By Kelsey Fox
December 2021
If you enjoy technology and creating, and maybe even have a knack for sales or marketing, then a bachelor’s degree in graphic design may be for you. Graphic design is everywhere, and it’s used in one way or another by every company on the planet. By earning an online bachelor’s degree in graphic design, you could begin an exciting career creating brand identities and selling products using your artistic skills.
Dozens of schools across the country offer online degrees in graphic design. Which should you choose? As with any arts degree, a program’s artistic offerings are just as important as things like cost, class size, and graduation rate. That’s why Computer Science Degree Hub went on the hunt for the best online degrees in graphic design, taking into account all of the things that should be considered.
Ranking Methodology
To come up with our ranking, we compiled a list of every college and university offering a graphic design bachelor’s degree online. We carefully examined each, then used the following points-based system to narrow down our list to just the 30 best.
Annual Out-of-State Tuition:
$5,000 or less — 5 points
$5,001 to $10,000 — 4 points
$10,001 to $20,000 — 3 points
$20,001 to $30,000 — 2 points
$30,001 to $40,000 — 1 point
Annual Percentage of 20-Year Net Return on Investment (ROI):
9%+ — 5 points
7-8% — 4 points
5-6% — 3 points
3-4% — 2 points
1-2% — 1 pointÂ
Graduation Rate:
Above 90% — 5 points
Above 80% — 4 points
Above 70% — 3 points
Above 60% — 2 points
Above 50% — 1 pointÂ
Student-to-Faculty Ratio:
5:1 and more — 4 points
10:1 and more —3 points
15:1 and more — 2 points
20:1 and more — 1 point
Note: In the event of a tie in points, the higher ranking was given to the degree program with the lower annual tuition cost. All tuition numbers and other statistics are accurate as of December 2021.
#30. DeVry University
Online Bachelor’s in Multimedia Design and Development w/ specialization in Graphic and Multimedia Design
Various Locations
Total Points: 2
Annual-Out-of-State Tuition: $15,420
Kicking off our ranking of the best online bachelor’s degrees in Graphic Design is DeVry University. This for-profit trades school offers an online bachelor’s in multimedia design and development with a graphic and multimedia design specialization. Typically, students graduate with their bachelor’s degree in two years and eight months. Potential coursework includes Advanced Web Design, and Introduction to Business and Technology, to name but two. A senior project and media portfolio are required before graduation, too.
#29. The Los Angeles Film School
Online Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design
Hollywood, California
Total Points: 3
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $33,100
Next on our list of the best online bachelor’s in graphic design is The Los Angeles Film School. Despite its name, The Los Angeles Film School offers an online B.S. in Graphic Design. To earn the degree, students must complete 120 credit hours. Most students are able to complete their bachelor’s in three years — one year less than the traditional undergraduate degree program. Major-specific coursework includes Photography in Design and Digital Color Theory, to name but two interesting classes.
#28. Berkeley College
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
New York, New York
Total Points: 3
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $27,000
Berkeley College offers a B.F.A. in Graphic Design which can be completed entirely online. To earn this degree, students must complete 120 credits. This includes general education courses, which are usually scheduled during and after the second semester. Graphic Design coursework includes classes like 3D Design and Modeling, and Animation Foundations, to name but two. A capstone project and internship are also required before graduation.
#27. Full Sail University
Online Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design
Winter Park, Florida
Total Points: 3
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $25,820
Full Sail University offers a B.S. in Graphic Design. The degree can be completed entirely online in just 29 months. Students work on one month-long class at a time. Classes include Color Theory, and Typography and Page Layout, to name but two. Even the general education courses are tailored towards the arts. These include Psychology of Play and Art History. Over the course of the degree program, students will compile an impressive portfolio of work. Students graduate after completing their last course: Career Readiness.
#26. Grand Canyon University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
Phoenix, Arizona
Total Points: 4
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $17,800
Grand Canyon University offers an online B.A. in Graphic Design. The degree consists of 120 credits, and classes last just seven weeks. This allows students to complete more coursework in less time. Coursework is flexible, so students are able to study when and where it is most convenient for them. Potential coursework includes Image Creation and Designing with Type, among others. An Advanced Design Practicum is also required before graduation.
#25. Rasmussen University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
Various Locations
Total Points: 4
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $12,311
Rasmussen University offers an online B.A. in Graphic Design. This degree program is ideal for the student who requires flexibility. Monthly start dates are available, and class times are totally flexible. To earn the degree, students must complete 90 credit hours. This equates to 23 courses, including Interactive Publishing and Designing for the User Experience. A Senior Capstone and Senior Design Portfolio are also required before graduation.
#24. California Baptist University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Digital Media
Riverside, California
Total Points: 5
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $36,340
California Baptist University offers a B.A. in Graphic Design and Digital Media. The degree can be completed entirely online in about 16 months. A total of 90 credits are required to complete the degree; 48 make up major coursework. Graphic design classes include Fundamental Typography and Basic Drawing, to name but two. Because California Baptist University is a private Christian university, two religion courses — Overview of the Bible and Foundations of Christian Thought — are also part of the curriculum. Additionally, students must complete a graphic design senior capstone.
#23. Southeastern University
Online Bachelor of Science in Digital Media & Design
Lakeland, Florida
Total Points: 5
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $27,520
Southeastern University in Lakeland, Florida offers a B.A. in Digital Media and Design which can be completed entirely online. The degree requires 120 credit hours, 65 of which are in graphic design. Potential coursework includes Photography and Advanced Digital Imaging, to name but two. An internship is also included in the curriculum.
#22. Northern Vermont University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
Johnson, Vermont
Total Points: 5
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $26,892
Northern Vermont University offers an online B.A. in Graphic Design. To earn the bachelor’s in graphic design, students must complete 120 credits. This includes both general education and major coursework. Coursework covers a variety of topics, ranging from typography to the user friendliness of a website. Northern Vermont University prides itself on providing interactive online classes, complete with discussion and critiques from faculty and peers.
#21. Academy of Art University
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
San Francisco, California
Total Points: 5
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $26,664
San Francisco-based Academy of Art University offers a fully online B.F.A. in Graphic Design. To earn the degree, students must complete 132 credit hours. This includes 45 credits of general education in the Liberal Arts. Coursework in the department of graphic design includes Composition for the Artist and Digital Photography, to name but two. Summer courses are available to potentially shorten the four-year program. A senior portfolio and a graphic design internship are also required before graduation.
#20. National University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Media Design
La Jolla, California
Total Points: 5
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $13,320
San Diego-based National University offers a B.A. in Digital Media Design which can be completed entirely online. This unique degree program allows students to study whenever it is most convenient, whether that be weekday, evening, or weekend. Students focus on one month-long course at a time, which allows them to complete more classes in a shorter amount of time. Earning this bachelor’s degree requires 180 quarter units. Coursework includes Media Literacy and Emerging Technologies, to name but two.
#19. Midway University
Online Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications w/ a concentration in Graphic Design
Midway, Kentucky
Total Points: 6
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $24,850
Midway University’s online Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communication allows for a concentration in graphic design. Midway prides itself on its ability to offer one-on-one support to online students, who are encouraged to meet virtually with their instructor at any time. To earn this degree, students must complete 120 credit hours. Required coursework includes Introduction to Public Relations and Digital Storytelling, to name but two. A three-credit capstone is also required before graduation.
#18. Herzing University
Online Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design
Various Locations
Total Points: 6
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $14,200
Herzing University offers an online B.S. in Graphic Design. To earn this degree, students must complete 124 semester credit hours. Required graphic design courses include Color Theory in Design and Corporate Campaigns, to name but two. A capstone project and an internship are also required before graduation. Uniquely, Herzing offers its online students two personal and professional development courses to help prepare them for their career.
#17. Savannah College of Art and Design
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Savannah, Georgia
Total Points: 7
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $38,075
Savannah College of Art and Design, known also as SCAD, offers an online B.F.A. in Graphic Design. The degree consists of 180 credits, including 55 hours of general education. Artists will be happy to know that the general education classes are tailored towards the arts, and include Speaking of Ideas (communications requirement) and Critical Concepts in Literature and Writing (English requirement). Graphic Design classes include Typography and Interface Design, to name but two.
#16. Liberty University
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Lynchburg, Virginia
Total Points: 7
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $21,587
Liberty University offers a B.F.A. in Graphic Design that students can complete entirely online. To earn the degree, students must complete 120 credit hours. Classes begin and end in eight-week sessions, so this B.F.A. can be completed in just three-and-a-half years. Monthly start dates make Liberty’s online degree program even more flexible. Coursework covers a variety of topics ranging from History of Art to Digital Imaging, to name but two.
#15. University of West Alabama
Online Bachelor of Arts in Integrated Marketing Communications w/ Graphic Design Track
Livingston, Alabama
Total Points: 7
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $20,090
University of West Alabama offers an online B.A. in Integrated Marketing Communications. This unique degree covers everything from traditional graphic design to news writing and social media. Students may then focus their degree by choosing the Graphic Design track. One hundred twenty credits are required to complete this bachelor’s in graphic design. Courses last just eight weeks, and monthly start dates are available for maximum flexibility. A Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications is also offered.
#14. Hodges University
Online Bachelor of Science in Digital Design and Graphics
Fort Myers, Florida
Total Points: 7
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $14,660
Hodges University offers a B.S. in Digital Design and Graphics which students can complete entirely online. The interdisciplinary degree consists of 120 credit hours. Coursework covers a variety of topics ranging from Career Development to College Mathematics. Graphic Design courses include 3D Modeling and Animation, and Identity Design, to name but two. A Senior Portfolio and a Senior Project are also required before graduation.
#13. Upper Iowa University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
Fayette, Iowa
Total Points: 8
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $32,945
Upper Iowa University offers an online B.A. in Graphic Design. The degree focuses on software mastery and critical thinking skills — both necessary for success in the field of graphic design. Over the course of the four-year program, students create a portfolio of work that can be used when interviewing for internships and employment. Coursework covers a variety of topics, ranging from digital photography editing to the history of graphic design.
#12. Rocky Mountain College
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Billings, Montana
Total Points: 8
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $30,586
Rocky Mountain College offers a 100% online B.F.A. in Graphic Design. To earn this degree, students must complete 123 total credits. This includes coursework in art history and the liberal arts, as well as graphic design and other studio-based electives. Major coursework includes classes on typography and dealing with real-world clients, among other things. Multiple start dates throughout the year add extra flexibility.
#11. Kentucky Wesleyan College
Online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
Owensboro, Kentucky
Total Points: 8
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $28,540
Kentucky Wesleyan College’s online B.A. in Graphic Design can be completed 100% online. This flexible bachelor’s degree consists of 120 credits. This includes 42 credits of major core and 39 credits of general education. Graphic design class options include 2D Design and Digital Painting, to name but two. An internship and Senior Seminar are also required before graduation.
#10. Independence University
Online Bachelor of Science in Graphic Arts
Salt Lake City, Utah
Total Points: 8
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $16,600
Independence University in Salt Lake City offers a B.S. in Graphic Arts which can be completed entirely online. To earn the degree, students must complete 183 credits. Most students are able to graduate within 36 months — nearly one year less than the traditional bachelor’s program! Coursework covers a variety of topics, ranging from internet commerce to page layout design. Mastery of software such as Photoshop and InDesign is also a focus.
#9. Arizona State University
Online Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design
Scottsdale, Arizona
Total Points: 8
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $10,928
Arizona State University offers a B.S. in Graphic Design through its highly respected online degree program. This bachelor’s degree consists of 120 credits, or 26 total classes. Each class lasts just 7.5 weeks, allowing students to complete more coursework in less time. Potential courses include Design Drawing and Letterform, to name but two options.
#8. Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
Manchester, New Hampshire
Total Points: 8
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $9,650
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online B.A. in Graphic Design. Students may choose between two concentration options: web design, or 3D Modeling and Animation. Either way, the degree requires 120 total credits for completion. A big focus is placed on mastering advanced software, such as Adobe Creative Suite. Potential courses include Desktop Publishing, and Basic Design and Color Theory, to name but two.
#7. Regent University
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Arts
Virginia Beach, Virginia
Total Points: 10
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $18,720
Regent University offers an online B.F.A. in Graphic Arts. To earn this degree, students must complete 120 credit hours. As they do that, they will be building a professional-level portfolio to showcase their skills and talents. Potential graphic design coursework includes Graphic Symbolism and 3D Design Methods, to name but two. Because Regent University is a private Christian institution, students are also required to take a Biblical Worldview course as part of their general education requirement.
#6. Franklin University
Online Bachelor of Science in Web Development
Columbus, Ohio
Total Points: 10
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $9,577
Franklin University offers a B.S. in Web Development that can be completed entirely online. Franklin’s B.S. is ideal for the student who wants to focus on the technical side of design. Still, the program blends elements of computer science and graphic design for a competitive degree that is sure to prepare students for success. One hundred twenty-four semester credits are required for graduation. Coursework includes Problem Solving with Computing and Introduction to Web Page Construction, to name but two.
#5. Bellevue University
Online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design
Bellevue, Nebraska
Total Points: 10
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $7,851
Bellevue University offers an online B.A. in Graphic Design. The 127-credit degree program focuses on mastering the Adobe Creative Suite and fostering one’s artistic talents. Over the course of the program, students will compile a professional and competitive portfolio with which they can enter the job market. Potential coursework includes Problem-solving and Idea Generation, and Branding, to name but two.
#4. Lesley University
Online Bachelor of Science in Design for User Experience
Cambridge, Massachusetts
Total Points: 11
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $29,550
Lesley University’s B.S. in Design for User Experience can be completed 100% online. Over the course of the degree program, students “will learn to solve real problems for real people, and make designs that inspire and influence the world.” To earn this degree, students must complete 120 credits of coursework. Potential classes include Typography and Elements of Interface, to name but two.
#3. Maryville University of Saint Louis
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media
Saint Louis, Missouri
Total Points: 11
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $27,166
Maryville University offers an online B.F.A in Digital Media. To earn this degree, students must complete 128 credits of coursework. This includes classes such as Digital Illustration and Designing for Meaning, to name but two. Additionally, two capstone projects and an internship are required before graduation.
#2. University of Maryland, Global Campus
Online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Communication
Adelphi, Maryland
Total Points: 11
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $12,336
University of Maryland’s Global Campus has become a leader in distance education, and its online B.A. in Graphic Communication is no exception. This 100% online degree program prepares students for success in a career as a graphic designer. Students create competitive portfolios while mastering important artistic and technology skills. One hundred twenty credits are required to complete the degree. Potential coursework includes Motion Graphics, and Typography and Layout, to name but two.
#1. Penn State World Campus
Online Bachelor of Design in Digital Multimedia
University Park, Pennsylvania
Total Points: 13
Annual Out-of-State Tuition: $13,988
Pennsylvania State University offers an online Bachelor of Design in Digital Multimedia via its highly respected World Campus. This top-ranked degree program requires 120 credits of coursework. Potential classes include Introduction to Application Development and Animation Fundamentals, among others. A portfolio and capstone are also required before graduation.
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