written by Tom Panter
In this ranking, we explore the top 10 cheapest online associate’s in graphic design:
Ranking the 10 Top Cheapest Online Graphic Design Degree Programs
Graphic design is a great option for a career to pursue. It is an always evolving, exciting industry. Almost all graphic design programs will train their students in digital design, and the need for this type of graphic design work is growing at a rapid pace. There is also a constant need for visual communication in a variety of industries, which increases the demand for graphic designers.
Online degree completion programs are becoming more and more common, and many schools are constantly working to improve their online learning options. Graphic design is one of the degree programs that schools are likely to offer in an online format. Many schools offer both certificate and degree options for graphic design students. Earning a graphic design degree online is a great option for many reasons. If you choose to study online, you aren’t limited by geography. You will be able to choose a program based on what it has to offer and not just its proximity to you. Online programs are also often very flexible. This is a good option for a student who cannot afford to stop working while they earn their degree.
In this article, we’ve reviewed a number of schools that offer online graphic design degree programs and ranked the top ten schools. For the purposes of this ranking, we focused on affordability when selecting the best online associate’s degree graphic design programs, ranking them from least affordable to most affordable. Tuition data was taken from College Navigator.
10. Academy of Art University
San Francisco, California
Associate of Arts in Graphic Design Online
The graphic design program at the Academy of Art University is ranked as one of the top art and design online programs in the world. Students who take advantage of the online program will have all of the same resources as those studying on campus. They will also learn from all of the same professional instructors. The 66-credit program can be completed in 4 semesters, and classes are available in 7.5 or 15 week formats. Each online course is custom built by instructors who are also leading professionals in the industry. The exciting online courses include exciting elements such as audio-enhanced interactive slideshows and digital documentation. This graphic design online degree program provides students with a core understanding of the basics of design thinking, typography, layout, packaging, and branding. The Academy of Art University is a leader in online learning, offering courses with various online learning elements. These courses are constantly being updated in order to offer their online learners the best experience possible.
Tuition: $28,024
9. Remington College
Knoxville, Tennessee
Digital Graphic Art Online Associate Degree
Remington College offers an exciting associate degree graphic design that can be completed in as little as 18 months. Upon enrollment, online students receive a MacBook Pro and access to the full Adobe Creative Suite. The 92-credit program covers the basic principles of graphic design and how to implement them. The degree program also teaches students about current digital graphic art software applications. The online platform used provides both students and faculty with a responsive, accessible, and mobile-friendly learning environment for this associate degree graphic design program. Applicants to the program are not required to have any previous graphic art training, making it an accessible option for anyone. Students will graduate with a portfolio that can help them more easily secure a job in this exciting field.
Tuition: $21,230
8. Community College of Vermont
Montpelier, Vermont
Design & Media Studies Associate of Arts Online with Graphic Design focus
At the Community College of Vermont, students can earn an online associate’s degree in design and media studies with a focus in graphic design. The 60-credit program prepares students to use digital technologies and the application of design thinking and problem-solving skills to create a portfolio. The suggested plan of study can be completed in four semesters. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to either apply for a job or continue their education. The online classes are kept small, ensuring an integrated experience for both students and faculty. The degree program includes a Portfolio and Project Development course that provides practical experience and works as a stepping stone to employment within the field.
Tuition: $13,640
7. Sessions College for Professional Design
Tempe, Arizona
Associate of Occupational Studies in Graphic Design Online
Sessions College for Professional Design offers one of the best options for an online associate’s degree in graphic arts. The intensive two-year program is designed for students wanting to become graphic designers with a focus on print design. 72 credits are required to graduate, and the flexible online schedule provides weekly deadlines, but no set login times. Both recent high school graduates and adult learners can learn from the exciting curriculum which offers a powerful foundation in visual design, contemporary design practices, and media. As students progress in their studies, they will develop their own professional design process as they explore a range of media, including advanced layout projects, print production, and branding and marketing concepts. Financial aid is available for online students who qualify.
Tuition: $12,440
6. Foothill College
Los Altos Hills, California
Associate in Arts in Graphic & Interactive Design Online
At Foothill College, students can earn an online associate’s degree in graphic design. 90 credits are required to graduate, including 58 major-related hours. The curriculum includes training in UI/UX design, web design, game design, and illustration. Students will develop basic and advanced skills in the important processes of web design, while learning professional graphics and applications. Graduates of the program will have an understanding of the design process, from sketching to the final product. Foothill College aims to prepare their graduates to be well-rounded and highly trained in the field, enabling them to easily secure employment in graphic design after they graduate.
Tuition: $12,320
5. Columbus State Community College
Columbus, Ohio
Digital Design and Graphics Associate of Applied Science Online
Columbus Community College offers an associate’s degree in graphic design that can be completed entirely online. This affordable 64-credit program focuses on the interaction between advertising, graphic design, publishing, package design, marketing, interactive media, and photography. The suggested course of study can be completed in just five semesters. Columbus State prides itself on teaching the most current methods of the industry. Throughout the course of study, students will prepare a portfolio and be prepared to effectively present it to prospective employees. They will also develop a strong visual and verbal resume, adequately preparing them for success in the workplace.
Tuition: $10,917
4. Surry Community College
Dobson, North Carolina
Associate Degree in Digital Media Technology Online – Graphic Design
The online graphic design associate’s degree at Surry Community College is designed to fully prepare students for entry-level jobs in the digital design and multimedia industry. The 71-credit program takes two years to complete. Students can take advantage of flexible online class times, allowing for a convenient schedule. The program develops technical skills through practical applications that employ current and emerging standards and technologies. Throughout the course of the program, students will learn important communication skills, develop critical thinking and problem solving skills, as well as learn important graphic design elements such as multimedia formats, interface design, and data architecture. Online students are offered full service access to everything the school has to offer, including learning resources, program advisement, and financial aid.
Tuition: $8,689
3. Wake Tech Community College
Raleigh, North Carolina
Associate in Applied Science Degree in Advertising and Graphic Design Online
The Advertising and Graphic Design program at Wake Tech is a great option for those looking to earn an affordable online graphic design degree. The flexible program offers both 8-week and 12-week courses, and students can learn either fully online or hybrid. Students will be trained in the development and design of promotional materials, and will also become familiar with designing and maintaining simple websites. The curriculum uses industry standard tools to fully prepare students in areas such as design, advertising, print production, social media, multimedia, and video editing. 71 credits are required to graduate, and financial aid is available for online students.
Tuition: $7,582
2. Gateway Technical College
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Associate Degree in Graphic Design Online
At Gateway Technical College, students can earn a very affordable associate’s degree in graphic design while studying entirely online. This nationally recognized program combines hands-on technical skills with more academic learning. Accepting new students each fall and spring, the program requires 61 credits and usually takes two years to complete. The very affordable program combines traditional media with digital media, and all students will complete an impressive portfolio before graduating. The program is eligible for financial aid. Gateway Technical College has transfer agreements with various schools for those looking to transfer to a four-year program. Graduates who wish to directly enter the workplace will be well prepared to market themselves as experienced graphic designers.
Tuition: $7,046
1. Big Sandy Community and Technical College
Prestonsburg, Kentucky
Associate in Applied Science in Visual Communication – Design and Technology Online
Graphic Design Track
Big Sandy Community and Technical College offers the most affordable online option for an associate’s degree in graphic design. This 63-credit program can be completed in as little as 16 months. This is one of the quickest online graphic design programs available. The curriculum is a combination of core courses and specialty courses designed for the graphic design track. The graphic design track focuses on the development of creative skills and technical skills in order to design logos, advertising, packaging, and a wide variety of publication materials. Students have the opportunity to earn various certificates while completing their degree.
Tuition: $6,192
Frequently Asked Questions About Cheapest Online Associate Degree in Graphic Design Programs
Q: How much can I make with an affordable online graphic design associate degree?
A: According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), graphic designers made an annual median wage of $53,380 in 2020. That equates to about $25.66 an hour. Keep in mind that this figure includes those graphic designers with bachelor’s degrees and higher, however, so you may find yourself making less if you only have a 2 year graphic design degree online, at least at first. A baccalaureate degree and/or graduate degree in graphic design can result in a higher salary than a 2 year graphic design degree online. You can expect a steady salary increase in the field of graphic design, as there is a constant need for website development and improvement, which means that graphic designers are in high demand.
Q: How long does it take to complete a cheap associate degree in graphic design online?
A: Like other types of associate’s degrees, an AA degree in graphic design typically takes two years to complete. There are exceptions to this rule, however. For instance, accelerated options are available in some programs, enabling students to complete their degrees in less time. In fact, one such accelerated offering in our ranking gives students the opportunity to earn their graphic design associate’s degrees online in just 16 months. Alternatively, part-time offerings will allow you to take longer than two years to finish your degree requirements, if necessary. It is fairly typical for online programs to offer a great deal of flexibility, so that you can earn a degree at the speed you need to, whether that be through a full-time accelerated program, or a part-time program allowing for students to continue employment while studying.
Q: Can I complete my affordable associate degree in graphic design entirely online?
A: Yes, absolutely. Graphic design is a great degree option for online completion. There are no disadvantages to a graphic design degree earned online as opposed to on campus. There are numerous fully online associate’s in graphic design degree programs available, including the ten programs listed in our ranking above. Hybrid programs also exist, allowing you to blend distance education with traditional, on-campus courses.
Q: What’s it like to study in an affordable graphic design online associate’s program?
A: The experience of studying graphic design online will vary from program to program, but all programs offer some similarities. Most online AA degree in graphic design programs are asynchronous, meaning you can log on to your learning platform and complete your work on your own schedule. This means that you should be comfortable working independently most of the time. Still, you can expect to engage with your professors and classmates on a regular basis through tools like online forums, chat rooms, video conferencing, email, and more. Thus, you should be comfortable sharing and discussing your art with others. Earning a graphic design degree online still allows you the flexibility and creativity to express yourself as you master your skill set.
What career options do I have with an online degree in graphic design?
A: An associate’s degree in graphic design prepares graduates for a variety of employment opportunities. Some of the most common jobs to land after earning an online associate’s degree in graphic design include web designer, print designer, multimedia specialist, print manager, web developer. There are also many other jobs available for graphic designers. A strong portfolio is very important, and if you work to develop and impressive portfolio, then employers will be happy to hire you for almost any graphic design position without a four-year degree.
Q: What does a graphic designer do once an online graphic design associate degree is earned?
A: A graphic design graduate should be workplace ready. A good program should prepare graduates with an impressive portfolio as well as marketable skills, enabling them to land a job after graduation. The specific tasks you will be asked to complete once hired as a graphic designer will vary, depending upon your employer and your specific role in the workplace. Typically, you’ll use the skills you learned while pursuing your online associate’s degree graphic design to create logos, develop page layouts, design web content, create advertising campaigns, make illustrations for brochures, and more.
Other Schools Offering a Cheap 2 Year Graphic Design Degree Online
Bryant & Stratton College
Online Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design
Laurus College
Online Associate’s in Digital Arts and Computer Animation
Penn Foster College
Online Graphic Design Associate Degree
Related Resources:
- What Careers are Available with an Associate in Art and Design?
- Can I Become a Desktop Publisher with an Associate Degree in Graphic Design?
- Can I Become a Web Developer with an Associate Degree in Graphic Design?
- Can I Get a High-Paying Job with an Associate Degree in Graphic Design?
- What is Graphic Design?
This concludes our ranking of the top online associate’s degree graphic design programs.
updated Spring 2024
