by our College Data Analytics Team
[Graphic Design](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.
College Factual analyzed 8 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value graphic design schools.
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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.
Saint Louis Community College earned the #1 spot for value among graphic design schools in Missouri. Set in the suburb of Bridgeton, Saint Louis Community College is a very large public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $3,660, with out-of-state students paying around $6,990. Students borrow a median of $11,424 to complete the graphic design program here. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $25,929. That is a strong return on a $11,424 median debt.
University Of Missouri Columbia came in at #2 on our 2027 list of the best value graphic design schools. Set in the city of Columbia, University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,837, with out-of-state students paying around $36,056. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $21,818 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from University Of Missouri Columbia generally make around $53,134. That is a strong return on a $21,818 median debt. Roughly 78% of applicants are accepted.
Park University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in graphic design, landing the #3 spot this year. Set in the suburb of Parkville, Park University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $12,116. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $20,750 in student loans. Graphic Design graduates of Park University earn a median of $46,340 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,750 median debt.
Drury University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in graphic design, landing the #4 spot this year. Located in the city of Springfield, Drury University is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $36,745. Students borrow a median of $26,641 to complete the graphic design program here. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Drury University generally make around $37,267. That is a strong return on a $26,641 median debt. The acceptance rate is 58%.
Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a great value for students pursuing a degree in graphic design, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the suburb of Saint Louis, Maryville University Of Saint Louis is a large private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $27,166. Students borrow a median of $24,621 to complete the graphic design program here. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $39,623. That is a strong return on a $24,621 median debt. Maryville University Of Saint Louis admits about 95% of applicants.
Stevens Institute Of Business And Arts placed #6 among the best values for graphic design. Stevens Institute Of Business And Arts is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Saint Louis. In-state tuition and fees average $14,332. Graduates go on to earn a median of $29,058 ten years after entry. Stevens Institute Of Business And Arts admits about 100% of applicants.
Webster University placed #7 among the best values for graphic design. Webster University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of Saint Louis. In-state tuition and fees average $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,550 to complete the graphic design program here. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $20,257. Set against $25,550 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%.
Kansas City Art Institute ranked #8 on our 2027 list of the best value graphic design schools. Located in the city of Kansas City, Kansas City Art Institute is a small private not-for-profit university. In-state tuition and fees average $44,550. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of Kansas City Art Institute earn a median of $29,513 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted.
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on the balance of cost (tuition and student debt) against student outcomes (post-graduation earnings) — a measure of return on investment, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 8 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 8 ranked schools only.
More about our data sources and methodologies.