2027 Best Value Graphic Design Schools in Iowa
[Graphic Design](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. A high-value program keeps cost low while graduates go on to earn well.
College Factual analyzed 3 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value graphic design schools.
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2027 Best Value Graphic Design Schools in Iowa
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in graphic design, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Graphic Design Schools
For return on investment in graphic design, no school beat Hawkeye Community College this year. Located in the rural area of Waterloo, Hawkeye Community College is a moderately-sized public university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,525, while out-of-state students pay about $6,612. Students borrow a median of $17,001 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of Hawkeye Community College earn a median of $41,902 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $17,001 median debt.
Students looking for strong value in graphic design will find it at University Of Northern Iowa, which ranked #2. Located in the city of Cedar Falls, University Of Northern Iowa is a large public university. In-state tuition and fees average $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $25,100. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $38,637. Set against $25,100 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%.
Iowa State University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value graphic design schools. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $10,787, compared with $28,881 for out-of-state students. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Iowa State University generally make around $36,634. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 89%.
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Notes and References
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 · 3 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 3 ranked schools only.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.
