Best Online Bachelor's in Graphic Design Degree Programs [2025 Guide]
Graphic design is a dynamic field that blends creativity with technology. It offers exciting career opportunities for those with a passion for visual communication and digital arts.
Popular Online Graphic Design Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.An online bachelor's degree in graphic design equips students with essential skills in typography, brand identity, web design, and creative thinking.
The job market for graphic designers shows steady growth. Web developers and digital designers are in particularly high demand, with strong projected job growth and competitive salaries. While program lengths and costs can vary, most online graphic design degrees take about four years to complete and require between 120 to 184 credits.
Key Points
- Online graphic design degrees prepare students for careers in design, marketing, and web development
- Job prospects for graphic designers and web developers are positive, with good salary potential
- Program length and credit requirements vary among schools offering online graphic design degrees
EDsmart has dug through the digital data trenches to bring you an easy-to-read, easy-to-digest ranking of the Best Online Bachelor's in Graphic Design Degree Programs.
Schools are ranked based on four data points in three categories:
- Affordability (financial aid, net price)
- Student Satisfaction (retention rate)
- Academic Quality (4-year graduation rate)
- Student Outcome (earnings 6-years after attending)
Each data point is ranked with equal weight. Schools received a weighted overall ranking score for each individual point mentioned above–100 being the highest score possible.
In the case of a tie in scoring, the average net price was the determining factor for which school received the higher rank–the lower the net price, the higher the ranking.
All data was gathered from the College Scorecard.
Best Online Bachelor's in Graphic Design Degree Programs
Maryville University of Saint Louis
Location: Saint Louis, MO
Admission Rate: 88%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,781
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $44,826
In-state Tuition and Fees: $27,166
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $27,166
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $22,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $62,105
Arkansas State University
Location: Jonesboro, AR
Admission Rate: 70%
Average SAT Score: 1119
Undergraduate Enrollment: 7,463
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $21,176
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,456
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $13,312
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,617
California Baptist University
Location: Riverside, CA
Admission Rate: 80%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,077
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $49,531
In-state Tuition and Fees: $38,058
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $38,058
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $26,063
Median Earnings (10 years): $61,504
California College of the Arts
Location: San Francisco, CA
Admission Rate: 76%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,134
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $74,618
In-state Tuition and Fees: $54,706
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $54,706
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $27,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $49,414
Wilmington University
Location: New Castle, DE
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 8,210
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $19,155
In-state Tuition and Fees: $12,030
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $12,030
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $53,844
Troy University
Location: Troy, AL
Admission Rate: 95%
Average SAT Score: 1050
Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,316
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $22,005
In-state Tuition and Fees: $9,312
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $18,624
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,062
University of Maryland Global Campus
Location: Adelphi, MD
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 44,458
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $20,657
In-state Tuition and Fees: $7,848
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $12,336
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $65,287
Regent University
Location: Virginia Beach, VA
Admission Rate: 32%
Average SAT Score: 1150
Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,281
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $29,448
In-state Tuition and Fees: $19,680
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $19,680
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $24,534
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,498
Savannah College of Art and Design
Location: Savannah, GA
Admission Rate: 82%
Average SAT Score: 1179
Undergraduate Enrollment: 13,352
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $58,970
In-state Tuition and Fees: $39,605
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $39,605
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,148
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,954
Midway University
Location: Midway, KY
Admission Rate: 94%
Average SAT Score: 1113
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,187
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $40,723
In-state Tuition and Fees: $25,050
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $25,050
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,301
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,246
Lesley University
Location: Cambridge, MA
Admission Rate: 86%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,406
Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $48,919
In-state Tuition and Fees: $31,364
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $31,364
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $51,173
University of West Alabama
Location: Livingston, AL
Admission Rate: 69%
Average SAT Score: 1015
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,424
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $22,456
In-state Tuition and Fees: $10,990
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $20,090
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $24,944
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,232
Bellevue University
Location: Bellevue, NE
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 10,318
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $31,587
In-state Tuition and Fees: $8,790
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $8,790
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $20,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $61,289
Liberty University
Location: Lynchburg, VA
Admission Rate: 99%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 48,408
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $41,963
In-state Tuition and Fees: $22,511
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $22,511
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $24,500
Median Earnings (10 years): $44,813
Full Sail University
Location: Winter Park, FL
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 25,526
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $37,873
In-state Tuition and Fees: $26,307
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $26,307
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $27,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $38,219
Berkeley College-New York
Location: New York, NY
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 1,514
Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $37,469
In-state Tuition and Fees: $28,600
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $28,600
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $30,426
Median Earnings (10 years): $45,884
Kentucky Wesleyan College
Location: Owensboro, KY
Admission Rate: 69%
Average SAT Score: 1053
Undergraduate Enrollment: 760
Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: $41,058
In-state Tuition and Fees: $31,300
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $31,300
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $23,250
Median Earnings (10 years): $46,747
Southern New Hampshire University
Location: Manchester, NH
Admission Rate: 96%
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 138,138
Accreditation: New England Commission on Higher Education
Average Cost of Attendance: $36,121
In-state Tuition and Fees: $15,380
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $15,380
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $21,082
Median Earnings (10 years): $50,318
Los Angeles Film School
Location: Hollywood, CA
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 5,588
Accreditation: Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges
Average Cost of Attendance: Data unavailable
In-state Tuition and Fees: Data unavailable
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: Data unavailable
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $25,250
Median Earnings (10 years): $31,632
Academy of Art University
Location: San Francisco, CA
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 4,485
Accreditation: Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $44,484
In-state Tuition and Fees: $26,728
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $26,728
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $31,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $39,008
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design
Location: Lakewood, CO
Admission Rate: Data unavailable
Average SAT Score: Data unavailable
Undergraduate Enrollment: 2,041
Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
Average Cost of Attendance: $30,447
In-state Tuition and Fees: $22,607
Out-of-state Tuition and Fees: $22,607
Median Total Debt After Graduation: $31,000
Median Earnings (10 years): $42,958
How to Pick the Right Online Graphic Design Bachelor's Program
Find Your Design Niche
Graphic design degrees come in different flavors. You might get a Bachelor of Arts (BA), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), or Bachelor of Science (BS). BAs and BFAs focus on artistic skills. BS programs dig deeper into technical stuff like motion graphics and 3D modeling.
Many programs let you zero in on a specific area. You could focus on print design, web design, or marketing. Think about what you want to do after school and look for programs that match those goals.
Check Out Schools and Their Offerings
Only apply to schools that have approval from big education groups. These groups make sure schools teach students well. Without this approval, you might have trouble getting financial aid or moving your credits to another school later.
It's great if the program also has approval from art education experts. This means the program meets high standards for teaching art.
Look into what the school offers online students. Do they help with finding jobs? Do they connect you with mentors? Can you use their library? See if you can network with other students or join an alumni group.
To learn more, visit school websites, talk to admissions staff, follow schools on social media, or go to open houses.
Get Ready for Tests and Applications
Each program has its own rules for applying. Most ask for:
- Your high school grades
- SAT or ACT scores
- A letter about why you want to study graphic design
- Notes from teachers or bosses saying you're great
Some programs might want other things too. They might ask for a certain grade average or examples of your art. Always check with the school to make sure you know exactly what they need.
Pick Your Program
Some students apply to one program. Others try for many to boost their chances.
Remember, most schools charge to apply. These fees can add up if you apply to lots of places. If money's tight, ask if you can skip the fee.
Before you decide, think about what you need:
- Can you go to school full-time or part-time?
- Do you want all online classes or some in-person too?
- Do you like working at your own pace or following a set schedule?
Choose a program that fits your life and how you like to learn.
Figure Out How to Pay
Schools offer different ways to pay for your degree. These might include:
- Work-study jobs
- Scholarships
- Fellowships
- Assistantships
- Grants
Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This form helps figure out if you can get government loans or other money based on your needs.
If you have a job, your boss might help pay for school. This is more likely if your degree relates to your work. Talk to your school's money office to learn more about paying for classes.
What to Expect in an Online Graphic Design Bachelor's Program
In an online graphic design program, you'll learn to use digital tools to make all kinds of visual stuff. This includes ads, logos, flyers, websites, and videos.
You'll study how to use colors and fonts to grab people's attention and share ideas. You'll also learn about making layouts for print and online materials, and designing things for ads and marketing.
Some programs teach how to make 3D worlds for video games or design sets for TV and movies. Others focus on making websites that look good and work well.
Classes You Might Take
Design Through Time: Learn how visual communication has changed over the years. See how society and technology have shaped graphic design.
Making Publications: Learn how to design pages for print and digital books or magazines. Work on real projects and solve common design problems.
Building Brands: Study how graphic design helps create brand identities. Learn strategies for making brands stand out in print and online.
Web Design Basics: Get to know the building blocks of websites. Learn about making user-friendly designs and using web coding languages.
Designs That Move: Create moving graphics for games, websites, films, and TV. You might make opening credits or other animated sequences.
Job Prospects for Online Graphic Design Bachelor's Graduates
Employment Outlook
Graphic design graduates have many career options. They can work alone or in teams. Some join design firms, while others work for companies directly. Jobs exist in print and digital media.
A bachelor's degree often leads to entry and mid-level jobs. With time, designers can move up to management roles.
Here are some common jobs for graphic design graduates:
- Create visual concepts for ads, magazines, and more
- Use software like Adobe Creative Cloud
- Median yearly pay: $58,910
- Job growth: 3% through 2032
- New jobs per year: 22,800
Web Developer or Digital Designer
- Build and test website layouts
- Improve site look and ease of use
- Median yearly pay: $92,750
- Job growth: 16% through 2032
- New jobs per year: 19,000
- Guide visual style for media and products
- Lead teams of artists and designers
- Median yearly pay: $106,500
- Job growth: 6% through 2032
- New jobs per year: 13,800
These roles show the range of careers available with a graphic design degree. Pay and job growth vary, but all use skills learned in a bachelor's program.
Designers who want to stay current can take online courses. This helps them learn new software and keep up with industry trends. While not always needed, extra training can boost career prospects.
Online Graphic Design Bachelor's Degree: Common Questions
What steps are needed to apply for an online graphic design bachelor's program?
Each school has its own process. Many use online application systems, while some still accept paper applications. The Common App is a popular tool that lets students apply to multiple schools at once.
When applying online, it's important to have digital versions of all required documents ready. These may include:
- Test scores
- College transcripts
- Work history
- Reference letters
- Design portfolio samples
It's best to check with the school's admissions team to make sure you have everything needed in the right format.
What is the typical cost for an online graphic design bachelor's degree?
Undergraduate tuition costs can vary widely.
| Type of School | Average Yearly Tuition |
|---|---|
| Public | $7,998 |
| Private | $34,923 |
Other costs to consider include fees, books, and design software. Students may need to upgrade their computer to run required programs.
How long does it take to finish an online graphic design bachelor's degree?
Most programs take about four years to complete. This can change based on:
- Full-time or part-time study
- Number of credits required
- Self-paced learning options
Some schools offer flexible schedules that let students work at their own speed. This can be helpful for those with busy lives or who want to finish faster.
Is getting an online graphic design bachelor's degree a good choice?
A college degree in graphic design can help students:
- Build their art and design skills
- Learn to use industry software
- Create a strong portfolio
The median yearly pay for graphic designers is $58,910. This is slightly higher than the average for all jobs. Top designers can earn over $100,000 per year.
When thinking about the value of the degree, it's smart to look at affordable programs. This can lead to a better return on the money spent on education.
Top Schools for Online Graphic Design Programs?
Several accredited schools offer excellent online graphic design degrees. Bellevue University ranks highly for its affordable and quality program. Other top choices include Lesley University and the University of Cincinnati, known for their comprehensive curricula and industry connections.
Typical Costs for Online Graphic Design Education?
Costs vary widely depending on the school and program. Public universities often charge lower tuition rates than private institutions. Students should budget for tuition, fees, and design software. Financial aid and scholarships may help offset expenses.
Fully Online Graphic Design Degree Options?
Yes, many schools offer fully online graphic design degrees. These programs cover essential topics like digital imaging, color theory, and design fundamentals. Students can earn associate, bachelor's, and even master's degrees entirely online.
Budget-Friendly Online Design Programs?
Several universities provide affordable online graphic design degrees. Community colleges often offer lower-cost associate programs. Some schools, like Bellevue University, are recognized for their value in online graphic design education.
Industry-Respected Online Design Programs?
Industry professionals often value programs that teach current software and design trends. Schools with strong internship programs and industry partnerships are highly regarded. Look for programs that showcase student portfolios and have a track record of graduate employment.
Free Courses for Graphic Design Education?
While free courses can't lead to a full degree, they can supplement learning. Many platforms offer free graphic design classes. These can help build skills, but a recognized degree typically requires enrollment in an accredited program.
