Affordable Online Graphic Design Degrees in Pennsylvania 2025

A graphic design degree prepares students for careers that require knowledge of visual communications, graphic arts, typography, interactive design, and more. Programs teach students to create layouts, logos, and other designs for advertising, public relations, and marketing campaigns.

Do you want to study these concepts but have a busy schedule or financial constraints? Many schools offer low-cost online graphic design degrees with flexible schedules and affordable rates. In Pennsylvania, institutions like Millersville University and Penn State World Campus offer cost-friendly online programs by accepting financial aid or offering lower tuition.

Below, we'll highlight affordable online colleges in Pennsylvania offering graphic design programs. We'll also discuss low-cost online degrees in other parts of the country and answer frequently asked questions about these programs.

Affordable Online Graphic Design Degree Programs in Pennsylvania

Various online colleges accept financial aid or offer lower tuition rates. Explore the following schools to find affordable graphic design degrees in Pennsylvania.

1. Penn State World Campus

The Bachelor of Design in digital multimedia design at Penn State World Campus prepares students for roles as graphic artists, user experience (UX) designers, and web designers. Coursework teaches digital art and design fundamentals, multimedia and web design, and more.

This online degree costs as little as $632 per credit for part-time students and as low as $7,678 per semester for full-time students. Penn State World Campus offers undergraduate students more than 40 scholarships annually and accepts financial aid to lower school costs.

2. Millersville University

Millersville University offers an online Bachelor of Design in interactive and graphic design that aligns with the American Institute of Graphic Artists (AIGA) and the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) standards. This degree completion program provides a modern approach to technology and contemporary professional practices.

In-state online learners pay $376 per credit, including tuition and fees. Enrollees can reduce costs with financial aid options such as the PA State Grant and PATH Grant.

Other Affordable Online Graphic Design Programs

You can find affordable online degrees in graphic design outside of Pennsylvania. Review the following list of schools to explore great programs.

1. California Baptist University

California Baptist University offers an online Bachelor of Arts in graphic design and digital media that full-time students can complete in 16 months. Enrollees gain design skills through coursework exploring imaging, typography, scripting, and tools like Adobe Illustrator.

This program costs $520 per credit hour or $6,240 per semester when attending full-time. California Baptist University requires all students to complete the FAFSA form to receive federal or state financial aid.

2. Regent University

The Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in graphic design at Regent University explores the fundamentals of design, illustration, web design, and corporate branding to prepare students for careers as art directors, logo designers, and graphic designers. Coursework also teaches art history and strategies in visual communication.

Online learning costs $395 per credit or $4,740 per semester for full-time attendees and $450 per credit or $2,700 per semester for part-time learners. Financial aid is available for online students with more than $24 million distributed in the 2023-24 academic year.

3. Southern New Hampshire University

Southern New Hampshire University's BA in graphic design and media arts teaches digital design, typography, design fundamentals, and more. Enrollees can follow the general graphic design track or choose between a user experience design and a web design concentration.

This online program costs $330 per credit hour for all students, regardless of residency. Transferring 90 college credits can help students save nearly $30,000 in tuition. SNHU also offers scholarships and credits for military experience, certificates, and exams like CLEP.

4. Bellevue University

Bellevue University offers an online BA in graphic design for students eager to build their critical thinking skills and knowledge of Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, Photoshop, and XD. Courses explore print design, typography, interactivity, and website development.

The university's generous transfer credit policy can help graphic design majors with an associate degree accelerate their bachelor's degree completion. The program costs $449 per credit hour; however, students can lower costs with federal and state grants and scholarships.

5. University of Maryland Global Campus

The online BA in graphic communication from the University of Maryland Global Campus builds students' graphic design and marketing skills through coursework covering motion graphics, digital media, and professional branding. Enrollees also learn color theory, composition, and strategies for creating a strong portfolio.

Earning this degree costs $499 per credit hour for out-of-state students. Learners who want to reduce the cost of attendance can apply for financial aid and institutional scholarships.

Our Selection Criteria

Our team selected schools in the rank list above using a rigorous vetting process. Each institution has met the following criteria for delivering a quality experience in higher education:

• Accredited: The colleges and universities have received accreditation from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education, WASC Senior College and University Commission, New England Commission of Higher Education, Higher Learning Commission, and Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, Commission on Colleges, guaranteeing recognized academic standards.
• Reputable: We verified that the institutions in this list are respected schools, considering factors such as student outcomes, acceptance rates, and graduation rates.
• Affordability: The schools in this list make earning a degree more affordable by offering lower tuition rates, accepting financial aid, or granting credits for transfer, exams, and work experience.

FAQs About Online Graphic Design Degrees and Enrollment

Are you interested in enrolling in an online graphic design program? Review the following FAQs to learn more about these degrees.

What Can I Expect from an Affordable Online Graphic Design Degree?

Most affordable online graphic design degrees offer the same benefits as traditional programs but with lower costs and more flexible scheduling. Coursework might outline art and design history, motion graphics, visual arts, advertising design, color theory, and more to prepare students for graphic design careers.

After graduating, students can pursue various roles. A popular option is to become an art director. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BSL), employment for art directors is projected to grow 5% from 2023 to 2033 making it a great option for graphic design students.

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

The admission requirements for online graphic design degrees typically vary by school but could include meeting minimum GPA and testing requirements (e.g., ACT/SAT). Undergraduate applicants may need proof of high school graduation or a GED. Master's degree applicants might need to meet GPA requirements and show they've earned a bachelor's degree.

How Much Does an Online Bachelor's Degree in Graphic Design Cost?

The amount you'll pay to earn an online bachelor's degree in graphic design depends on factors such as:

• enrollment status (part-time vs. full-time)
• degree type (bachelors vs. master's. vs. doctoral)
• residency (in-state vs. out-of-state)

Finding schools with low-cost tuition that accept financial aid can help you pay less for your degree. If you have some college credits, online universities that accept transfer credits can help you avoid retaking courses while saving on tuition.

Explore Online Degrees and Apply Today

Begin your journey toward an exciting career in graphic design by exploring the accredited degree programs offered by colleges on Learn.org. Contact one of these schools directly to learn more about ways to begin your dream career.