2026 Best Value Graphic Communications Schools in the The Plains States Region

1

Western Iowa Tech Community College
Sioux City, IA

For return on investment in graphic communications, no school beat Western Iowa Tech Community College this year. Set in the city of Sioux City, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,186 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $5,330. Graphic Communications graduates carry a median of $11,886 in student loans. Graphic Communications graduates of Western Iowa Tech Community College earn a median of $35,742 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,886 median debt.

2

Ozarks Technical Community College
Springfield, MO

A rank of #2 makes Ozarks Technical Community College one of the best values for graphic communications. Located in the city of Springfield, Ozarks Technical Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,256, compared with $7,040 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete the graphic communications program here. Graphic Communications graduates of Ozarks Technical Community College earn a median of $26,436 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $19,500 median debt.

3

Kirkwood Community College
Cedar Rapids, IA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kirkwood Community College earned it the #3 place for graphic communications. Located in the city of Cedar Rapids, Kirkwood Community College is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,176, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Students borrow a median of $15,779 to complete the graphic communications program here. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Kirkwood Community College generally make around $41,681. Set against $15,779 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

4

South Central College
North Mankato, MN

A rank of #4 makes South Central College one of the best values for graphic communications. Located in the suburb of North Mankato, South Central College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,146. Graphic Communications graduates carry a median of $13,139 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from South Central College generally make around $46,447. Set against $13,139 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

5

Southeastern Community College West Burlington
West Burlington, IA

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Southeastern Community College West Burlington earned it the #5 place for graphic communications. Located in the town of West Burlington, Southeastern Community College West Burlington is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,420, compared with $6,570 for out-of-state students. Graphic Communications graduates carry a median of $16,126 in student loans. Graphic Communications graduates of Southeastern Community College West Burlington earn a median of $45,760 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

6

Johnson County Community College
Overland Park, KS

Johnson County Community College landed the #6 spot for graphic communications value this year. Located in the city of Overland Park, Johnson County Community College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,424, with out-of-state students paying around $5,688. Typical student debt for graphic communications graduates is $13,532. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Johnson County Community College generally make around $46,473. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

7

Flint Hills Technical College
Emporia, KS

Flint Hills Technical College landed the #7 spot for graphic communications value this year. Located in the town of Emporia, Flint Hills Technical College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,944. Graphic Communications graduates carry a median of $14,690 in student loans. Graphic Communications graduates of Flint Hills Technical College earn a median of $40,435 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

8

Southeast Technical Institute
Sioux Falls, SD

Southeast Technical Institute earned the #8 position for value in graphic communications this year. Set in the city of Sioux Falls, Southeast Technical Institute is a mid-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,650. Graphic Communications graduates carry a median of $18,442 in student loans. Graphic Communications graduates of Southeast Technical Institute earn a median of $48,654 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

Minnesota State University Moorhead
Moorhead, MN

Minnesota State University Moorhead ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic communications schools. Minnesota State University Moorhead is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Moorhead. Students from in state pay about $10,428 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $24,447 to complete the graphic communications program here. Graphic Communications graduates of Minnesota State University Moorhead earn a median of $50,892 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,447 median debt. The acceptance rate is 59%.

10

University Of Minnesota Duluth
Duluth, MN

University Of Minnesota Duluth earned the #10 position for value in graphic communications this year. University Of Minnesota Duluth is a large public school located in the city of Duluth. Students from in state pay about $14,608 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Typical student debt for graphic communications graduates is $24,500. Graphic Communications graduates of University Of Minnesota Duluth earn a median of $36,557 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,500 median debt. The acceptance rate is 89%.

11

Pittsburg State University
Pittsburg, KS

Pittsburg State University came in at #11 for value in graphic communications this year. Pittsburg State University is a moderately-sized public school located in the town of Pittsburg. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,400, compared with $19,744 for out-of-state students. Graphic Communications graduates carry a median of $25,500 in student loans. Graphic Communications graduates of Pittsburg State University earn a median of $30,270 early in their careers. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted.

12

Minneapolis College Of Art And Design
Minneapolis, MN

Minneapolis College Of Art And Design came in at #12 for value in graphic communications this year. Set in the city of Minneapolis, Minneapolis College Of Art And Design is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,484. Graphic Communications graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Minneapolis College Of Art And Design generally make around $24,427. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 48% of applicants are accepted.

13

Webster University
Saint Louis, MO

Webster University landed the #13 spot for graphic communications value this year. Webster University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete the graphic communications program here. Early-career graphic communications graduates make about $17,593. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants.

14

Kansas City Art Institute
Kansas City, MO

Kansas City Art Institute placed #14 among the best values for graphic communications. Set in the city of Kansas City, Kansas City Art Institute is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $44,550. Graphic Communications graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic communications degree recipients from Kansas City Art Institute generally make around $17,852. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Kansas City Art Institute admits about 55% of applicants.