by our College Data Analytics Team
[Graphic Design](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
For its 2027 best-value ranking, College Factual looked at 9 schools to find the best return on investment for graphic design students.
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If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the graphic design degrees they offer, see the list below.
Leading the list is Gordon Cooper Technology Center, our #1 best value for graphic design in Oklahoma. Set in the town of Shawnee, Gordon Cooper Technology Center is a small public institution. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Gordon Cooper Technology Center generally make around $44,822.
Tulsa Technology Center came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value graphic design schools. Set in the city of Tulsa, Tulsa Technology Center is a mid-sized public institution. Students borrow a median of $11,384 to complete the graphic design program here. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $32,406. That is a strong return on a $11,384 median debt.
Metro Technology Centers is a great value for students pursuing a degree in graphic design, landing the #3 spot this year. Metro Technology Centers is a small public school located in the city of Oklahoma City. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $15,833 in student loans. Graphic Design graduates of Metro Technology Centers earn a median of $48,236 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,833 median debt.
The strong cost-to-outcome balance at Kiamichi Technology Center Mcalester earned it the #4 place for graphic design. Set in the town of McAlester, Kiamichi Technology Center Mcalester is a mid-sized public institution. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $7,992 in student loans. Graphic Design graduates of Kiamichi Technology Center Mcalester earn a median of $23,377 early in their careers. Set against $7,992 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in graphic design will find it at Francis Tuttle Technology Center, which ranked #5. Located in the city of Oklahoma City, Francis Tuttle Technology Center is a mid-sized public university. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $14,859. Graphic Design graduates of Francis Tuttle Technology Center earn a median of $26,570 early in their careers. Set against $14,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Oklahoma State University Main Campus placed #6 among the best values for graphic design. Set in the town of Stillwater, Oklahoma State University Main Campus is a very large public institution. Students from in state pay about $10,110 in tuition and fees, compared with $25,630 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $22,337. Graphic Design graduates of Oklahoma State University Main Campus earn a median of $50,993 early in their careers. Set against $22,337 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Oklahoma State University Main Campus admits about 75% of applicants.
Southern Oklahoma Technology Center earned the #7 position for value in graphic design this year. Set in the rural area of Ardmore, Southern Oklahoma Technology Center is a small public institution. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,012 ten years after entry.
University Of Central Oklahoma ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value graphic design schools. University Of Central Oklahoma is a large public school located in the suburb of Edmond. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,818, with out-of-state students paying around $19,704. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $15,875 in student loans. Graphic Design graduates of University Of Central Oklahoma earn a median of $42,619 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $15,875 median debt. The acceptance rate is 78%.
Oklahoma Baptist University earned the #9 position for value in graphic design this year. Oklahoma Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Shawnee. Students from in state pay about $35,570 in tuition and fees. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $23,425 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Oklahoma Baptist University generally make around $47,100. Set against $23,425 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 49% of applicants are accepted.
This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 9 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 9 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.