Industry Standard Pay for Graphic Designers 2017 California
Graphic designers averaged around $51,640 in 2015 (mean), with top earners raking in $62,650 to $81,320 (median). This means graphic designers earn more than the National Average Wage Index of $48,098 (2015)—and salaries are on the rise. In 2008, the median annual wage for graphic designers was $42,400. Though promising, these healthy salaries can quickly evaporate if you are saddled with enormous amounts of student loan debt. Fortunately, there are ways to minimize post-graduation debt and still get a quality education.
One way is to tap into every source of "free" money possible. Popular options include the Monetary Award Program (MAP), Pell Grants, and scholarship programs. Work-study is another option as well as choosing a public school over a private school. However, while public schools usually cost considerably less than private schools do, there are exceptions. For example, a number of small private schools with fewer than 2,000 students may offer more affordable tuition or if the college or university is religiously affiliated, you might pay less than you would at a non-affiliated school.
Before we reveal our list of 20 affordable graphic design programs, it is important to note that the schools on our list are not ranked. They are listed alphabetically. In addition, unless stated otherwise, "tuition" does not include fees, books, housing, transportation, or other college-related expenses. Also, to help assess savings, consider the average cost of tuition for public and private universities across the U.S. According to the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), the average tuition cost for a private four-year college or university was $37,990 for the 2014-2015 school year. The average cost for a public four-year college or university was $18,632.
1. Arizona State University (ASU), Tempe, Arizona
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Arizona State University (ASU) is now home to more than 71,000 students across five campuses including Tempe, West (Glendale), Polytechnic (Mesa), Downtown Phoenix, and Thunderbird (Glendale) and another 20,000+ students at SkySong—the ASU Scottsdale Innovation Center. Established in 1885, the Tempe campus (main) is home to the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts (ASU Herberger). The Institute offers a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs for aspiring graphic designers including a Bachelor of Science in Design (BSD) in Graphic (Visual Communication) Design and a Master of Science in Design (MSD) with a Concentration in Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design).
Also known as MVCD, the MSD program features two-year and three-plus-year options. The Two-year program is a studio-based program that consists of 60 hours of study and the three-plus-year program is a 102-hour studio-based program. The 102-hour program is designed for students that do not have an undergraduate degree in visual communication or graphic design.
Tuition: Arizona residents $10,370 (base tuition and fees) for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $26,470 (base tuition and fees).
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 45 percent of all undergraduate students at Arizona State University utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,904 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $13,808 after two years and $27,616 after four.
2. Bowling Green State University (BGSU), Bowling Green, Ohio
Bowling Green State University (BGSU) was established in 1910 and it is home to 19,000 students at campuses in Bowling Green (main) and Huron, Ohio. The school offers more than 200 undergraduate majors and programs on the main campus, and eight baccalaureate and 14 associate degree programs at BGSU Firelands in Huron. The College of Arts and Sciences at the main campus is home to the School of Art, which houses the Division of Graphic Design (BGSUGD). The Division offers a BFA in Graphic Design. Graduates of the program go on to become graphic designers, communications specialists, and art directors in a variety of fields with major corporations and creative firms across the U.S.
Eighty percent of all entering freshmen receive financial aid and the school awards an average of 5,800 scholarships totaling approximately $20 million each year. BGSU also has a large work-study program that helps employ approximately 4,500 students on campus.
Tuition: Main Campus $10,590 for the 2014-2015 school year for Ohio residents. Nonresidents must pay an additional non-resident fee of $7,308. Firelands Campus - $4,931 for the 2014-2015 school year for Ohio residents. Nonresidents must pay an additional nonresident fee of $7,308.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 66 percent of incoming freshmen at BGSU utilize federal student loans to help pay tuition, averaging $6,992 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $13,984 after two years and $27,968 after four.
3. Brigham Young University (BYU), Provo, Utah
Founded in 1875, Brigham Young University (BYU) is home to 32,615 students enrolled in 178 majors, 109 minors, 69 master's programs and 26 doctorate programs across dozens of colleges and departments. The Department of Design offers several programs for aspiring graphic designers. Options include BA and BFA degrees in Design with a Graphic Design Emphasis. The BA requires completion of 45 credit hours in Graphic Design (GD) and the BFA requires 73 GD credit hours.
Around 50 percent of incoming freshmen receive financial aid. BYU offers department and college scholarships in addition to university scholarships. The average financial aid package is $9,500.
Tuition: Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints (LDS) members pay $5,300 for the 2016-2017 school year. Non-LDS students pay $10,600 for the 2016-2017 school year.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, the average loan amount for all undergrads at BYU is $6,071 Per Year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $12,142 after two years and $24,284 after four.
4. California State University Los Angeles (Cal State LA), Los Angeles, California
Established in 1947, California State University - Los Angeles (Cal State LA) is home to 27,000 students enrolled in more than 300 programs across eight colleges and dozens of departments. The College of Arts and Letters, Department of Art offers a BA in Graphic Design/Visual Communication. The program prepares aspiring graphic designers to work in today's digital media and print industries. Besides internship opportunities, the program offers access to the Luckman Fine Arts Complex, the TV, Film and Media Center, and internship opportunities at the Getty Center.
Tuition: California residents $6,356 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $15,284. Nonresident students are assessed an additional $372 per unit.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 36 percent of all undergraduate students at Cal State LA utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $5,904 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $11,808 after two years and $23,616 after four.
5. Kent State University (KSU, Kent State), Kent, Ohio
Founded in 1910, Kent State University (KSU or Kent State) is home to 27,500 students enrolled in more than 300 degree programs across dozens of colleges, schools, and departments. The College of Communication and Information, School of Visual Communication Design offers a variety of degree programs for aspiring graphic designers. Undergraduate options include BA and BFA degrees in Visual Communication Design. Graduate level options include MA and MFA degrees in Visual Communication Design.
Tuition: Ohio residents $10,012 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $18,376.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 62 percent of all undergraduate students at KSU utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $7,335 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $14,670 after two years and $29,340 after four.
6. Louisiana State University (LSU), Baton Rouge, Louisiana
Louisiana State University (LSU) welcomed its first class on January 2, 1860. The school, which is home to more than 29,000 students, offers more than 200 programs across 11 colleges and schools. The College of Art and Design at LSU offers several programs for aspiring animators including BFA and MFA degrees in Graphic Design. According to LSU, the programs prepare students for a career in graphic design "through experiences in the development of work in typography, print and editorial design, information design, digital imaging, packaging, environmental design, identity design, and branding."
Tuition: Louisiana residents $10,758 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $27,434.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 35 percent of all undergraduate students at Louisiana State University and Agricultural & Mechanical College utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,649 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $13,298 after two years and $26,596 after four.
7. North Carolina State University at Raleigh, Raleigh North Carolina
North Carolina State University (NC State) was established in 1887 and it is home to 33,989 students enrolled in more than 300 undergraduate and graduate degree programs across 12 colleges and 65 departments. The College of Design's Department of Art and Design offers several programs for aspiring graphic designers. Programs include a BA in Graphic Design and a Master of Graphic Design. The master's program allows students to enroll in a three-credit elective at nearby Duke University or UNC/Chapel Hill under NC State tuition.
Tuition: North Carolina residents $6,407 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $23,926.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 42 percent of all undergraduate students at North Carolina State University at Raleigh utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,266 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $12,532 after two years and $25,064 after four.
8. Oregon State University (OSU), Corvallis, Oregon
Founded in 1868, Oregon State University (OSU) is home to more than 30,000 students enrolled in more 280 degree programs across 13 colleges and schools. The College of Business is home to the School of Design & Human Environment (SDHE), which offers a BFA in Graphic Design. Through the SDHE Internship program, graphic design students have the opportunity to work at a local company to gain experience and contacts in the industry. Design students also have the opportunity to study abroad in London or Rome.
Tuition: Oregon residents $10,296 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $28,761.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 51 percent of all undergraduate students at Oregon State University utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $7,227 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $14,454 after two years and $28,908 after four.
9. Portland State University, Portland, Oregon
Founded in 1946, Portland State University is home to 28,241 students enrolled in more than 120 majors, minors and concentrations across eight schools. The College of the Arts, School of Art + Design offers several programs for aspiring graphic designers. Offerings include BA and BS degrees in Graphic Design. The School of A+D also offers a Minor in Graphic Design.
Tuition: Portland residents $3,744 (12 credits per semester) for the 2016-2016 school year. Nonresidents $12,552.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 51 percent of all undergraduate students at Portland State University utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $8,009 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $16,018 after two years and $32,036 after four.
10. Purdue University, West Lafayette, Indiana
Purdue University was established in 1869 and it is home to 38,788 students enrolled in more than 200 majors across 10 academic colleges and schools. The College of Liberal Arts is home to the Patti & Rusty Rueff School of Visual and Performing Arts. The School houses two departments—Art and Design and Theatre, three divisions—Dance, Music, and Purdue Galleries, and nearly 900 undergraduate and graduate students. The School offers two programs for aspiring graphic designers. Offerings include BA and MFA degrees in Visual Communications Design (VCD). All graphic design students have the opportunity to participate in the internship program and to show their work via special exhibitions.
Tuition: Indiana residents $10,002 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $28,804.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 36 percent of all undergraduate students at Purdue University utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,303 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $12,606 after two years and $25,212 after four.
11. San Diego State University (SDSU), San Diego, California
Founded in 1897, San Diego State University (SDSU) is the oldest university in San Diego. With a population of around 30,000 students from more than 100 countries, SDSU is also the third largest university in the State of California. The school offers nearly 160 undergraduate majors and minors, 16 pre-professional programs, and nearly 100 graduate degrees and credentials.
SDSU houses seven colleges including the College of Professional Studies & Fine Arts, which is home to the School of Art and Design. The School offers a variety of programs for aspiring graphic designers. Options include a BA in Applied Arts & Sciences with a Major in Art. This program features an Emphasis in Graphic Design. MA and MFA degrees in Studio Arts are also on the menu. Both graduate programs also offer an Emphasis in Graphic Design.
Tuition: California residents $7,084 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $18,244.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 37 percent of all undergraduate students at San Diego State University utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,317 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $12,634 after two years and $25,268 after four.
12. San Francisco State University (SFSU), San Francisco, California
Founded in 1899 as San Francisco State Normal School, San Francisco State University (SFSU) is home to 30,500 students enrolled in more than 140 undergraduate and graduate programs, 17 credential programs and 38 certificate programs across seven colleges. The College of Liberal & Creative Arts is home to the Department of Design and Industry (DAI). The Department offers a BS in Visual Communication Design (Graphic Design and Interactive Digital Media).
The BS in Visual Communication Design (BSVCD) program is for students who "intend to focus their studies on design problems along a spectrum anchored by graphic design and digital media and with outcomes including print graphics, information design, web design, interaction design, and motion graphics." Aspiring graphic designers might also consider the Master of Arts (MA) in Industrial Arts, which allows students to study Visual Communication Design/Graphic Communications. A Minor in Industrial Arts is also on the menu, which covers graphics and digital media and design, among other related subjects.
Tuition: California residents $2,736 (Fall 2016). Nonresidents must pay an additional $372 Per Semester Unit.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 38 of all undergraduate students at San Francisco State University utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,493 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $12,986 after two years and $25,972 after four.
13. Temple University, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Temple University was founded in 1884 and it is home to 37,788 students enrolled in 421 academic programs across 17 schools and colleges. The Tyler School of Art at Temple offers several unique programs for aspiring graphic designers. Options include BFA and MFA degrees in Graphic & Interactive Design. Students in both programs have the opportunity to participate in Temple University's Rome Program. The Program manages the Graphic Design Collaborative Workshop, which takes place during a six-week summer session in Rome.
Tuition: Varies by College. Tuition for BFA programs at Tyler School of Art is $21,648 for Pennsylvania residents for the 2016-2017 school year. The cost for nonresidents is $34,176. Please note that although tuition is a bit more than the other schools listed here, according to Temple, the average first-year financial aid package is $15,373 in the form of scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 66 percent of all undergraduate students at Temple University utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $7,283 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $14,566 after two years and $29,132 after four.
14. Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas
Established in 1903 as Southwest Texas State Normal School, Texas State University is home to more than 38,000 students enrolled in nearly 200 programs across nine colleges. The College of Fine Arts & Communication houses three schools and two departments. The School of Art + Design offers two programs for aspiring graphic designers. Options include a BFA in Communication Design (ComDes) with a Graphic Design Focus and an MFA in Communication Design (ComDes). Classes for both programs are taught in a studio environment, with class sizes limited to 20 students. The programs also highlight internship opportunities with a variety of Austin and San Antonio firms, as well as companies across the U.S. and in Europe.
Tuition: Texas residents $10,200 for tuition and fees for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $22,440.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 53 percent of all undergraduate students at Texas State University - San Marcos utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $9,028 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $18,056 after two years and $36,112 after four.
15. University of Cincinnati (UC Cincinnati), Cincinnati, Ohio
Founded in 1819 as Cincinnati College, the University of Cincinnati (UC Cincinnati) is the oldest institute of higher education in Cincinnati. The school is home to 44,338 students enrolled in 13 colleges and a graduate school. The College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (DAAP) is home to the School of Design, which houses the Communication Design program. Programs for aspiring graphic designers include a Master of Design (MDes) with an Emphasis in Visualization and Product Interaction, and a BS in Graphic Communication Design (formerly Graphic Design).
Tuition: Ohio residents $11,000 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $26,334.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 54 percent of all undergraduate students at the University of Cincinnati utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,975 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $13,950 after two years and $27,900 after four.
16. University of Kansas (KU), Lawrence, Kansas
The University of Kansas (KU) opened its doors in September 1866 and it is one of 34 U.S. public institutions in the prestigious Association of American Universities. Home to around 28,000 students from all 50 states and 105 countries, KU houses 13 schools offering more than 360 degree programs. The School of Architecture, Design and Planning is home to the Department of Design.
Established in 1920, the Department offers five design programs. Offerings for aspiring graphic designers include a BFA in Visual Communication in Graphic Design. The program is "networked with local advertising and promotional agencies," where students may complete an internship as part of the degree.
Tuition: Kansas residents $7,663 for the 2015-2016 school year (12 credit hours per semester). Nonresidents $19,969.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 45 percent of all undergraduate students at University of Kansas utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,863 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $13,726 after two years and $27,452 after four.
17. University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill), Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Chartered in 1789, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC Chapel Hill) is the nation's first public university. It is home to more than 29,000 students enrolled in 78 bachelors, 112 master's, 68 doctorate and seven professional degree programs through 14 schools and the College of Arts and Sciences. The School of Media and Journalism, which is home to 650 undergraduates and 135 graduate students, offers a variety of unique bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees for aspiring graphic designers. Two such degrees are the BA in Journalism & Mass Communication with a Specialization Editing & Graphic Design, and the JD/MA dual degree with a Specialization in Visual Communication/Editing/Multimedia.
In addition to unique degree options for graphic designers, the School of Media and Journalism manages six study abroad exchanges in Paris, London, Brisbane, Hong Kong, Buenos Aires, and Pamplona.
Tuition: North Carolina residents $8,834 for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $33,916.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 32 percent of all undergraduate students at University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,445 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $12,890 after two years and $25,780 after four.
18. University of North Texas (UNT), Denton, Texas
Founded in 1890 as Texas Normal College and Teachers' Training Institute, University of North Texas (UNT) is home to more than 36,000 students enrolled in 99 bachelors, 83 masters and 36 doctoral degree programs across 11 colleges and schools. The College of Visual Arts & Design houses the Design Department, which offers several programs for aspiring graphic designers. Options include a BFA in Communication Design (Graphic Design) as well as MA and MFA degrees in Design.
Tuition: Texas residents $3,844 (Fall 2016) for 12 credit hours. Nonresidents $8,740.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 53 percent of all undergraduate students at University of North Texas utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,494 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $12,988 after two years and $25,976 after four.
19. University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington), Arlington, Texas
The University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington) was established in 1895 as Arlington College. In 1967, after six name changes beginning in 1902, the school became the University of Texas at Arlington. Today, UT Arlington is home to nearly 35,000 students from every state and more than 100 countries. The school offers more than 180 degree programs across 10 schools and colleges. The College of Liberal Arts is home to the Department of Art and Art History, which offers two programs for aspiring graphic designers.
Options include BFA and MFA degrees in Visual Communication (Graphic Design, Web Design, Illustration, APP Design, Packaging, Gaming). The program is home to 300 students, which is the largest in the Art and Art History Department. Graduates of the programs are employed by top design agencies/studios in the Dallas/Fort Worth metroplex, and throughout the nation, according to the school. In addition, students in the program have won over 132 state, regional, and national awards since 2001.
Tuition: Texas residents $9,616 (tuition and fees) for the 2016-2017 school year. Nonresidents $22,920.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 58 percent of all undergraduate students at The University of Texas at Arlington utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $8,440 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $16,880 after two years and $33,760 after four.
20. University of Wisconsin - Madison, Madison, Wisconsin
The University of Wisconsin – Madison (UW-Madison) was founded in 1848. It is home to 43,389 students enrolled in more than 300 programs across 21 colleges and schools. The School of Education offers several programs for aspiring graphic designers including a BS and a BFA in Art with a Concentration in Graphic Design. Several graduate programs are also offered through the School of Education. Options include MA and MFA degrees in Art with a Focus in Graphics. The School also offers a Doctoral Minor in Art. Students may choose from several focus areas in the minor, including Graphics.
Tuition: Wisconsin residents $5,207 for 12-18 credit hours for Spring 2016 semester and $5,244 for the Fall 2016 semester. Nonresidents $14,832 for Spring 2016, and $16,369 for Fall 2016.
Average Student Debt: According to College Factual, 36 percent of all undergraduate students at University of Wisconsin - Madison utilize federal student loans to help pay for their college education, averaging $6,890 per year. Borrowing the average amount will result in loans of $13,780 after two years and $27,560 after four.
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Industry Standard Pay for Graphic Designers 2017 California
Source: https://www.animationcareerreview.com/articles/20-affordable-graphic-design-programs