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2026 Best Value Graphic Design Schools in Michigan
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the graphic design degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Graphic Design Schools
Our analysis ranked Kalamazoo Valley Community College the best value for a degree in graphic design in Michigan. Set in the suburb of Kalamazoo, Kalamazoo Valley Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,144, while out-of-state students pay about $9,094. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $15,525 in student loans. Graphic Design graduates of Kalamazoo Valley Community College earn a median of $44,198 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Muskegon Community College earned it the #2 place for graphic design. Set in the city of Muskegon, Muskegon Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,250, while out-of-state students pay about $16,010. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $14,928 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Muskegon Community College generally make around $48,267. That is a strong return on a $14,928 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in graphic design will find it at Ferris State University, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $14,778. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $27,000. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Ferris State University generally make around $34,045. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #4 makes Oakland University one of the best values for graphic design. Located in the suburb of Rochester Hills, Oakland University is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $17,167, compared with $24,735 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $27,954. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Oakland University generally make around $30,687. That is a strong return on a $27,954 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted.
Saginaw Valley State University came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Set in the suburb of University Center, Saginaw Valley State University is a moderately-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,930, compared with $30,450 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $26,125. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Saginaw Valley State University generally make around $27,577. Set against $26,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Saginaw Valley State University admits about 72% of applicants.
ADBLOCK #101
Central Michigan University placed #6 among the best values for graphic design. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $15,480. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $28,500. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Central Michigan University generally make around $36,917. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 90% of applicants are accepted.
Western Michigan University came in at #7 for value in graphic design this year. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. In-state tuition and fees average $15,987, compared with $19,952 for out-of-state students. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $39,077. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 85% of applicants are accepted.
Michigan State University placed #8 among the best values for graphic design. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. In-state tuition and fees average $18,079, with out-of-state students paying around $44,850. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $28,175. Graphic Design graduates of Michigan State University earn a median of $36,784 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $28,175 median debt. The acceptance rate is 85%.
Adrian College landed the #9 spot for graphic design value this year. Set in the town of Adrian, Adrian College is a small private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $41,684. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $28,071. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $43,444. Set against $28,071 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 72%.
Cornerstone University earned the #10 position for value in graphic design this year. Cornerstone University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Grand Rapids. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $23,000. Students borrow a median of $29,243 to complete the graphic design program here. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Cornerstone University generally make around $44,501. That is a strong return on a $29,243 median debt. Cornerstone University admits about 78% of applicants.
[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.
