Top 10 Online Schools for Graphic Design

If you wish to get a graphics designer education or update your skills in graphics design, an online school is one of your best options. This is because it will afford you the ease of study if you already have a job and can’t quit it to continue your education.

So, if you’re choosing an online school for graphics design, we have provided you with the top Online Schools for Graphic Design you should consider in 2023.

This article highlights the 10 best online schools for graphic design in 2023.

Graphic designers usually hold a bachelor’s degree in graphic design or a closely related field. But successful graphic designers also possess a knack for creativity and a solid grasp of computer software.

The job market for graphic designers has remained steady for years. According to the job outlook reported by the United States Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, a 1% growth is projected over the next seven years.

Without a projected growth rate, graphic designers may face strong competition for available jobs. This means that without a bachelor’s in graphic design, entry into the field may not be possible.

Also, earning a master’s in graphic design may set you apart from your competition. To help you achieve your goals, online graphic design programs are available at some of the top schools.

Methodology

This ranking was created to find the top institutions offering online undergraduate graphic design degrees. The data collected below was taken from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator based on a particular methodology:

  • student-to-faculty ratio,
  • the percentage of applicants admitted (selectivity rate)
  • graduation rate,
  • and the overall cost of in-state undergraduate tuition and fees.

We examined schools that offered online bachelor’s in graphic design degree programs, or closely related disciplines. From our original pool of 49 institutions, we applied our ranking criteria and developed a list of the 10 best online schools for graphic design.

In the event of a tie, the institution with the lowest undergraduate tuition price was awarded higher placement on our list. Our methodology is listed below.

The student to Faculty Ratio
15:1 and under- 3 Points
16:1 to 20:1- 2 Points
More than 20:1- 1 Point

Undergraduate Tuition/Fees
Less than $10,000/year- 3 Points
$10,001-$20,000/year- 2 Points
More than $20,000/year- 1 Point

Applicants Admitted
Less than 25%- 3 Points
25% to 50% – 2 Points
More than 50%- 1 Point

Graduation Rate
50% or Greater- 3 Points
25%-49%- 2 Points
Less than 25%- 1 Point

Below is our list of the top 10 best online schools for graphic design degrees (2023).

See: 10 Free Graphic Design Online Courses With Certificates In 2023

Southern New Hampshire University

Manchester, New Hampshire

The online graphic design programs at Southern New Hampshire University offer concentrations in 3D design and animation.

Website
Tuition/Fees: $31,136
Points: 6

Southern New Hampshire University is one of the best online schools for graphic design degrees. The institution offers a bachelor’s in graphic design and media arts with two available concentrations: 3D modeling and animation and web design.

All courses are delivered online and taught by the same instructors on campus. SNHU is listed among our top online graphic design degrees schools due to its higher than average graduation rate. Also, major publications like U.S. News and World Report ranked the school as the 101st best regional university in the North and the number 1 most innovative institution in the nation.


Lindsey Wilson College

Columbia, Kentucky

Lindsey Wilson College’s low student-to-faculty ratio earns it a spot on our list of best online schools for graphic design.

Website
Tuition/Fees: $23,762
Points: 6

Lindsey Wilson College makes our list of the best online graphic design degree schools due to the lower than the average student-to-faculty ratio of 16 to 1 and the reasonable undergraduate tuition of under $25,000 per year.

The school is listed with major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the South. Lindsey Wilson is named as one of our top online graphic design schools and offers undergraduate degrees such as the bachelor’s in user experience design.

This program focuses on the creation of computer graphics, the history of digital media, and interactive media design and programming


California University of Pennsylvania

California, Pennsylvania

The California University of Pennsylvania is one of our top online schools for graphic design.

Website
Tuition/Fees: $10,339
Points: 6

The California University of Pennsylvania makes our list of online schools for graphic design degrees due to its low student-to-faculty ratio of 21 to 1, highly affordable undergraduate tuition, and graduation rate.

The school offers a bachelor’s in graphic design designed to develop and enhance concepts and skills essential to careers in graphic design. The bachelor’s program also prepares students for graphics and media design graduate programs or closely related degrees.

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top national university in the North rank California University. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank number 6 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs. California University is one of the most affordable online graphic design schools on our list.

Also, see: 20 Best Colleges With Graphic Design Majors In 2023


Bellevue University

Bellevue, Nebraska

Accredited and ranked. Bellevue University is a top choice for online graphic design degrees.

Website
Tuition/Fees: $7,365
Points: 6

Bellevue University is listed among our top online graphic design degrees schools primarily due to its highly affordable undergraduate tuition for in-state residents. The university offers a bachelor’s in graphic design degree that is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission through the U.S. Department of Education.

The program is conveniently offered online, with courses taught by university professors. Some of the program courses include design basics, fundamentals of print design, and web page design. Students also develop a portfolio that can be used when seeking employment.

Bellevue is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the Midwest. Also, the online bachelor’s programs rank number 92 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs. Bellevue is one of the best online graphic design schools on our list.


Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah, Georgia

Typically, Savannah College of Art and Design offers a BFA in graphic design that may be completed online.

Website
Tuition/Fees: $35,690
Points: 7

Savannah College of Art and Design earns a top spot on our list of graphic design schools online due to the student-to-faculty ratio of 20 to 1 and the above-average graduation rate of 67 percent. While the school’s undergraduate tuition is pricey, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked with major publications like U.S. News and World Report.

In fact, U.S. News ranks Savannah’s online bachelor’s program number 15 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs. Students have the option of earning a bachelor’s or BFA in graphic design from one of the best online graphic design degree schools in the country, and without leaving the comfort of home to attend classes.


California Baptist University

Riverside, California

A low student-to-faculty ratio and a high graduation rate earn California Baptist University a spot on our list of the 10 best online schools for graphic design.

Website
Tuition/Fees: $31,372
Points: 7

California Baptist University is one of our top online graphic design degree schools due to its low student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1 and higher than the average graduation rate. The institution offers a bachelor’s in graphic design and digital media program to help students leverage their existing careers or transition into new ones.

All courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors instructing on campus. Major publications like U.S. News and World Report rank the university as the 37th best regional university in the West. The online bachelor’s programs rank number 8 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs, making California Baptist University one of the top online graphic design schools on our list.


Art Institute of Pittsburgh

Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is one of our top online schools for graphic design.

Website
Tuition/Fees: $17,016
Points: 7

The Art Institute of Pittsburgh is one of the best online schools for graphic design degrees on our list. The school features a low student-to-faculty ratio of 13:1 and affordable undergraduate tuition, earning a spot on our list of top online graphic design degree schools.

Major publications like U.S. News and World Report as top art schools also recognize the school. Interested students may earn a bachelor’s in graphic design by completing 180 credit hours–all of which may be taken online.

The program is ideal for working students and those with life obligations that make attending traditional classes difficult.

Also, see: 15 Best Trade Schools for Graphic Design in 2023 | Apply Now


Liberty University

Lynchburg, Virginia

Liberty’s low student-to-faculty ratio and selective admission rate help earn it a spot on our list of best online schools for graphic design.

Website
Tuition/Fees: $21,292
Points: 8

Liberty University earns a spot on our list of graphic design schools online due to its low student-to-faculty ratio of 18 to 1, affordable undergraduate tuition, and selective admission rate. Students may earn a BFA in graphic design that may be completed entirely online.

The requirements include 120 total credit hours and a 180-hour internship and 30-hour practicum. The program is designed for working students who want to advance their careers in graphic design or pursue graduate studies at the masters and doctoral level. U.S. News and World Report rank Liberty as a top national institution.

Also, online bachelor’s programs are ranked number 148 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs. Liberty is one of our list’s best online graphic design degree schools.


Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Lakewood, Colorado

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design has the lowest student-to-faculty ratio and is in the number 2 place on our list of top online schools for graphic design.

Website
Tuition/Fees: $17,170
Points: 8

One of the best online schools for graphic design degrees on our list is Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design. The school offers the lowest student-to-faculty ratio on our list (10:1) and affordable undergraduate tuition.

While the school has open enrollment and a 100% admission acceptance rate, courses are rigorous. The undergraduate graphic design degree may be completed entirely online with classes taught by faculty members who are also practicing industry professionals.

Rocky Mountain is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as one of the top graphic design schools online in the nation.


University of Florida

Gainesville, Florida

The University of Florida is our number 1 choice for the best online schools for graphic design degrees.

Website
Tuition/Fees: $3,876
Points: 8

One of the top online schools for graphic design degrees on our list is the University of Florida. The School of Art and Art History at UF offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in graphic design that may be completed entirely online.

Undergraduate students may earn a BFA with a concentration in graphic design. This degree is essential for career advancement or entry into a graduate-level graphic design program. The institution is our number 1 pick for graphic design schools online due to its highly affordable undergraduate tuition and a high graduation rate of 87%.

Also, the University of Florida is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as the 50th best national university and 14th top public school in the country. The online bachelor’s programs rank 20 out of 1,200 surveyed programs.

BCS Staff
April 2022

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