In this article, we highlight the 20 best online bachelor’s in graphic design programs.
According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for graphic designers remains steady and consistent over the next eight years. The Occupational Outlook Handbook published by BLS suggests that graphic designers will face strong competition for available positions. This means that degrees in graphic design are essential in securing employment and advancing current careers.
Methodology
We reviewed 70 accredited colleges and universities that offered online graphic design degrees or related programs like web design, visual communication, digital media, or digital arts. We established our original pool of schools from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) College Navigator. We then reviewed rankings from major publications like Forbes magazine, The Princeton Review, and U.S. News and World Report in order to retain for consideration only the programs that had received rankings or recognition. From these recognized programs we then narrowed to the 20 online bachelor’s degree programs with the lowest in-state undergraduate tuition price published by NCES College Navigator. We listed our schools in order of affordability.
Below are our resulting selections for the 20 best online bachelor’s degrees in graphic design for 2017.
#20 – Champlain College
Online Bachelor’s in Web Design and Development
Burlington, Vermont
Undergraduate tuition: $37,536
Champlain College offers unique online bachelor’s in graphic design programs designed for working students. The program is entirely online with courses condensed into a 7-week format or extended to 15 weeks. Courses include designing digital images for the web, web media, and website design. Students also have access to two certificates, which require additional credits. These add-on certificates include digital marketing and web programming. An internship track is also available to give students additional hands-on experience. Champlain College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 91st best regional university in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #150 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#19 – Savannah College of Art and Design
Online Bachelor’s in Visual Communication–Graphic Design
Savannah, Georgia
Undergraduate tuition: $34,970
Distance education is available at Savannah College of Art and Design. Select programs allow busy students to take online courses that do not disrupt outside obligations like work or family. One of the available programs is the bachelor’s in graphic design online degree. Students earn a bachelor’s in visual communication with a concentration in graphic design. Courses include core principles of interactive design, graphic design media management, graphic design studio idea visualization, history of graphic design, production for print and digital environments, and typography. Savannah College is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school’s online bachelor’s programs #24 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#18 – Southern New Hampshire University
Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design and Media Arts
Manchester, New Hampshire
Undergraduate tuition: $30,386
Southern New Hampshire University offers an online bachelor’s in graphic design program designed for working students. Two concentrations are available so that students may tailor their degree towards specific areas of interest. These concentrations include 3D modeling and animation and web design. All classes are delivered online and include basic design and color theory, digital graphic design for the web, graphics and layout in print media, introduction to digital imaging, and language and practice of media arts. Southern New Hampshire University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 101st best regional university in the North and #1 most innovative school.
#17 – California Baptist University
Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design and Digital Media
Riverside, California
Undergraduate tuition: $30,384
California Baptist University offers an accredited online graphic design degree for individuals with existing careers and personal obligations that prevent them from attending traditional classes. Courses are taught by experienced professors who teach regularly on campus. These courses include advanced design, advanced image, history of graphic design, intermediate image, and intermediate typography. California Baptist University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as the 37th best regional university in the West. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #34 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#16 – Berkeley College
Online BFA in Graphic Design
New York, New York
Undergraduate tuition: $24,300
Berkeley College offers one of the more affordable accredited graphic design programs online. The program offers online courses designed to prepare students for careers in the fields of visual communications. Courses are taught by professors with direct experience in professional design and visual arts. These online classes include digital photography and creative media, graphic design in visual culture, graphic design principles, publication design, and special topics in graphic design. A portfolio and internship may also be required for those who do not complete a capstone project. Berkeley College is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#15 – Southeastern University
Online Bachelor’s in Digital Media and Design
Lakeland, Florida
Undergraduate tuition: $22,840
An alternative to the bachelor’s in graphic design online programs is digital media and design. This unique program is fully online and prepares students for careers as designers, marketers, and web design masters. Southeastern University offers a bachelor’s in digital media and design that is for busy and working students with outside obligations that prevent them from attending on-campus classes. All courses are online and include advanced design, advanced digital imaging, advanced illustration, digital layout and design, magazine design and production, and writing for digital media. Southeastern University is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the South. The online bachelor’s programs rank #172 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#14 – Liberty University
Online BFA in Graphic Design
Lynchburg, Virginia
Undergraduate tuition: $20,109
Liberty University’s online bachelor’s in graphic design offers a hands-on learning approach that focuses on the digital arts. The entire program is online and includes courses in digital arts. These online courses include advanced typography, digital imaging, graphic design, history of art, interactive publications, introduction to typography, and publication design. Liberty University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges ranks the school as a best national university. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #100 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#13 – Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate tuition: $17,016
The accredited online graphic design degree offered by the Art Institute of Pittsburgh is designed with working students in mind. Two available concentrations are available so that students may tailor their degree towards personal interests or career goals. These concentrations include interactive and print. Graphic design courses include advertising concepts, color and design fundamentals, digital illustration, interactive motion graphics, publication design, and traditional typography. Courses that focus on web design include information architecture, interface design, and web page design. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh has been recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report.
#12 – Rocky Mountain College of Art
Online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
Denver, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $16,370
Rocky Mountain College of Art offers an accredited online bachelor’s in graphic design that can be completed entirely via distance learning. All courses are taught by faculty members who also work as practicing industry professionals. These courses include design systems, experience design, graphic design, information visualization, rapid visualization and prototyping, and typographic design. Courses are designed so that students interact with their peers through technology and open communication. Rocky Mountain College of Art is recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top art school. In recent years, the online bachelor’s degree programs have earned recognition.
#11 – National University
Online Bachelor’s in Digital Media Design
La Jolla, California
Undergraduate tuition: $12,744
National University is one of our top accredited graphic design programs online due to the affordable undergraduate tuition. Successful completion of the program enables students to be skilled in graphic and digital design. All classes are delivered online and include applied web design, camera and image, convergence media, graphic design and artistry, media storytelling, motion graphics, and video game design. National University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a best regional university in the West. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #114 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#10 – Colorado Technical University
Online Bachelor’s in Information Technology–Web Development
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Undergraduate tuition: $11,656
One of the most affordable bachelor’s in graphic design online programs on our list is the web development program at Colorado Technical University. This online program is designed to equip students with highly specialized skills in IT and web design. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same university professors who regularly teach on campus. These classes include digital imaging, digital media and intellectual property, multi-media development for the web, web-based database applications, and web user interface design. Colorado Tech has earned recognition from major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the school as having the 63rd best online bachelor’s programs.
#9 – Franklin University
Online Bachelor’s in Interactive Media Design
Columbus, Ohio
Undergraduate tuition: $11,641
Franklin University offers one of the most affordable accredited graphic design programs online. This program is designed to prepare individuals with interactive media design skills that transition well into the fields of interactive media or video game design. All classes are taught online by university professors. These courses include advanced graphic design, human computer interaction, interactive media design capstone, interactive media for entertainment, interactive media for training and instruction, and technical communication. Franklin is recognized by U.S. News and World Report as a top school. Specifically, the university’s online bachelor’s programs have earned the 106th ranking for being among the best online bachelor’s programs in the country.
#8 – Arizona State University
Online Bachelor’s in Internet and Web Development
Tempe, Arizona
Undergraduate tuition: $10,158
One of the more affordable online graphic design degree programs on our list is the bachelor of applied science (BAS) in internet and web development degree program at Arizona State University. The 60-credit hour program is specifically for individuals who have earned an associate of applied science from a regionally accredited university. All courses are delivered online and taught by the same faculty members who teach on ASU campuses. Online courses include enterprise planning and implementation, multimedia design, planning and storyboards, and website and e-commerce strategies. ASU is ranked by major publications like Forbes magazine and U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the institution is ranked as the 129th best national university. Also, ASU’s online bachelor’s programs rank #11 out of more than 1,200 programs surveyed by U.S. News.
#7 – California University of Pennsylvania
Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design
California, Pennsylvania
Undergraduate tuition: $9,936
California University of Pennsylvania offers a bachelor’s in graphic design online program that is designed for busy and working adults. All classes are delivered online and the program can be completed without attending traditional on-campus courses. Courses are taught by university professors and include color theory, design 2-D, graphic design studio, introduction to graphic design, multimedia foundations, video production, and web publishing. California University of Pennsylvania is a highly ranked institution. In fact, U.S. News and World Report ranks the school among the best regional universities in the North. Also, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #111 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#6 – University of Wisconsin–Stout
Online Bachelor’s in Digital Marketing Technology
Menomonie, Wisconsin
Undergraduate tuition: $9,203
University of Wisconsin offers one of the more affordable online graphic design degree programs on our list. The focus of the degree is to prepare students for work in digital marketing. All courses are delivered online and taught by University of Wisconsin professors who routinely instruct on-campus. These courses include cross-media graphics, digital marketing technology, and information communication technologies. For students interested in graphic design, several courses are available, including graphics software tools. The institution is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as the 69th best regional university in the Midwest and the 15th top public school. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s programs rank #111 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#5 – Baker College
Online Bachelor’s in Digital Media Design
Flint, Michigan
Undergraduate tuition: $8,640
One of the most affordable accredited graphic design programs online is the bachelor’s degree program from Baker College. This entirely online program is designed for working students and individuals who cannot attend traditional classes due to outside obligations. Classes are taught by experienced instructors and include advanced graphic imaging, digital media production methods, graphic presentation, introduction to digital design, publication design processes, and web multi-media. Students also have the option of gaining credit for employment experience and an internship during their undergraduate work. Baker College is ranked by U.S. News and World Report as a best regional college in the Midwest.
#4 – Granite State College
Online Bachelor’s in Digital and Social Media
Concord, New Hampshire
Undergraduate tuition: $7,257
For individuals interested in accredited graphic design programs online that incorporate digital and social media studies, Granite State College offers a unique bachelor’s program. This entirely online degree prepares students to work in a media-driven society. Flexible online courses are designed for working students who are unable to give up their day job to attend traditional classes. Online courses include foundations of digital media production, global marketing, trends in digital and social media, the media and its messages, trends in digital and social media, and web development. Granite State College has been recognized by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the online bachelor’s programs are ranked #79 out of more than 1,200 surveyed programs.
#3 – University of Maryland University College
Online Bachelor’s in Digital Media and Web Technology
Adelphi, Maryland
Undergraduate tuition: $7,056
University of Maryland University College offers a unique degree option that may appeal to those interested in accredited graphic design programs online. Students can earn a bachelor’s in digital media and web technology entirely online or in a hybrid format. Courses are taught by industry experts and experienced faculty. These online classes include current trends and projects in digital media and web technology, fundamentals of digital media, and introduction to interactive design. Two available concentrations provide options for students to tailor their degree to suit career goals and personal interests. These concentrations include digital design and web design. In recent years, the University of Maryland has earned recognition from U.S News and World Report as a best regional university in the North.
#2 – Bellevue University
Online Bachelor’s in Graphic Design
Bellevue, Nebraska
Undergraduate tuition: $7,050
In the #2 position for online graphic design degree programs is Bellevue University. The school offers an affordable bachelor’s in graphic design that can be completed entirely online. All classes are taught by university professors and industry experts. These classes include design basics, fundamentals of web design, history of contemporary graphic design, publication design, single page decision, and web page design. Bellevue University is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report as a top regional university in the Midwest. Also, the school’s online bachelor’s degree programs have been ranked #72 out of 1,200 surveyed programs in the most recent edition of Best Colleges.
#1 – Brigham Young University
Online Bachelor’s in Web Design and Development
Rexburg, Idaho
Undergraduate tuition: $3,830
Brigham Young University is our #1 pick for affordable online bachelor’s in graphic design programs. Students focus on web design and development throughout their studies and become prepared for work in a rapidly changing and expanding field. All courses are delivered online and include creating online media, database design and development, digital imaging, information design, social media design, and vector graphics. BYU is ranked by major publications like U.S. News and World Report. In fact, the most recent edition of Best Colleges lists the school as the 10th best regional college in the West. The institution is our #1 choice for best online bachelor’s degrees in graphic design.
