3 Affordable Online Graphic Design Degrees in California 2025

Graphic designers improve the visual aspects with everything from web design to logo creation. These professionals need a diverse skill set including digital design, knowledge of user experience principles, and typography. Students can turn to affordable online graphic design degrees to learn these fundamental skills.

Affordable online colleges in California and other states allow students to learn design principles and other related schools through online courses. These online education programs teach technical skills related to design as well as soft skills, such as critical thinking.

Affordable Online Graphic Design Degree Programs in California

Multiple affordable online schools in California offer degrees in graphic design. These programs come in different formats, including Bachelor of Science (BS), Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), and Bachelor of Arts (BA) degrees that highlight different aspects of the graphic arts industry.

1. The Los Angeles Film School

Online students can earn a Bachelor of Science in graphic design at The Los Angeles Film School. Featured online courses in this degree program include experimental design, motion design, and logo creation. Design students will gain hands-on experience with Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, and Illustrator primarily).

The online tuition rate at LAFS varies per semester, but students will pay an average of $444 per credit hour over the full course of their degree with full-time enrollment.

2. California Baptist University

The Bachelor of Arts in graphic design and digital media from California Baptist University teaches critical skills like interactive design, web design, and motion graphics. This degree program allows students to utilize transfer credits and accelerated online graphic design courses to help students save money and time with their degrees.

The online tuition cost at CBU is $520 per credit hour before financial aid is applied.

3. Academy of Art University

The Academy of Art University offers students a fully online Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design. Students who complete this higher education program will be prepared for careers as art directors, user experience design specialists, and visual designers.

The individual credit hour cost at AAU is $413 for domestic students.

Other Affordable Online Graphic Design Programs

Online degree programs remove intrastate barriers to education. Graphic design students can find out-of-state programs that use fully online coursework to prepare graduates for work in this changing and growing field.

1. Full Sail University

Full Sail University offers an online Bachelor of Science in graphic design degree completion program. Students can either complete general education courses at Full Sail and transfer credits to this program or bring an associate degree from a community college or other university. Full Sail University uses LaunchBox which allows students to access cloud-based programs and files at any time that is convenient for them.

The tuition rate at Full Sail University is $589 per credit hour for this degree completion program before FSU's generous financial aid programs are applied.

2. Rasmussen University

Rasmussen University offers a fully online Bachelor of Science in graphic design. This program is designed by instructors with real-world experience using industry-standard software to prepare students for entry-level careers or graduate programs.

The cost of a full-time credit hour at Rasmussen University is $250.

3. Youngstown State University

The Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic and interactive design from Youngstown State University covers skills such as designing user interfaces, web page layout methodologies, and combining digital and traditional media methods.

In-state students in Ohio pay $460 per credit hour, while out-of-state students pay $465.

4. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University offers a Bachelor of Arts in graphic design and media arts. This degree has two concentration options: web design and user experience design. Coursework will include multiple visual communication methods, including print, digital, and video-based media.

SNHU's online tuition rate is $330 per credit hour.

5. Liberty University

Liberty University has a fully online Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design. This course uses accelerated eight-week courses that allow students to learn graphic design skills on a flexible schedule. Graduates will be prepared for careers as graphic designers, web developers, and art directors.

Online tuition at Liberty University is based on enrollment status. Full-time students pay $390 per credit hour, while part-time students pay $455.

6. Bellevue University

The Bachelor of Arts in graphic design from Bellevue University is one of the more affordable, fully online, graphic design bachelor's available nationwide. Students can use transfer credits to reduce total tuition credits which can lead to lower costs and an accelerated degree.

Online students at Bellevue pay $449 per credit hour.

Our Selection Criteria

Students should always use personal factors when evaluating online colleges. We used three main criteria to evaluate these programs and select the best degree programs to recommend.

• Accreditation: Accredited degrees ensure that your program meets educational standards and will prepare students for careers or graduate programs.
• Affordability: We highlighted programs that either have tuition rates below $500 or are offered by online schools that accept FAFSA and offer their own financial aid programs.
• Flexibility: Many people avoid on-campus learning due to rigid schedules. We picked programs that allow students to attend classes on their own schedules.

FAQs About Online Programs for Graphic Design

Even though the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects continued growth for graphic design careers, it is common for students to have misconceptions and questions about these degree programs. The most common questions are about costs, admission requirements, and career options.

What Is the Average Cost of an Affordable Online Graphic Design Degree Program?

The average cost of an online degree program is around $41,000. The lowest average costs will be found at nonprofit and public schools, especially online schools that accept transfer credits.

What Are the Admission Requirements for an Online Graphic Design Degree Program?

Each program might have slightly different requirements, but there are a few standard factors you should expect. Most students will be expected to have a high school diploma (or equivalent), standardized test scores (i.e., ACT or SAT scores), and admission essays. Some schools will also require a portfolio or application project.

Where Can I Work With an Affordable Online Graphic Design Degree?

As long as your degree has proper accreditation, you can work at any company or organization that requires a degree for graphic designer roles. Common career locations for graphic designers include marketing agencies, web development organizations, and in-house marketing teams at large corporations.

Discover Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

Becoming a graphic designer often starts by completing a bachelor's degree program. Learn more about top-ranking programs with our school profiles. You can research degree programs, universities, and individual admission requirements. Once you've picked the programs that align with your goals, use our contact forms to start your application process today.