by our College Data Analytics Team
[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 best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2026 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 20 schools to find the best return on investment 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.
For return on investment in graphic design, no school beat Pontotoc Technology Center this year. Pontotoc Technology Center is a small public school located in the rural area of Ada. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Pontotoc Technology Center generally make around $44,846.
Gordon Cooper Technology Center came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. Set in the town of Shawnee, Gordon Cooper Technology Center is a small public institution. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Gordon Cooper Technology Center generally make around $44,822.
A rank of #3 makes Southern Oklahoma Technology Center one of the best values for graphic design. Southern Oklahoma Technology Center is a small public school located in the rural area of Ardmore. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,012 ten years after entry.
A rank of #4 makes Francis Tuttle Technology Center one of the best values for graphic design. Francis Tuttle Technology Center is a mid-sized public school located in the city of Oklahoma City. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $14,859. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $26,570. That is a strong return on a $14,859 median debt.
A rank of #5 makes Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee one of the best values for graphic design. Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee is a mid-sized public school located in the town of Okmulgee. In-state tuition and fees average $5,774, while out-of-state students pay about $11,384. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $13,356. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Oklahoma State University Institute Of Technology Okmulgee generally make around $28,438. Set against $13,356 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
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Tulsa Technology Center earned the #6 position for value in graphic design this year. Set in the city of Tulsa, Tulsa Technology Center is a mid-sized public institution. Students borrow a median of $11,384 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of Tulsa Technology Center earn a median of $32,406 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $11,384 median debt.
Kiamichi Technology Center Mcalester placed #7 among the best values for graphic design. Kiamichi Technology Center Mcalester is a mid-sized public school located in the town of McAlester. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $7,992 in student loans. Graphic Design graduates of Kiamichi Technology Center Mcalester earn a median of $23,377 early in their careers. Set against $7,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Oklahoma State University Main Campus earned the #8 position for value in graphic design this year. Set in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,110, while out-of-state students pay about $25,630. Students borrow a median of $22,337 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of Oklahoma State University Main Campus earn a median of $50,993 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $22,337 median debt. The acceptance rate is 75%.
University Of Central Oklahoma ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best value graphic design schools. University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public school located in the suburb of Edmond. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,818, with out-of-state students paying around $19,704. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $15,875 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from University Of Central Oklahoma generally make around $42,619. Set against $15,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Central Oklahoma admits about 78% of applicants.
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 · 20 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.