Best Online Graphic Design Degrees in Illinois 2025

If you live in Illinois and are hoping to pursue a graphic design career, you probably know that a bachelor's degree can help you get your foot in the door. With that in mind, you're wondering: are there any schools in your state that offer top online graphic design degree programs?

Keep reading as we explore some of the best online bachelor's in graphic design for students in Illinois. We'll also look at some top low-cost online graphic design degrees and answer some questions you may have about getting an online degree.

Best Online Graphic Design Degree Programs in Illinois

Unfortunately, there are no schools in Illinois offering online graphic design degrees. Some schools, like the University of Illinois, offer graphic design programs as in-person degrees; however, those studying online can look to schools in other states.

Other Top Online Graphic Design Programs

The good news is that if you are pursuing higher education online, you can study at schools in any state from the comfort of your own home. Let's look at some top online graphic design programs available through out-of-state schools.

1. California Baptist University

California Baptist University is a private school located in Riverside, CA. Students can pursue various online degrees at this school, including a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in graphic design and digital media.

The program helps students develop critical thinking skills while learning design principles through hands-on experiences. Students create portfolios throughout the program to help them stand out from the crowd when searching for jobs after graduating. New classes start every eight weeks, providing flexibility for learners to begin whenever it's convenient for them.

2. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design is a for-profit university located in Lakewood, CO. The school provides an online Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in graphic design.

Students in this program can gain real-world experience by creating content for real clients and developing yearly portfolios. As a top graphic design school, this college helps students prepare for various graphic design careers, giving them an edge over the competition in the process.

3. Kentucky Wesleyan College

Kentucky Wesleyan College is a small, private school with an enrollment under 1,000. Though located in Owensboro, KY, it also provides online degrees, including a BA in graphic design.

This program provides interactive and relevant courses in color theory, typography, digital imaging, web design, and more. Graphic design majors are encouraged to pursue internships to gain hands-on experience.

4. Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah College of Art and Design is another top design school. It is located in Georgia and offers various online degrees, including BFA and Master of Fine Arts (MFA) degrees in graphic design.

These programs teach the fundamentals of graphic design and prepare students for professional endeavors. Students can create portfolios under the guidance of world-class faculty, so they can develop top-notch visual communication skills that will help them become desirable job candidates in many design-related fields.

5. Wilmington University

Wilmington University is a private school in New Castle County, DE. Students at this school can earn an online Bachelor of Science (BS) in graphic design.

Students looking for fast online graphic design degrees can transfer associate degrees and other college credits into the program to graduate in an accelerated timeframe. An accelerated bachelor's-to-master's option is also available. New classes start every eight weeks, and students explore numerous topics to gain a broad foundational understanding of graphic design.

6. Bellevue University

Bellevue University is a private school in Bellevue, NE. Its online degrees are designed with busy working adults in mind. One of the programs available is a BA in graphic design.

Students in this program become masters of Adobe software tools and develop professional portfolios. They study various topics like multimedia design, user interface design, and more. Those with transfer credits can earn their degrees quickly by transferring up to 90 credit hours into the program.

7. Lindenwood University

Lindenwood University is a private school in St. Charles, MO. It offers a BFA in art and design with a graphic design emphasis.

This program focuses on real-world, practical applications of design principles. Students have opportunities to work internships, have their work displayed at exhibitions, create content for real clients, and earn Adobe certifications while creating a portfolio of original work.

Our Selection Criteria

We use a rigorous vetting process when choosing schools for our rank lists. The following criteria were used when selecting the programs above:

• Accreditation: Each school is accredited by a nationally recognized accrediting body such as the Higher Learning Commission.
• Reputation: All of the schools are respected and known for providing high-quality academic programs both online and on-campus.
• Accessibility: Many of the schools offer flexible study options, multiple yearly start dates, generous transfer credit policies, and financial aid opportunities to make school accessible for students.

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

Online degree programs provide the same high level of education as in-person programs. In most cases, though, they offer more flexible coursework, enabling students to study on their own schedule.

Class assignments often include watching video lectures, creating design projects, completing reading and writing assignments, and participating in remote class discussions. Coursework may cover a wide range of topics, including:

• art history
• interactive design
• using design tools like Adobe Illustrator, InDesign, and Photoshop
• media arts
• motion graphics

Selecting a Graphic Design Program

When choosing a graphic design program, follow these steps:

• Make a list of priorities: what is most important to you in a school and a program?
• Consider factors like tuition and financial aid, school reputation, internship opportunities, and student organizations.
• Once you understand what your priorities are, compare each school you're considering against your list.
• Remove any schools that don't align with what's most important to you.
• Narrow down the options until you've settled on the school that best lines up with what you're looking for.

How Much Does an Online Graphic Design Degree Cost?

College costs can vary widely from school to school. Generally speaking, private, nonprofit schools are the most expensive, but this isn't always the case.

Tuition rates for graphic design programs can range from around $11,000 to more than $37,000 per year. Students attending accredited online colleges that accept FAFSA and other types of aid can often save a lot of money by applying for grants, scholarships, and more to cover some of their costs.

Explore Online Bachelor's Degrees Today

If you're ready to become a graphic design student and prepare for various career paths, consider the schools featured here on Learn.org. Reach out to any of the schools today to learn more about their programs and to find the one that's right for you.