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2026 Best Value Graphic Design Schools in the Southwest Region
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in graphic design, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Graphic Design Schools
Our analysis ranked El Centro College the best value for a degree in graphic design in the Southwest Region. Located in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a very large public university. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $2,730, while out-of-state students pay about $6,900. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $11,835 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from El Centro College generally make around $41,295. That is a strong return on a $11,835 median debt.
South Texas College is a great value for students pursuing a degree in graphic design, landing the #2 spot this year. South Texas College is a very large public school located in the city of McAllen. In-state tuition and fees average $4,920, while out-of-state students pay about $7,620. Students borrow a median of $6,868 to complete the graphic design program here. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from South Texas College generally make around $30,227. That is a strong return on a $6,868 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at San Antonio College earned it the #3 place for graphic design. Located in the city of San Antonio, San Antonio College is a very large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $3,412, compared with $9,952 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $11,839 to complete the graphic design program here. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from San Antonio College generally make around $37,855. That is a strong return on a $11,839 median debt.
A rank of #4 makes Central Arizona College one of the best values for graphic design. Located in the rural area of Coolidge, Central Arizona College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $2,250, with out-of-state students paying around $4,500. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $11,635. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $48,826. Set against $11,635 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
The University Of Texas Pan American is a great value for students pursuing a degree in graphic design, landing the #5 spot this year. The University Of Texas Pan American is a very large public school located in the city of Edinburg. In-state tuition and fees average $9,799, compared with $19,645 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $14,694. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from The University Of Texas Pan American generally make around $46,404. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 94%.
ADBLOCK #101
Yavapai College came in at #6 for value in graphic design this year. Located in the city of Prescott, Yavapai College is a moderately-sized public university. In-state tuition and fees average $2,948, compared with $9,486 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $14,087 to complete the graphic design program here. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Yavapai College generally make around $52,087. Set against $14,087 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Lamar Institute Of Technology came in at #7 for value in graphic design this year. Lamar Institute Of Technology is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Beaumont. Students from in state pay about $2,844 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,924. Students borrow a median of $14,278 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of Lamar Institute Of Technology earn a median of $50,068 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Pontotoc Technology Center came in at #8 for value in graphic design this year. Located in the rural area of Ada, Pontotoc Technology Center is a small public university. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $44,846.
Tyler Junior College landed the #9 spot for graphic design value this year. Set in the city of Tyler, Tyler Junior College is a large public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,424 in tuition and fees, compared with $4,536 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $14,869. Graphic Design graduates of Tyler Junior College earn a median of $43,348 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value.
Lamar University landed the #10 spot for graphic design value this year. Lamar University is a very large public school located in the city of Beaumont. In-state tuition and fees average $8,905, while out-of-state students pay about $18,745. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $26,988. Graphic Design graduates of Lamar University earn a median of $52,678 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,988 median debt. Lamar University admits about 86% of applicants.