Marketing and advertising systems in the United States are propelled by visual concepts captivating consumers and created by dedicated graphic designers. This strongly artistic field requires knowledge in various computer software systems along with the talent and drive to create. In the early stages of choosing an online bachelor’s degree in graphic design it is important to compare not only the cost of programs, but the added technological resources, internships, specialized courses, and other beneficial offerings from schools. Those engaged in photography, film and media, digital media, and visual communication require a professional portfolio to enter careers in writing, marketing, business, promotion, and other lucrative professions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median range salary for the graphic designer was $50,370 in 2018. With a 3 percent increase in job growth over the next 8 years, graphic design or communication designer occupations maintain a fairly competitive outlook.
GetEducated has surveyed 38 online bachelor’s degree graphic design options from 19 regionally accredited schools to fill this “Best Buy” list. These rankings represent the most affordable options available to future students throughout the US. With a tuition difference of up to $135,300, it is essential to become an informed consumer before making one of the largest financial decisions of a lifetime.
Average Cost (In-state): ~$72,100
Least Expensive: University of Florida ~ $15,501.60
Most Expensive: Savannah College of Art and Design ~ $150,800.00
Our data-driven research creates a truly reliable system of scientific rankings. There are no fancy formulas here. We meticulously calculate total full-time tuition—including any fees—for the most accurate total cost. Our rankings cannot be bought, and therefore factually showcase the cheapest online bachelor’s degree graphic design options. The online graphic design degrees listed above the gray dividing line are official 2020 “Best Buys” and cost less than the national average.
15 Most Affordable Online Bachelor’s Degree Graphic Design
| Rank | School / Degree | State | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | University of Florida | (FL) | $15,501.60 $66,314.40 | In-State Out-of-State |
2 | Arkansas State University | (AR) | $31,020.00 | All Students |
3 | University of Maryland Global Campus | (MD) | $37,850.00 $61,730.00 $30,050.00 | In-State Out-of-State Military |
4 | Granite State College | (NH) | $38,360.00 $44,480.00 | In-State Out-of-State |
5 | Southern New Hampshire University | (NH) | $38,550.00 $27,150.00 | In-State/Out-Of-State Military |
6 | Liberty University | (VA) | $48,492.00 $30,100.00 | In-State/Out-Of-State Military |
7 | Southeastern University | (FL) | $49,200.00 | All Students |
8 | Regent University | (VA) | $51,800.00 $34,400.00 | In-State/Out-Of-State Military |
9 | Kentucky Wesleyan College | (KY) | $55,160.00 | All Students |
10 | Bellevue University | (NE) | $55,875.00 $33,650.00 | In-State/Out-Of-State Military |
11 | Upper Iowa University | (IA) | $56,590.00 $30,070.00 | In-State/Out-Of-State Military |
12 | Pennsylvania State University | (PA) | $58,172.00 | All Students |
13 | National University | (CA) | $66,700.00 | All Students |
14 | Maryville University | (MO) | $66,800.00 | All Students |
15 | Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | (CO) | $70,914.00 | All Students |
| School / Degree | State | Price | Note | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 California Baptist University | (CA) | $78,161.00 | All Students | |
Academy of Art University | (CA) | $127,661.00 | All Students | |
Savannah College of Art and Design | (GA) | $150,800.00 | All Students |
14 Program is no longer accepting new students.
Accreditation Note: To qualify for a ranking, a program must be regionally accredited. Additional programmatic accreditation is noted in the rank table.
40 National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD)
Rankings Note: These online college rankings are based on a GetEducated Winter/Spring 2020 review of regionally accredited online bachelor’s degree graphic design options. Total cost includes full-time tuition and fees and was valid at the time of collection and specific to the online learning program. School profiles for the Request More Information in our directory may reflect a slightly different cost based on different editorial update schedules. The published cost is an estimated sticker price for the entire online degree including fees. Actual costs may vary by student. Factors such as transfer credits, prerequisite courses, professional licensing and financial aid availability will affect final cost.
Editorial Note: Online schools do NOT pay to be included in any GetEducated online degree ranking. These rankings are editorially independent, open to any regionally accredited or candidate college that offers a bachelor’s degree that is available at least 80 percent through online learning and that is open to enrollment by the public. If your online college is regionally accredited and not currently reviewed by GetEducated, please contact us for inclusion.
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