2023 Most Affordable Online Graphic Design Degrees

Arkansas State University (A-State) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Science in Digital Technology and Design - Graphic Communications. This program focuses on UI/UX products and design, such as mobile apps, 3D digital design content, and multimedia productions. Core courses in this concentration include Digital Prepress Workflow, Desktop Publishing & Publication Design, and Media Aesthetics. This program requires 120 credit hours, but admissions may consider transfer credits. A-State's online graphic design program can be completed in four years with a full-time schedule.

At A-State, remote students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is 100% online and asynchronous. Online students have access to all student resources, including the library, writing center, and academic advisors.

Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) is a large, private institution. SNHU offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design and Media Arts, which requires 120 credit hours. This program allows students to transfer 90 credit hours from another institution or apply their associate degree. SNHU’s graphic design program helps students master professional software, analyze media messaging strategies, and create a design portfolio. Core courses in this major include Graphics & Layout Design, Digital Photography, Web Design, and Typography. There are also two concentration options: (1) Web Design and (2) User Experience Design. This program is designed for students to finish in four years with a full-time schedule, but they may complete it earlier with transferred credits.

At SNHU Online, students use Brightspace to access their coursework digitally, which faculty deliver synchronously rather than at students' own pace. Additionally, online students have access to the university library and student resource centers.

University of West Alabama (UWA) is a medium-sized, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in Integrated Marketing Communications - Graphic Design. This program requires 120 credit hours, and students can complete it in three to four years at a full-time pace. This curriculum is designed to help students build a portfolio; understand marketing and media law; and increase their skills in graphic design, photography, journalism, and web design. Core courses in this major include Writing for Mass Media, Methods of Integrated Marketing Communication, and Mass Media Design.

At UWA Online, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is 100% online and taught asynchronously, meaning that students can study at their own pace. Online students have access to all university resources.

Regent University Online (Regent) is a private university with a medium-sized student population. Regent offers an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Arts requiring 120 credit hours, and students can finish the degree in four years with a full-time study schedule. Regent also requires all students to take three courses that each focus on fostering a Christian worldview. Core courses of this degree program include Design Applications & Industry, Comparative Anatomy & Figure Drawing, and Interactive Design. Graduates may go on to work as graphic designers, layout artists, art directors, and web designers.

At Regent, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is all online. Additionally, remote students have access to all university resources.

Bellevue University (BU) is a medium-sized, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design. This program requires 127 total credits and teaches students how to use essential programs, such as Photoshop, Indesign, Illustrator, and Adobe XD. Core courses include Branding, Web Page Design, and Typography. This online curriculum helps students build a professional portfolio and understand modern design principles. Students can graduate with this bachelor's degree in four years with a full-time schedule.

At BU, students use Blackboard to access their online coursework, which is asynchronous and fully online. At BU, online students have 24/7 access to the university library, writing center, and tutoring center. The institution's remote degree programs also provide online forums for student discussions.

Liberty University (LU) is a large, private university that focuses on "training champions for Christ." LU Online offers an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design, which teaches students the fundamentals of graphic design, how to develop engaging digital designs, and the skills to create marketing campaigns. This program requires 120 credit hours, including the completion of a hands-on practicum and an internship. Even with these requirements, students can complete the entire online degree in three to four years with a full-time schedule. Graduates will have a full professional portfolio and work experience to help them begin their graphic design career.

At LU Online, students use Blackboard to access their coursework, which is fully online and asynchronous. Some core courses in this major include Digital Imaging, Vector Illustration, and Interactive Publication. Online students have access to the university library, counseling services, and academic forums.

Lindenwood University (Lindenwood) is a medium-sized, private institution that offers both an online Bachelor of Fine Arts in Art and Design - Graphic Design and an online Bachelor of Arts in Art and Design. These programs require 120 credit hours but allow students to transfer credits from other programs. The core major classes for the BFA program consists of 78 credit hours and includes classes such as Visual Storytelling, Digital Foundations, and Visual Branding. The BA program’s core classes consist of 48 credit hours and include Typography, Digital Photography, and UI/UX. Overall, Lindenwood requires a senior capstone class and project, which helps prepare students for careers as graphic designers, web developers, and art directors.

At Lindenwood, students use Canvas to access their coursework, which is entirely online and may have live classes, depending on the course instructor. Online students have access to all university resources, including library services, career services, and academic advisors.

Upper Iowa University (UIU) is a medium-sized, private institution that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design requiring 120 credit hours. This program takes between three and four years to complete with a full-time schedule, but UIU accepts up to 78 credit hours transferred from another accredited institution. A few core courses for this degree program include Publication Design, Advertising Design, and Digital Illustration. UIU also requires a senior thesis and portfolio course to help prepare students for careers as creative directors, marketing managers, and web designers.

At UIU, students use Brightspace, a remote learning platform, to access their coursework entirely online. Faculty deliver the courses synchronously through Skype or Zoom. Additionally, online students have access to all university resources.

The University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) is a large, public institution that offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Communication, which requires 120 credit hours. UMGC’s program was designed in collaboration with industry experts and scholars, and the curriculum combines theory with real-world experience. Core classes in this major include Typography & Layout, Advanced Graphic Communication: Professional Branding, and Digital Media. UMGC prepares students to graduate in about four years and requires them to complete a professional portfolio course to ensure that they have the best possible start in their careers.

At UMGC, students use Learning Experience Online (LEO) to access their coursework, which is 100% remote and asynchronous. Online students have access to free digital textbooks, academic advisors, and the university's library system.

The University of Florida (UF) is a medium-sized, public university offering an online Bachelor of Arts in Digital Arts and Sciences that requires 120 credit hours. Students collaborate on media projects, from digital storytelling and animation to game design — including serious and applied games. Some core courses in this program include Foundations of Digital Culture, Game Content Production, and Project Methodologies. In addition, a portfolio class and senior research project are required to graduate. Students can finish the degree at UF Online in four years with a full-time schedule, and graduates can go on to work as UI/UX designers, software engineers, and interaction designers.

At UF Online, students use Canvas, a learning management system, to access their coursework, which is fully online. Also, remote students have access to all university resources.