Graphic design is an ever-changing field, and an online degree can equip you with the latest skills and tools you need to succeed.
An online bachelor's degree in graphic design does more than build your design skills. You'll also cover branding, communication, problem-solving, and other skills necessary to thrive in an industry fending off an incursion from artificial intelligence (AI) tools that aim to replace designers.
With an online degree, you won't have to take time away from the workforce to boost your graphic design credentials, and you'll be able to apply what you learn in real time. The schools on our list of online graphic design programs combine affordability with strong student outcomes to help you find the right degree for you.
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Top Online Graphic Design Schools
Why You Should Get a Graphic Design Degree
Creative Work: Working as a graphic designer will allow you to flex your creative muscles.
Industry Agnostic: Virtually all industries need graphic designers, meaning your work isn't limited to one field.
Marketing Skills: Graphic designers often learn marketing skills through their work with clients.
Work for Yourself: Many graphic designers are able to sustain themselves through freelance work, even while studying.
Benefits of Getting a Graphic Design Bachelor's Online
Nine in 10 online program graduates say earning a degree online has had or will have a positive return on investment (ROI), per BestColleges' 2025 Online Education Trends Report.
Nearly all (97%) of online bachelor's students and graduates say they would recommend online education to others.
More than one-third (37%) say their online classes included opportunities to expand their professional networks.
The net cost of attendance tends to be lower for undergraduate institutions offering distance learning only compared to in-person colleges.
How to Choose the Best Graphic Design Program for You
You may feel that an online graphic design degree is right for you, but how do you determine which specific program to apply to? Consider the following elements when comparing programs:
How Much Does an Online Graphic Design Degree Cost?
Design and Applied Arts, 2019-2020
Online
$19,053
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$13,326
Avg. Net Price
In-Person
$21,096
Avg. Tuition & Fees
$11,854
Avg. Net Price
Source: NCES PowerStats
The average net price for an online design degree ($13,326) is slightly higher than that of an in-person program ($11,854), per the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES).
Still, that's not to say that in-person programs are always cheaper than online ones. Pursuing a degree online tends to offer the flexibility to enjoy lower housing and transportation costs because you don't need to live close to a campus. Additionally, many online learners are able to work while taking classes, which also lessens the financial burden of paying for college.
Online learning costs also vary depending on the type of institution.
For example, the average net cost for online-only college was $11,920 at public institutions, $15,450 at private, nonprofit institutions, and $20,240 at private, for-profit colleges in 2022-2023.
It's also worth noting that financial aid can help lower college costs. Eligible low- and middle-income students can qualify for Pell Grants of up to $7,395 per year. Many private colleges also offer institutional aid to incentivize students to enroll.
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How Long Does It Take to Get a Graphic Design Degree Online?
120 Credits
Typical # of Credits
4 Years
Typical Program Length
A bachelor's degree program in graphic design typically requires 120 credits to graduate, which usually take four years for full-time students to earn. Students taking fewer than 12 credits per semester will likely take longer to graduate.
The flexibility that online programs offer could allow you to complete your degree within four years. Some online courses last just 7-8 weeks, allowing you to stack classes at a faster pace, which may help you to finish sooner than expected.
Enrolling in a bachelor's program with transfer credits — either from dual enrollment or an associate program — can also shorten the timeline to completion.
Online Graphic Design Bachelor's Program Application Requirements
Common elements needed for an online bachelor's program include:
High school transcripts (or equivalent)
Standardized test scores
Personal statement
Letter of recommendation
Not all baccalaureate programs carry these requirements. Many programs geared toward adult learners, for example, do not require scores from standardized tests like the SAT or ACT.
What Can You Do With a Graphic Design Degree?
A graphic design degree can qualify you for many jobs in the arts and design industry.
Most commonly, graduates of a bachelor's in graphic design programs go on to be graphic designers. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects jobs for these professionals to grow by 2% over the next decade. This rate of growth is in line with the rate for art and design workers overall (2%) and slightly lower than the average across all occupations (3%).
You don't need a license or certification to work in this field. Instead, consider building a strong portfolio, which you may start during your graphic design bachelor's program.
Certificates in specific design software, such as Adobe Creative Suite, can also help your job prospects.
| Job | Median Annual Salary (May 2024) | Duties |
|---|---|---|
| Graphic Designer | $61,300 | Uses visualizations to communicate ideas, branding, and marketing. |
| Art Director | $111,040 | Develops and maintains distinctive visual identities for brands, products, and organizations. |
| Special Effects Artist and Animator | $99,800 | Creates special effects and designs in visual media. |
Is a Graphic Design Degree Worth It?
Graphic design is a broad industry, including designers, animators, and illustrators working on different mediums and in different fields.
An online bachelor's degree in graphic design can introduce you to the techniques and tools you must master to excel. While it's possible to be self-taught or learn basic skills through certificate programs, a bachelor's program offers a more comprehensive graphic design education and teaches related skills to help you enter the field.
From a pure return on investment (ROI) perspective, the average starting salary for graphic designers with bachelor's degrees was $63,721 for the class of 2023, according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). Over half (53.7%) are employed full time.
Bachelor's students tended to earn more if they attended a private, nonprofit institution ($68,781) versus a public university ($61,620), per NACE.
Education Beyond a Graphic Design Bachelor's Degree
Students passionate about graphic design may consider pursuing a master's in graphic design after graduating with their bachelor's.
There are many master's degree pathways for graphic designers, including a master of fine arts (MFA), master of design (MDes), or design master of business administration (DMBA). Your post-graduation career goals will help inform which option is best for you.
A graduate degree may open the door to lead graphic designer or creative director roles, which tend to pay higher salaries, according to Payscale.
Beyond a bachelor's degree, graphic designers may also consider industry-specific certifications. For example, if you work primarily with Adobe Creative Suite, you may pursue a certification directly from Adobe. This may improve your hireability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Online Graphic Design Programs
According to the BLS, graphic designers earned a median annual salary of $61,300 in 2024, over $10,000 more per year than the median annual wage across all occupations ($49,500).
