ADBLOCK #102
College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Value Graphic Design Schools in the Southeast Region

27 Colleges in the United States
$21,412 Avg Student Debt
$45,092 Avg Median Earnings (10yr)
2026 Best Value Graphic Design Badge [Graphic Design](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/) is a field worth comparing on the balance of cost and outcomes. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong graphic design education at a price that pays off.

College Factual analyzed 108 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best value graphic design schools.

What’s on this page:

ADBLOCK #159
DEBUG: Raw major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Initial offers_url = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/offers.json", major_slug = ""
DEBUG: After cleaning major_slug = ""
DEBUG: Before URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/offers.json"
DEBUG: After TrimSuffix = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/offers.json"
DEBUG: After HTTPS placeholder = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/offers.json"
DEBUG: After slash cleaning = "HTTPS_TEMP_PLACEHOLDERwww.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/offers.json"
DEBUG: After URL cleaning = "https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/offers.json"
DEBUG: offers_url = https://www.collegefactual.com/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/offers.json
DEBUG: major_slug = ""
DEBUG: offers_url is valid, proceeding to fetch data
DEBUG: offers_data.offers found, count = 6
DEBUG: Specific major detected (cip4 = 50.04), keeping min_relevance at 0.8
DEBUG: Starting relevance filtering - min_relevance = 0.8, max_relevance = 1
DEBUG: Checking offer "Graphic Design (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "Graphic Design (I Have a HS Diploma or Associate Degree)" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts" with relevance 1
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts" ACCEPTED (relevance 1)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts - Web Design" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in Graphic Design & Media Arts - Web Design" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "" with relevance 0.9
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.9)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BA in Game Art & Development" with relevance 0.8
DEBUG: ✓ Offer "BA in Game Art & Development" ACCEPTED (relevance 0.8)
DEBUG: Checking offer "BS in Game Programming & Development" with relevance 0.5
DEBUG: ✗ Offer "BS in Game Programming & Development" REJECTED (relevance 0.5)
DEBUG: relevant_offers count = 5
DEBUG: relevant_offers > 0, checking for ESYOH offers
DEBUG: ESYOH filtering - found 1 ESYOH offers with relevance >= 0.8
DEBUG: esyoh_offers count = 1
DEBUG: ESYOH offers found, rendering ESYOH widget
DEBUG: most_relevant_only = true, filtering for most relevant
DEBUG: Found 1 offers with relevance >= 1.0

2026 Best Value Graphic Design Schools in the Southeast Region

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

1
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL

For return on investment in graphic design, no school beat University Of Florida this year. Located in the city of Gainesville, University Of Florida is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $6,381 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $28,659. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $19,839. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from University Of Florida generally make around $43,144. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 24%.

2

Students looking for strong value in graphic design will find it at Hinds Community College, which ranked #2. Set in the rural area of Raymond, Hinds Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,250 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,300 for out-of-state students. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $16,385 in student loans. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $34,003. Set against $16,385 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

3

Central Piedmont Community College came in at #3 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Located in the city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a very large public university. Students from in state pay about $2,792 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,936. Students borrow a median of $11,861 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of Central Piedmont Community College earn a median of $30,979 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,861 median debt.

4

A rank of #4 makes Forsyth Technical Community College one of the best values for graphic design. Located in the city of Winston-Salem, Forsyth Technical Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,276, with out-of-state students paying around $6,884. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $16,374. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Forsyth Technical Community College generally make around $29,715. That is a strong return on a $16,374 median debt.

5

A rank of #5 makes Fayetteville Technical Community College one of the best values for graphic design. Set in the city of Fayetteville, Fayetteville Technical Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,628, with out-of-state students paying around $8,772. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $16,909 in student loans. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $40,584. That is a strong return on a $16,909 median debt.

ADBLOCK #101
6

Wilkes Community College came in at #6 for value in graphic design this year. Located in the town of Wilkesboro, Wilkes Community College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,572, compared with $8,716 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $9,125 to complete the graphic design program here. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $36,341. Set against $9,125 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

7

Atlanta Technical College ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Atlanta Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Atlanta. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,382, compared with $5,950 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $17,655. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Atlanta Technical College generally make around $35,441. That is a strong return on a $17,655 median debt.

8

Wiregrass Georgia Technical College earned the #8 position for value in graphic design this year. Set in the rural area of Valdosta, Wiregrass Georgia Technical College is a moderately-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,480, compared with $6,048 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $10,864 to complete the graphic design program here. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $40,452. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

9

Wake Technical Community College placed #9 among the best values for graphic design. Set in the suburb of Raleigh, Wake Technical Community College is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,254 in tuition and fees, compared with $6,862 for out-of-state students. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $13,414 in student loans. Graphic Design graduates of Wake Technical Community College earn a median of $32,153 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

10

University Of South Florida Main Campus ranked #10 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Set in the city of Tampa, University Of South Florida Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $6,410, with out-of-state students paying around $17,324. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $17,500 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from University Of South Florida Main Campus generally make around $38,938. Set against $17,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of South Florida Main Campus admits about 43% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #115
11
Lanier Technical College crest
Lanier Technical College
Gainesville, GA

Lanier Technical College came in at #11 for value in graphic design this year. Lanier Technical College is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Gainesville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,980, with out-of-state students paying around $7,190. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $12,278. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $37,118. That is a strong return on a $12,278 median debt.

12

Northwest Arkansas Community College earned the #12 position for value in graphic design this year. Set in the city of Bentonville, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $3,342 in tuition and fees, compared with $5,238 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,479 to complete the graphic design program here. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $40,671. Set against $12,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

13

Spartanburg Community College came in at #13 for value in graphic design this year. Set in the suburb of Spartanburg, Spartanburg Community College is a moderately-sized public institution. Students from in state pay about $5,071 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $10,135. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $10,148 in student loans. Graphic Design graduates of Spartanburg Community College earn a median of $41,598 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $10,148 median debt.

14

Lenoir Community College ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Located in the town of Kinston, Lenoir Community College is a mid-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,578, with out-of-state students paying around $8,822. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $9,984 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Lenoir Community College generally make around $38,736. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

15

Hazard Community And Technical College earned the #15 position for value in graphic design this year. Hazard Community And Technical College is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Hazard. In-state tuition and fees average $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $12,212 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Hazard Community And Technical College generally make around $32,626. Set against $12,212 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

ADBLOCK #145
16

Albany Technical College earned the #16 position for value in graphic design this year. Located in the city of Albany, Albany Technical College is a mid-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $3,364, compared with $5,932 for out-of-state students. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $16,321 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Albany Technical College generally make around $35,895. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

17

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Located in the rural area of Perkinston, Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College is a large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,250, while out-of-state students pay about $7,850. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $11,653 in student loans. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $34,214. Set against $11,653 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

18
Pitt Community College crest
Pitt Community College
Winterville, NC

Pitt Community College ranked #18 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Set in the suburb of Winterville, Pitt Community College is a large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,871, while out-of-state students pay about $13,087. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $19,741 in student loans. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $43,022. That is a strong return on a $19,741 median debt.

19

Big Sandy Community And Technical College landed the #19 spot for graphic design value this year. Set in the town of Prestonsburg, Big Sandy Community And Technical College is a mid-sized public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,728, compared with $6,432 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $11,588. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Big Sandy Community And Technical College generally make around $33,956. Set against $11,588 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

20

University Of North Florida earned the #20 position for value in graphic design this year. University Of North Florida is a large public school located in the city of Jacksonville. 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. That is a strong return on a $18,523 median debt. University Of North Florida admits about 53% of applicants.

ADBLOCK #150
21

Randolph Community College came in at #21 for value in graphic design this year. Located in the town of Asheboro, Randolph Community College is a mid-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $2,416 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $8,176. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $32,198.

22

Northwest Mississippi Community College earned the #22 position for value in graphic design this year. Located in the town of Senatobia, Northwest Mississippi Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Students from in state pay about $3,740 in tuition and fees. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $9,990 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Northwest Mississippi Community College generally make around $35,001. Set against $9,990 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.

23
Western Kentucky University crest
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY

Western Kentucky University came in at #23 for value in graphic design this year. Western Kentucky University is a large public school located in the city of Bowling Green. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $11,652, compared with $27,000 for out-of-state students. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $24,499 in student loans. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $44,778. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.

24

Elizabeth City State University landed the #24 spot for graphic design value this year. Set in the town of Elizabeth City, Elizabeth City State University is a mid-sized public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,536, while out-of-state students pay about $10,536. Students borrow a median of $26,992 to complete the graphic design program here. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Elizabeth City State University generally make around $28,300. Set against $26,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%.

25

Augusta Technical College came in at #25 for value in graphic design this year. Located in the city of Augusta, Augusta Technical College is a moderately-sized public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,282, compared with $7,492 for out-of-state students. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $11,400 in student loans. Graphic Design graduates of Augusta Technical College earn a median of $41,892 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.

Rest of the Top 50 Best Value Graphic Design Schools

Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value in graphic design:

26
27
28
29
30
31
32
33
34
35
36
Arkansas Tech University crest
Arkansas Tech University
Russellville, AR
37
38
39
40
41
West Liberty University crest
West Liberty University
West Liberty, WV
42
Chowan University crest
Chowan University
Murfreesboro, NC
43
44
45
Meredith College crest
Meredith College
Raleigh, NC
46
Regent University crest
Regent University
Virginia Beach, VA
47
48
49
50
John Brown University crest
John Brown University
Siloam Springs, AR

ADBLOCK #173
View All Graphic Design Rankings >

ADBLOCK #115

Notes and References

The ranking above is published 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 · 108 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 27 ranked schools only.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

ADBLOCK #116

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs
ADBLOCK #613

Compare Your School Options