Graphic design is the art of planning and creating visuals to communicate messages to an audience.
Individuals who work as graphic designers typically produce visuals for publishing companies, advertising firms, design services, and other related industries.
In many cases, becoming a graphic designer or working in a related field requires earning a bachelor’s degree in graphic design.
If you’re looking for a flexible graphic design program that aligns with your budget, schools across the country offer affordable online graphic design degree programs.
List of Affordable Graphic Design Degrees Online
Explore this overview of top schools delivering affordable online graphic design degree programs.
1. University of Maryland Global Campus
The University of Maryland’s Global Campus delivers the online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Communication.
This 120-credit program explores typography and layout, motion graphics, digital media, and introductory and intermediate drawing.
The university also offers the online Bachelor of Science in Web & Digital Design for students who want to learn to use industry-standard software and delve into design theory.
Per-credit tuition for both programs is $318 for in-state students and $499 for out-of-state students.
2. Southern New Hampshire University
The online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts from Southern New Hampshire University teaches students how to translate ideas through digital media and design.
Students must earn 120 credits to complete the degree but can transfer in as many as 90 credits to help students graduate in less than four years.
The program aims to build skills in brand identity, design thinking, digital media, and professional practice.
This degree’s tuition is $330 per credit.
3. Liberty University
Liberty University offers various bachelor’s degrees in graphic design.
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design is a 120-credit program in which students learn the history of art, principles of visual communication, and how to use graphic design tools.
The university also offers several Bachelor of Science in Digital Design degree options, including Character Design, Illustration Design, Media Design, and Photographic Design.
Tuition is $390 per hour for full-time students and $455 per hour for part-time learners.
4. Bellevue University
At Bellevue University, students can enroll in a 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design program.
This degree option explores contemporary graphic design, branding, typography, web page and print design, website development, publication design, and much more.
Students who already have an associate degree may be able to transfer in credits to accelerate their degree completion.
The tuition for this online bachelor’s degree in Graphic Design program is $449 per credit.
5. Kentucky Wesleyan College
Kentucky Wesleyan College is home to the 100% online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design.
Students enrolled in this program learn digital imaging, color theory, graphic design, and more as they prepare for careers as illustrators, web designers, animators, and digital retouch artists.
Enrollees will also strengthen their critical thinking and problem-solving skills so they’re ready to work in corporations, design firms, and advertising agencies.
The cost of earning this degree is $475 per credit hour.
6. Lindenwood University
The Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design from Lindenwood University features an emphasis in Graphic Design.
Students enrolled in this program can take their courses online or on campus.
The Graphic Design emphasis enables students to grow their knowledge of illustration, typography, web design, motion design, publication, and advertising.
This program requires 120 credits for completion. Students can earn their degree in as little as two years. It costs $495 per credit.
7. Sessions College for Professional Design
Sessions College for Professional Design delivers the Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, a 100% online program designed for adult learners.
Students can take on full-time and part-time schedules and study at the pace they desire.
The program covers logo design, copywriting, graphic design, branding, design deconstruction, and much more.
Enrollees can earn their bachelor’s degree in less than four years. Tuition for this program is $510 per credit.
8. Hodges University
At Hodges University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies with a track in Digital Design & Graphics.
This program helps students develop their use of Adobe Creative Cloud and AutoCAD and build their 2D and 3D graphics, video game design, photography, and marketing graphics skills.
Students can take courses completely online or via a blended format. The university’s undergraduate tuition rate is $595 per credit hour.
9. Arizona State University
Arizona State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design that is offered 100% online and can be completed at each student’s desired pace.
Enrollees learn how to tell stories through visual communication and develop valuable skills in print and web design.
The starting tuition cost is $634 per credit hour. It reduces as more credits are taken.
Arizona residents taking 15 credits each semester pay around $423 per credit, while non-residents pay about $609 per credit.
10. Academy of Art University
At the Academy of Art University, students can enroll in the Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design program and study typography, branding, packing, and more from home.
This online degree is designed for completion in eight semesters and features courses like Composition for the Artist, Short Form Writing, Branding Principles, and The Art of Influencers.
Undergraduate students attending the Academy of Art University pay $1,126 per unit with each class consisting of three units.
How Much Does an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Graphic Design Cost?
The price you’ll pay to earn your online bachelor’s degree in graphic design depends on a variety of factors.
Schools might charge different rates depending on whether a student is a state resident or lives out of state. Online tuition is sometimes billed differently than on-campus tuition.
Some colleges and universities charge a flat rate per course while others charge a flat rate for part-time vs. full-time course loads.
With so many factors to consider, it’s not easy to pin down the specific cost to earn a bachelor’s degree in graphic design.
While you can find affordable online graphic design degree programs for as low as $300 per credit hour, it’s always best to reach out to your school of choice for specific rates.
How To Make an Online Graphic Design Degree Affordable
In your search for affordable online graphic design degree programs, it’s always good to consider additional ways to lower school costs.
Here are some options:
- Scholarships: Plenty of graphic design scholarships are available from private businesses and non-profits. Check CareerOneStop.org for listings and also look for scholarships from your school of choice.
- Grants: A grant like the Pell or FSEOG is a great option to help students in financial need reduce their cost of tuition, particularly since they don’t have to be repaid.
- Tuition reimbursement: Many employers offer tuition reimbursement programs through which students can have some or all of their tuition costs reimbursed each semester.
- Military discounts: Active military members and veterans can use resources like the GI Bill, military scholarships and grants, and school tuition reduction programs to save on school costs.
Another option for reducing school costs is to secure a student loan; however, keep in mind that they must be repaid while enrolled or after graduating.
Is an Online Graphic Design Degree Worth It?
Yes, online graphic design degrees are definitely worth it.
The field of graphic design is currently booming. Employment for graphic designers is projected to grow from 2022 to 2023 with about 23,000 job openings expected each year.
Of course, you don’t have to stick with graphic design positions. A graphic design degree enables you to secure a role as an art director, web developer, animator, or industrial designer.
And don’t be concerned about the credibility of online degrees. Research shows that most employers view online degrees as just as credible as on-campus degrees.
With plenty of affordable online graphic design degree programs available, the benefits of an online degree in this field are tremendous.
Find an Affordable Degree in Graphic Design Online Today
If you’re ready to start a career in graphic design and would like to enroll in a cost-friendly, flexible degree program, browsing affordable online graphic design degree options is a great way to start.
