Affordable Online Graphic Design Degrees in Illinois 2025

If you're interested in studying graphic design online and you live in Illinois, you may be wondering if any colleges in your state provide degree programs that might work for you. You're looking for a program that offers flexibility at an affordable price tag, but you're wondering if that's too much to hope for. If you want to reduce the cost, consider affordable online graphic design degrees.

Read on to learn more about the online education opportunities available to you. We'll also answer some common questions you may have about completing a graphic design bachelor's degree online.

Affordable Online Graphic Design Degree Programs in Illinois

Unfortunately, there are no affordable online colleges in Illinois offering graphic design programs for remote students. While some schools provide individual graphic design courses online, all of the degree programs in the state are on campus.

That said, you still have opportunities to get your degree online. After all, if you study remotely, you can take classes at any school in the country. Considering programs available through out-of-state colleges and universities can give you a broader range of options.

Other Affordable Online Graphic Design Programs

Various online colleges throughout the country offer graphic design degrees with affordable tuition costs and flexible courses. Let's look at some of the best programs available for aspiring graphic design students.

1. University of Maryland Global Campus

The University of Maryland Global Campus is part of the University of Maryland System. It provides a wealth of online degree opportunities, including a Bachelor of Arts in graphic communication. The program provides courses in typography and layout, digital media, and more while preparing students for a capstone project.

The degree costs $499 per credit hour for out-of-state students. This college accepts transfer credits to help students with previous college experience save money, and various financial aid options are also available.

2. Liberty University

Liberty University is a private school in Virginia with almost 100,000 students. It provides hundreds of online and on-campus degree programs. One of the degrees available is a Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in graphic design. The program helps students master the various aspects of visual communication, from basic design principles to advanced technical skills like designing user interface platforms.

Full-time students completing this flexible online program pay $390 per credit hour; part-time students are charged $455 per credit hour. The school offers various scholarships and also accepts other forms of financial aid.

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University is a large private school offering more than 200 degree programs. One of those degrees is an online Bachelor of Arts in graphic design and media arts.

The program helps students develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills while allowing them to tailor their degree to specific career interests. Two concentrations are available: user experience design and web design.

The program costs $330 per credit hour, though tuition discounts are available for qualifying students with military backgrounds. Students can also save money by applying for scholarships and financial aid and transferring up to 90 credits into the program.

4. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private school in Nebraska designed to meet the needs of busy working adults. Students here can enroll in a flexible online Bachelor of Arts in graphic design. They learn various methodologies associated with graphic design, such as working with Adobe Photoshop, InDesign, and other design software.

The transfer-friendly program costs $449 per credit hour. Military discounts, financial aid opportunities, and scholarships are all available to help students pay for their degrees.

5. Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a private school located in Delaware. It offers many online degree programs, including a Bachelor of Science in graphic design. This program can be completed as a full degree or a degree completion program if you already hold an associate degree or higher. Students in the program learn various graphic arts and design skills to prepare them for numerous career opportunities.

The program costs $419 per credit hour. Students can take advantage of payment plans, scholarships, and federal financial aid to cover the costs.

6. Regent University

Regent University is a private school in Virginia. This design school provides a Bachelor of Fine Arts in graphic design for online students. The program combines general education requirements, electives, and core courses in graphic design fundamentals to give students a well-rounded education.

The program costs $395 per credit hour for full-time students and $450 for part-time students. The school offers scholarships and accepts financial aid from outside sources, ensuring students receive the help they need to pay for school.

7. Full Sail University

Full Sail University is a private school in Florida that provides both online and in-person degree programs. The school offers a Visual Arts Bachelor of Science completion program with a concentration in graphic design. This program enables students to earn a bachelor's degree and associate degree concurrently while completing core courses in visual realization and interactive editorial design.

The program costs $500 per credit hour. Scholarships and other financial aid opportunities are available through the school, as well as outside sources.

Our Selection Criteria

We choose only the best schools when creating our rank lists. The following criteria were used to select the schools featured in this article:

• Accreditation: All of the schools are accredited by accrediting bodies approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Tuition rates: Each of the programs above costs $500 per credit hour or $12,000 per year or less in tuition.
• Financial aid availability: All of the programs come from online schools that accept financial aid in the form of grants, scholarships, loans, work-study programs, tuition assistance, and more.

FAQs About Online Graphic Design Programs and Coursework

If you're still not sure about taking online courses in graphic design, you're not alone. Read on for answers to some frequently asked questions you may be curious about.

What Are the Foundational Requirements in an Online Graphic Design Program?

Online graphic design programs teach the same fundamentals of the career path as in-person degrees, and they often have the same admissions requirements. These requirements may include:

• high school diploma or GED
• official transcripts and minimum GPA
• portfolio of work
• ACT, SAT, or other test scores
• letters of recommendation
• personal essay

Are There Opportunities for Online Students Majoring in Graphic Design to Collaborate on Projects?

Yes, some online programs make it possible for learners to collaborate with each other via online forums or other platforms. While each program differs, it is not uncommon for professors to provide group projects that online students can work on together.

Check with an academic advisor at your school to learn more about specific online courses and collaborative opportunities.

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

Total costs for a bachelor's degree can vary widely, even among affordable schools. The colleges and universities in this article offer tuition rates ranging from $330 to $500 per credit hour. Note that this does not account for other expenses that may apply, such as mandatory fees and materials. Consider online colleges that accept transfer credits to further reduce these costs.

Find Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

If you're ready to find an interactive online degree program that prepares you for real-world graphic design work, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Reach out to the admissions office at any school that interests you to find out more about their programs so you can choose the right school.