Best Bachelor's in Graphic Design Programs

Susquehanna University, a private liberal arts institution, educates students in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania. The school's programs, including the BFA in graphic design, blend theoretical and practical knowledge. Students benefit from learning opportunities within and beyond the classroom. They can pursue hands-on experiences such as faculty-driven research, study-abroad programs, and internships. The school's BFA in graphic design caters to learners seeking careers in both graphic design and UX/UI design.

Degree-seekers can access campus resources like financial aid advising, library services, and tutoring. The school offers programs exclusively on campus, with no online degrees available. 

Susquehanna University at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 64

Admission Rate: 73%

Graduation Rate: 75%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 95%

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 73%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,658

Southern Utah University, a public university based in Cedar City, enrolls learners from all walks of life. The school's bachelor of fine arts in graphic design combines general education courses and electives with a rigorous graphic design curriculum. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, this program offers a supportive learning community, customizable study, and a 23-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio. Learners seeking further study opportunities can pursue internships or collaborate with faculty on special projects. 

The college offers 26% of its programs fully online. Enrollees can take advantage of institutional resources like academic advising and career services.

Southern Utah University at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 90

Number of Online Programs: 23

Admission Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 46%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 96%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,412

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 47%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,750

Average Price After Aid: $13,432

Kansas City Art Institute connects learners with competitive educational opportunities in a variety of art disciplines. The school's BFA in graphic design shares a broad-based first year curriculum with all programs, ensuring a common foundation in basic art principles. Graphic design majors then move on to industry-specific coursework that prepares them to pursue careers in the field. Students can take part in experiential learning opportunities such as internships to supplement their learning.

The school focuses on in-person instruction, with no fully online programs. The school's student resources include academic and career advising, social activities, and health services.

Kansas City Art Institute at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 14

Admission Rate: 59%

Graduation Rate: 57%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 99%

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 63%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $4,306

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred serves a diverse student body on its campus in Alfred, New York. The public college offers stackable associate and bachelor's degrees in graphic and media design. After completing the associate-level program, graduates can continue their studies in the bachelor's in graphic and media design program. Enrollees benefit from a close-knit learning community and customizable study plans.

The college supports in-person and online study, offering about 5% of its programs online. Degree candidates benefit from academic and professional guidance through campus resources like tutoring and career counseling.

SUNY College of Technology at Alfred at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 87

Number of Online Programs: 4

Admission Rate: 72%

Graduation Rate: 58%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 96%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $7,958

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 66%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,232

Average Price After Aid: $17,047

A private institution, Columbia College Chicago focuses on creative and media arts. The school's Graphic Design programs build theoretical and practical knowledge, preparing candidates for many career paths in the field. With BA and BFA tracks available in the major, learners benefit from rigorous coursework and opportunities to collaborate with faculty and peers.

Columbia educates students in person, with no fully online degree programs available. Campus resources include academic advising, health services, student organizations, and the school's career center. Columbia holds institutional accreditation from the Higher Learning Commission. 

Columbia College Chicago at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 75

Admission Rate: 90%

Graduation Rate: 50%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 98%

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 62%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,763

Wisconsin-based Madison Area Technical College provides a well-rounded design education through its associate in graphic design program. This program includes both online and on-campus instruction. Full-time enrollees usually complete their degrees in two years, The public college's 11-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio means that learners can receive plenty of personal attention. Associate degree-holders can launch their careers or advance to a bachelor's program. 

Customizable paths are designed to fit working students' schedules. The school offers 6% of its programs fully online. Students seeking academic and career guidance can benefit from the college's many resources, such as career services and academic advising.  

Madison Area Technical College at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 182

Number of Online Programs: 11

Graduation Rate: 24%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 55%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $4,950

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 22%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,173

Average Price After Aid: $9,328

Aspiring graphic and digital design professionals can earn a BFA through the University of New Haven, a private institution. The West Haven, Connecticut-based school provides learning opportunities within and beyond the classroom. Design majors study fundamental design principles, learn the latest industry technology, participate in internships, and build professional portfolios.

New Haven enrollees can often take advantage of online and hybrid offerings, which add flexibility for working students. Of the university's degree programs, 6% allow for fully online study. While enrolled, students can access campus resources like academic advising, career development services, and financial aid counseling.

University of New Haven at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 161

Number of Online Programs: 10

Admission Rate: 91%

Graduation Rate: 65%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 99%

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 83%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,804

Affiliated with the United Methodist Church, Methodist University educates learners from all walks of life. Based in Fayetteville, North Carolina, this private institution prioritizes flexibility and affordability. The school's bachelor's in graphic design melds a liberal arts core with experiential learning opportunities and courses in art history. Enrollees also receive advanced training in graphic design practices, principles, and technology.

The institution is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and offers several fully online programs. Academic advising, career services, and other campus resources can help students make the most of their education.

Methodist University at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 79

Admission Rate: 76%

Graduation Rate: 39%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 99%

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 53%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,790

Design majors at the University of Pennsylvania  study graphic, digital, and UX/UI design. The private university's BA in design helps prepare students for future careers through foundational and specialized coursework. Learners benefit from a rigorous curriculum and opportunities to collaborate with cohort members and instructors.

Degree candidates can pursue online and on-campus study, depending on their scheduling needs. The institution offers 4% of its programs online. Both remote and in-person students can use campus resources such as academic advising and library services.

University of Pennsylvania at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 367

Number of Online Programs: 15

Admission Rate: 9%

Graduation Rate: 96%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 57%

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 12%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $6,836

A historically Black institution, the University of the District of Columbia offers an associate in graphic design through its community college division. Taught on campus, this flexible, collaborative program helps prepare students for design careers through coursework that evolves with the industry. Graduates can enter the workforce directly or transfer to the university's BFA in graphic design program. 

Degree candidates can access institutional resources and receive career and academic guidance. The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. 

University of the District of Columbia at a Glance:

Total Academic Programs: 89

Graduation Rate: 23%

Percent of Students Awarded Aid: 87%

Average Amount of Aid Awarded: $6,745

Percent of Students Awarded Loans: 35%

Average Amount of Loans Awarded: $7,298

Average Price After Aid: $16,125