by our College Data Analytics Team
[Graphic Design](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong graphic design education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 9 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for graphic design students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the graphic design degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Mt Hood Community College, our #1 best value for graphic design in Oregon. Mt Hood Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Gresham. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,247, while out-of-state students pay about $9,819. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $18,767 in student loans. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $53,948. Set against $18,767 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
A rank of #2 makes Chemeketa Community College one of the best values for graphic design. Chemeketa Community College is a large public school located in the suburb of Salem. Students from in state pay about $6,345 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $14,040. Students borrow a median of $15,755 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of Chemeketa Community College earn a median of $45,440 early in their careers. Set against $15,755 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Portland State University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in graphic design, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the city of Portland, Portland State University is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $11,118, while out-of-state students pay about $29,136. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $26,995. Graphic Design graduates of Portland State University earn a median of $35,304 early in their careers. Set against $26,995 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Portland State University admits about 91% of applicants.
Students looking for strong value in graphic design will find it at Rogue Community College, which ranked #4. Set in the suburb of Grants Pass, Rogue Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $5,256, compared with $6,300 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $15,248. Graphic Design graduates of Rogue Community College earn a median of $51,243 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,248 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in graphic design will find it at Oregon State University, which ranked #5. Set in the city of Corvallis, Oregon State University is a very large public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,400, compared with $38,190 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $23,419. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Oregon State University generally make around $35,614. That is a strong return on a $23,419 median debt. Roughly 77% of applicants are accepted.
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George Fox University ranked #6 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. George Fox University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Newberg. In-state tuition and fees average $41,320. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $25,324 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from George Fox University generally make around $52,898. That is a strong return on a $25,324 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted.
Pacific Northwest College Of Art came in at #7 for value in graphic design this year. Set in the city of Portland, Pacific Northwest College Of Art is a small private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $49,006. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $26,899 in student loans. Graphic Design graduates of Pacific Northwest College Of Art earn a median of $19,501 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,899 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.