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Graphic designers use typography, illustration, and photography to create visually engaging content that communicates ideas to a target audience. Branding, logo design, and print newspapers and magazines all use graphic design.
A graphic design program will teach you about the design process in different kinds of media and the role of graphic design in business and branding. It will also help you develop a professional portfolio and become proficient in commonly used industry software.
Why Get a Graphic Design Degree?
- Graphic design is a great way to apply your artistic skills to a career.
- You can become proficient in web development, software, and other transferable tech skills.
- You can use graphic design coursework as an opportunity to develop your portfolio.
- A degree in graphic design can increase your employability and earning potential.
- You'll be able to get regular feedback from your instructors, allowing you to hone your artistic eye.
Did You Know?
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Book designer William Addison Dwiggins coined the term "graphic design" in 1922. -
Some graphic designers are experiential graphic designers — they work with architects, industrial designers, and interior designers to create museum exhibitions, retail spaces, and other interactive design environments. -
The top-paying industry for graphic designers is central bank monetary authorities, with an annual mean salary of $108,260.
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Best Bachelor's in Graphic Design Programs
Read About Our Methodology Here
These rankings include
#1 Best Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Programs
University of Florida-Online
Gainesville, FL - 4 years
- Online
A public institution, University of Florida-Online operates a main campus in Gainesville. Students seeking robust study in the graphic design field will benefit from the college's bachelor's in graphic design. The program features a supportive learning community, customizable study, and a 67-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Enrollees can often take advantage of online and hybrid offerings, which add flexibility for working students. Of all programs offered through the college, 100% can be completed fully online. In-person and remote students can access campus resources while enrolled, including career services and academic advising.
University of Florida-Online at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 22
Number of Online Programs: 22
Admission Rate: 32%
Graduation Rate: Data not available
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 90%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,670
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 22%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,888
Average Price After Aid: $9,755
#2 Best Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Programs
Brigham Young University-Provo
Provo, UT - 4 years
- Campus
Located in Provo, Utah, Brigham Young University-Provo offers a variety of academic programs in person and online. The school's bachelor's in graphic design program builds theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing candidates for many career paths. Degree candidates benefit from a supportive learning community, customizable study, and a 20-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio.
Learners can enroll full time or part time. Enrollees seeking academic and career guidance can benefit from the college's many resources, such as career services and academic advising.
Brigham Young University-Provo at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 310
Number of Online Programs: Data not available
Admission Rate: 67%
Graduation Rate: 78%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 71%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: Data not available
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 14%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,743
Average Price After Aid: Data not available
#3 Best Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Programs
North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Raleigh, NC - 4 years
- Online + Campus
North Carolina State University at Raleigh reaches learners worldwide through its flexible academic programs, available in person and online. Students seeking robust study in the graphic design field may find the bachelor's in graphic design appealing. While completing coursework, enrollees can also pursue experiential learning opportunities such as faculty-driven research projects and internships.
With the college supporting in-person and online study, degree candidates can pursue their studies at their own pace. Of all its programs, 18% are online. Enrollees benefit from academic and professional guidance through academic advising, career services, and other campus resources.
North Carolina State University at Raleigh at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 294
Number of Online Programs: 54
Admission Rate: 45%
Graduation Rate: 82%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 68%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $8,938
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 39%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,963
Average Price After Aid: $14,958
#4 Best Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Programs
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Champaign, IL - 4 years
- Online + Campus
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, a public college based in Champaign, provides competitive educational opportunities to learners from all walks of life. The school's BFA in graphic design builds theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing candidates for many careers. The college boasts a 20-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio, enabling personalized study and close collaboration through faculty-driven research projects.
Graphic design students benefit from flexible study, with the option to pursue in-person or online learning. Degree-seekers can enroll full time or part time. Of all the college's programs, 9% can be completed fully online. Regardless of enrollment format, participants can access campus resources including academic advising, library services, and tutoring.
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 372
Number of Online Programs: 33
Admission Rate: 59%
Graduation Rate: 85%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 64%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $15,442
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 35%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $5,737
Average Price After Aid: $14,660
#5 Best Bachelor’s in Graphic Design Programs
State University of New York at New Paltz
New Paltz, NY - 4 years
- Campus
State University of New York at New Paltz supports numerous programs from its main campus in New Paltz, New York. Students seeking flexible study in graphic design will benefit from the college's BFA program. Learners benefit from rigorous coursework and opportunities to collaborate with faculty through research.
Graphic design students can pursue online and in-person study, depending on their scheduling needs. Regardless of enrollment format, students can access campus resources, including academic advising, library services, and tutoring.
State University of New York at New Paltz at a Glance:
Total Academic Programs: 104
Number of Online Programs: Data not available
Admission Rate: 45%
Graduation Rate: 77%
Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 82%
Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $9,513
Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 52%
Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,362
Average Price After Aid: $15,496
Frequently Asked Questions About Graphic Design Programs and Jobs
Graphic design is not normally considered to be a particularly hard major, but it challenges you to be both tech-savvy and creative. You'll learn visual design principles and become proficient in design software. A liberal arts education prepares you to work in graphic design roles in a wide variety of industries.
Graphic design is the most common major for aspiring graphic designers. Other majors that pair well with graphic design are those that teach you concepts in business, technology, and audience responses.
Some majors that can prepare you to become a graphic designer are computer science, psychology, and web development.
Yes, you can become a graphic designer without a degree.
That said, you'll need to develop the skills you'd learn through a degree program on your own. For example, you might enroll in an online bootcamp or read graphic design how-to books to learn more about how to become a successful graphic designer.
Graphic design can be a high-paying job. It depends on the industry you work in, your experience, and the state you live in. Some top-paying industries for graphic designers include software publishing and natural gas distribution, according to the BLS.
You can also find high-paying roles that use many of the skills gained in a graphic design program, such as web developer, animator, and advertising manager.
How Much Can You Make With a Graphic Design Degree?
Graphic designers earned a median annual salary of $50,710 in May 2021, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The top 10% of highest-paid graphic designers earned over $98,260 per year, while the lowest 10% earned less than $31,310.
How much you make as a graphic designer depends on factors like your experience, skills, and location. Some of the highest-paying states for graphic designers include New York, Massachusetts, and Washington.
A graphic design degree can prepare you for careers outside of graphic design as well, such as web design, UX/UI design, and multimedia art.
Graphic designers can advance their careers by becoming art directors. Art directors create visual concepts and oversee teams of graphic designers. These professionals earned a median annual salary of $100,890 in May 2021, according to the BLS.
What Do You Learn in a Graphic Design Program?
Graphic design programs train you to create visually engaging material that communicates a message. In a bachelor's degree program, you'll take courses in subjects like typography, print design, and digital design.
Here are some sample courses you can expect to take in a graphic design program:
- Adobe Photoshop
- Book design
- Color theory
- Fundamentals of drawing
- History of art
- Illustration
- Introduction to graphic design
- Package design
- UX/UI design
- Web design
Typically, graphic design degrees include general education requirements in addition to core design courses. Gen ed courses strengthen students' communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
You'll likely also need to complete a portfolio, internship, or senior capstone project to graduate.
Does Accreditation Matter for Graphic Design Programs?
If you plan to attend a graphic design program, make sure you apply only to accredited schools. Accredited institutions follow the best practices for educating students and ensure you get a quality education and a recognized degree.
In addition, you can't qualify for federal financial aid unless you attend an accredited school.
Besides institutional accreditation, you should look for programmatic accreditation. The National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) grants accreditation to graphic design programs.