portfolio.
Will Attending an Online Graphic Design School Save Me Money?
Yes, attending an online graphic design degree program allows you to learn from home and reduces 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 | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Art Director | Bachelor’s degree | $100,890 |
| Animator | Bachelor’s degree | $78,790 |
| Web Designer | High school diploma/bachelor’s degree | $77,200 |
| Industrial Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $77,030 |
| Graphic Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $50,710 |
Best Graphic Design Jobs Explained
The best graphic design jobs are art director, animator, and web designer. The programs listed in this article will help you learn essential communication and design skills needed for success. Read more details about the five best graphic design jobs below.
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Art Director
Overall Job Growth: 11%
Highest-paying States: California, New York, New Jersey
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: 16%
Highest-paying States: Connecticut, California, Washington
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: 13%
Highest-paying States: Washington, New York, Iowa
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 the functionality of a website. To become a web designer, you must know how to work with programming languages such as HTML.
Industrial Designer
Overall Job Growth: 6%
Highest-paying States: Virginia, Arizona, Kansas
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: 3%
Highest-paying States: District of Columbia, Washington, New York
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.
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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
[query_class_embed] 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.
Yes, a graphic design online degree is respected as long as it is accredited. You can find an online program’s accreditation information on the online university’s website. Programs offered by 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.
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Danel Redelinghuys
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