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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
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2026 Best Value Graphic Design Bachelor’s Degree Schools

135 Colleges in the United States
$24,729 Avg Student Debt
$54,597 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Graphic Design Bachelor's Degree Badge [Graphic Design](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.

For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 657 schools to find the best return on investment for graphic design students.

What’s on this page:

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2026 Best Value Graphic Design Schools in the United States

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in graphic design, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Graphic Design Schools

1
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

Leading the list is University Of Florida, our #1 best value for graphic design in the United States. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,381, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Students borrow a median of $19,839 to complete the graphic design program here. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $43,144. That is a strong return on a $19,839 median debt. The acceptance rate is 24%.

2

A rank of #2 makes Cuny Lehman College one of the best values for graphic design. Set in the city of Bronx, Cuny Lehman College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,410, while out-of-state students pay about $15,360. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $13,213. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $54,729. Set against $13,213 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 57%.

3

California State University Dominguez Hills came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Located in the city of Carson, California State University Dominguez Hills is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $7,454 in tuition and fees, compared with $20,054 for out-of-state students. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $12,688 in student loans. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $52,683. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 93% of applicants are accepted.

4

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Cuny Queens College earned it the #4 place for graphic design. Set in the city of Queens, Cuny Queens College is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,538, with out-of-state students paying around $15,488. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $17,625. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Cuny Queens College generally make around $19,349. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 64%.

5

A rank of #5 makes California State University Fresno one of the best values for graphic design. Located in the city of Fresno, California State University Fresno is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,341, while out-of-state students pay about $19,941. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $24,410. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $23,160. Set against $24,410 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 95% of applicants are accepted.

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6

The University Of Texas Pan American came in at #6 for value in graphic design this year. Located in the city of Edinburg, The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $9,799, with out-of-state students paying around $19,645. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $14,694 in student loans. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $46,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.

7

Brigham Young University Idaho landed the #7 spot for graphic design value this year. Located in the town of Rexburg, Brigham Young University Idaho is a very large private not-for-profit university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,800. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $13,287. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Brigham Young University Idaho generally make around $43,853. Set against $13,287 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 96% of applicants are accepted.

8

University Of South Florida Main Campus placed #8 among the best values for graphic design. Located in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,410, while out-of-state students pay about $17,324. Students borrow a median of $17,500 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of University Of South Florida Main Campus earn a median of $38,938 early in their careers. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 43%.

9

California State University Sacramento ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Set in the city of Sacramento, California State University Sacramento is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,018, with out-of-state students paying around $20,618. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $15,750 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from California State University Sacramento generally make around $32,240. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California State University Sacramento admits about 94% of applicants.

10

University Of Nevada Las Vegas came in at #10 for value in graphic design this year. Set in the city of Las Vegas, University Of Nevada Las Vegas is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,748, compared with $27,411 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $19,772. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $31,702. That is a strong return on a $19,772 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.

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11

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #11 for value in graphic design this year. University Of Washington Seattle Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Seattle. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,973, compared with $43,209 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,250 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $65,681 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $12,250 median debt. The acceptance rate is 39%.

12

San Jose State University placed #12 among the best values for graphic design. San Jose State University is a very large public school located in the city of San Jose. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,410, while out-of-state students pay about $21,010. Median earnings reach $78,988 ten years out. The acceptance rate is 85%.

13

Elizabeth City State University came in at #13 for value in graphic design this year. Elizabeth City State University is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Elizabeth City. In-state tuition and fees average $6,536, with out-of-state students paying around $10,536. Students borrow a median of $26,992 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of Elizabeth City State University earn a median of $28,300 early in their careers. Set against $26,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Elizabeth City State University admits about 64% of applicants.

14

Weber State University ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Weber State University is a very large public school located in the city of Ogden. In-state tuition and fees average $6,557, while out-of-state students pay about $17,545. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $21,851. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Weber State University generally make around $40,507. That is a strong return on a $21,851 median debt.

15

University Of North Florida earned the #15 position for value in graphic design this year. Set in the city of Jacksonville, University Of North Florida is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,964 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $19,407. Students borrow a median of $18,523 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of University Of North Florida earn a median of $49,208 early in their careers. Set against $18,523 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 53%.

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16
Lamar University crest
Lamar University
Beaumont, TX

Lamar University ranked #16 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Set in the city of Beaumont, Lamar University is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,905 in tuition and fees, compared with $18,745 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $26,988. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $52,678. That is a strong return on a $26,988 median debt. Roughly 86% of applicants are accepted.

17

California State Polytechnic University Pomona ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Located in the suburb of Pomona, California State Polytechnic University Pomona is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,781, with out-of-state students paying around $20,381. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $21,160 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from California State Polytechnic University Pomona generally make around $30,065. That is a strong return on a $21,160 median debt. California State Polytechnic University Pomona admits about 75% of applicants.

18

Arizona State University landed the #18 spot for graphic design value this year. Set in the city of Tempe, Arizona State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $21,500 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of Arizona State University earn a median of $35,960 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.

19

University Of Illinois At Chicago came in at #19 for value in graphic design this year. University Of Illinois At Chicago is a very large public school located in the city of Chicago. Students from in state pay about $15,949 in tuition and fees, compared with $32,009 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $25,750. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from University Of Illinois At Chicago generally make around $34,377. That is a strong return on a $25,750 median debt. University Of Illinois At Chicago admits about 77% of applicants.

20
Rhode Island College crest
Rhode Island College
Providence, RI

Rhode Island College earned the #20 position for value in graphic design this year. Located in the suburb of Providence, Rhode Island College is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,300, while out-of-state students pay about $27,299. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $23,394 in student loans. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $45,088. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Rhode Island College admits about 92% of applicants.

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21

Universidad Del Turabo ranked #21 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Universidad Del Turabo is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Gurabo. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $7,750. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $11,250 in student loans. Graphic Design graduates of Universidad Del Turabo earn a median of $7,580 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,250 median debt.

22

Texas A And M University Commerce ranked #22 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Located in the town of Commerce, Texas A And M University Commerce is a large public university. Students from in state pay about $10,026 in tuition and fees, compared with $22,326 for out-of-state students. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $23,796 in student loans. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $54,201. That is a strong return on a $23,796 median debt. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted.

23

Portland State University landed the #23 spot for graphic design value this year. Set in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $26,995. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Portland State University generally make around $35,304. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.

24

Escuela De Artes Plasticas De Puerto Rico landed the #24 spot for graphic design value this year. Escuela De Artes Plasticas De Puerto Rico is a small public school located in the city of San Juan. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,902, while out-of-state students pay about $8,502. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Escuela De Artes Plasticas De Puerto Rico generally make around $7,453. Roughly 100% of applicants are accepted.

25

Southern Utah University earned the #25 position for value in graphic design this year. Located in the town of Cedar City, Southern Utah University is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $6,962, with out-of-state students paying around $21,192. Students borrow a median of $12,886 to complete the graphic design program here. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Southern Utah University generally make around $44,998. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 82% of applicants are accepted.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Graphic Design Schools

These schools also delivered strong value for graphic design this year:

26
27
28
29
30
31
Ferris State University crest
Ferris State University
Big Rapids, MI
32
33
34
35
36
37
38
39
40
41
42
43
44
45
46
Park University crest
Park University
Parkville, MO
47
48
Oakland University crest
Oakland University
Rochester Hills, MI
49
50

Other Graphic Design Degree Levels

Explore the best-value graphic design schools at other degree levels:

All Degree Levels in Graphic Design
Associate's Degrees in Graphic Design
Master's Degrees in Graphic Design
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View All Graphic Design Rankings >

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 657 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 135 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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