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10 Best Online Graphic Design Degrees

Jodie Price

By Jodie Price | Updated September 15, 2025

An online graphic design degree helps you build both creative and technical skills while offering the flexibility to study from anywhere. Programs cover design principles, digital tools, and portfolio development, allowing you to tailor your learning to your career goals.

  • Troy University

    Troy University offers its online graphic design program at a tuition rate of $424 per credit. The school has a student retention rate of 75%, showing strong support for continuing students, and a graduation rate of 50%, reflecting steady outcomes for degree completion.

    Editor’s Take

    Troy University has a long history of serving nontraditional students, beginning in 1887 as a teacher training school and later expanding into a comprehensive university system. Its reputation for accessibility and support makes it a strong option for students seeking flexible learning opportunities.

    The online programs are built for convenience, allowing you to study from nearly anywhere while earning a degree from a respected public university. This flexibility is especially valuable for students balancing education with work or family responsibilities.

    In the graphic design program, you’ll develop both creative and technical skills through courses in design principles, digital tools, and portfolio building. Troy University offers affordable tuition and flexible programs for careers in design, advertising, and creative fields.

    What To Know

    Category Details
    Flexibility Rating High – online courses with multiple start dates
    School Type Public university
    Application Fee About $30 (undergraduate level)
    Degree Credit Requirements Around 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree
    Program Enrollment Options Full-time or part-time
    Example Major-Specific Courses Digital Imaging, Typography, Interactive Design
    Concentrations Available Graphic Design focus within Art and Design
    In-Person Requirements Fully online, no on-campus attendance required

    You can complete the degree without relocating or attending in-person classes. The course list focuses on building technical skill with Adobe software and design theory, while also requiring a portfolio to showcase your work. This structure helps you graduate with both practical training and creative experience.

  • Lindenwood University

    Lindenwood University’s online graphic design program costs $495 per credit. The school maintains a student retention rate of 77%, indicating strong student satisfaction, and a graduation rate of 49%, showing nearly half of students successfully complete their degrees.

    Editor’s Take

    You get the benefit of a private university that has experience delivering online programs across multiple fields. Lindenwood’s online graphic design degree is structured to fit students who need asynchronous learning, meaning you can complete work on your own schedule.

    The program focuses on building both creative and technical skills. You work with industry-standard software and complete projects that can be added to your portfolio. This makes the degree practical if you plan to enter the job market right after graduation.

    Lindenwood also provides academic support and career resources for online students. You can connect with faculty and advisors virtually, which helps you stay on track while balancing other responsibilities.

    What To Know

    Category Details
    Flexibility Rating High – fully online with asynchronous courses
    School Type Private, nonprofit university
    Application Fee About $30 (subject to change)
    Degree Credit Requirements Around 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree
    Program Enrollment Options Full-time or part-time
    Example Major-Specific Courses Digital Illustration, Typography, Web Design, Motion Graphics
    Concentrations Available Options may include Web and Interactive Design, Branding, and Digital Media
    In-Person Requirements None; coursework is completed online

    This setup allows you to move through the program at your own pace while still meeting the same academic standards as on-campus students. The course mix prepares you for careers in digital design, advertising, or related creative industries.

  • Liberty University

    Liberty University offers its online graphic design program at a tuition rate of $390 per credit, making it one of the more affordable options. The school has a student retention rate of 79%, showing strong student engagement, and a graduation rate of 50%, indicating half of its students complete their degrees.

    Editor’s Take

    If you want a program that blends faith-based values with professional training, Liberty University stands out. The school has a conservative culture, but the online format lets you focus on academics without living on campus.

    You get access to a large online system that supports thousands of students. This scale often means more course offerings and scheduling options. You also benefit from the university’s experience in distance learning, since Liberty has been a major online education provider for years.

    The program balances design theory with practical skills. You study design software, digital imaging, and layout techniques while also working on portfolio development. This makes the degree useful if you want to enter the design field right after graduation or continue into advanced study.

    What To Know

    Category Details
    Flexibility Rating High – fully online with multiple start dates
    School Type Private, nonprofit, Christian university
    Application Fee About $50 (subject to change)
    Degree Credit Requirements Around 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree
    Program Enrollment Options Full-time or part-time, 8-week course terms
    Example Courses Digital Imaging, Typography, Interactive Design, Publication Design
    Concentrations Available Graphic Design, Digital Design, Studio and Visual Arts
    In-Person Requirements None for most programs; optional campus intensives available

    This setup provides a clear way to complete your degree online, with options to customize through electives and concentration areas.

  • Southern New Hampshire University

    Southern New Hampshire University offers its online graphic design program at a tuition rate of $330 per credit, making it a budget-friendly option. The university has a student retention rate of 62%, reflecting moderate student persistence, and a graduation rate of 42%, showing that less than half of students complete their degrees.

    Editor’s Take

    SNHU’s online graphic design program emphasizes practical, career-ready skills, with a strong focus on using industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Cloud. Students build professional portfolios that prepare them for entry-level roles in design and related creative fields.

    The university is known for its open admission policies and rolling application deadlines, giving students the flexibility to start when it works best for them rather than being tied to a traditional academic calendar. This makes the program accessible to a wide range of learners.

    With more than 170,000 online students, SNHU offers extensive support services, including 24/7 tutoring and career advising. For those seeking an accessible, skills-focused program, SNHU provides a clear path toward launching a design career.

    What To Know

    Category Details
    Flexibility Rating High – fully online with asynchronous classes
    School Type Private, nonprofit university
    Application Fee $0
    Degree Credit Requirements About 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree
    Program Enrollment Options Full-time or part-time; rolling admissions
    Example Major-Specific Courses Digital Graphic Design, Typography, Web Design, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop
    Concentrations Available Graphic Design, Web Design, 3D Modeling and Animation
    In-Person Requirements None; program is fully online

    You can complete the degree from anywhere without travel requirements. The course load is flexible, and you decide whether to study full-time or part-time. This structure makes SNHU a strong choice if you need to balance school with work or family.

  • Bellevue University

    Bellevue University charges a program tuition rate of $449 per credit, positioning it in the mid-range for costs. The school has a student retention rate of 51%, indicating just over half of students continue after their first year, and a graduation rate of 31%, showing fewer students completing their degrees compared to other universities.

    Editor’s Take

    You will find Bellevue University’s online graphic design degree is designed with working adults in mind. The program allows you to balance studies with personal or professional responsibilities.

    The curriculum focuses on both technical and creative aspects of design. You learn industry-standard software, visual communication, and digital production techniques. The school also integrates project-based assignments that help you build a portfolio for future job applications.

    Bellevue stands out for its affordability and transfer-friendly policies. If you already have college credits, you can apply them toward your degree, which may shorten the time to graduation. The university also accepts a wide range of learners, making it accessible to students who may not fit the traditional college path.

    What To Know

    Category Details
    Flexibility Rating High – fully online with asynchronous coursework
    School Type Private, nonprofit university
    Application Fee About $50
    Degree Credit Requirements Around 127 credits for a bachelor’s degree
    Program Enrollment Options Full-time or part-time
    Example Major-Specific Courses Typography, Digital Imaging, Layout and Design, Web Design
    Concentrations Available General graphic design focus; no separate concentrations
    In-Person Requirements None; program is 100% online

    You can complete the program without attending campus, which makes it suitable if you live outside Nebraska or prefer remote learning. The course load is customizable, so you can move at a faster or slower pace depending on your schedule.

  • Wilmington University

    Wilmington University has a program tuition rate of $409 per credit, making it moderately priced compared to other schools. The university reports a student retention rate of 56%, while its graduation rate is 22%, showing that fewer students finish their degrees here than at many other institutions.

    Editor’s Take

    You can expect Wilmington University to focus on accessibility and convenience. More than 70% of undergraduates study part-time, and over 40% complete their degrees online. This shows the school has strong systems in place to support nontraditional schedules.

    The university offers an online graphic design certificate that covers concept development, vector drawing, and Adobe Photoshop and InDesign. While this is not a full bachelor’s degree, it can serve as a stepping stone toward advanced study or career development.

    If you want a school that understands the needs of working adults, Wilmington University stands out. It provides flexible enrollment options and practical coursework that builds technical skills with industry-standard software.

    What To Know

    Category Details
    Flexibility Rating High (strong support for part-time and online learners)
    School Type Private, nonprofit university
    Application Fee $35 (subject to change)
    Degree Credit Requirements Varies by program; certificate requires fewer credits than a bachelor’s
    Program Enrollment Options Full-time or part-time; online and hybrid formats
    Example Major-Specific Courses Concept Development, Vector Drawing, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe InDesign
    Concentrations Available Graphic Design Certificate; broader design and digital media courses available
    In-Person Requirements Fully online options available; some programs may offer hybrid formats

    This structure allows you to plan around your schedule while gaining targeted design skills. The focus on practical software and creative development prepares you for roles in design or for continuing education in the field.

  • Savannah College of Art and Design

    Savannah College of Art and Design has a program tuition rate of $914 per credit, making it one of the more expensive options. However, it boasts a strong student retention rate of 81% and a high graduation rate of 72%, indicating strong student support and program completion outcomes.

    Editor’s Take

    You will find SCAD appealing if you want a design program that blends creativity with practical career preparation. The school emphasizes connecting coursework with real-world applications in the creative industries.

    SCAD has a reputation for providing students with strong digital design training and portfolio development. You can also benefit from opportunities to learn business practices, which can help you market your skills and manage freelance or client work.

    The online programs maintain the same academic standards as on-campus courses. This means you receive the same instruction and degree credibility while studying remotely. If you value both flexibility and a rigorous curriculum, SCAD offers a balanced option.

    What To Know

    Category Details
    Flexibility Rating High – online courses with structured deadlines
    School Type Private, nonprofit art and design college
    Application Fee About $100 (subject to change)
    Degree Credit Requirements Around 180 credits for a bachelor’s degree
    Program Enrollment Options Full-time and part-time study available
    Example Major-Specific Courses Typography, Interactive Design, Branding, Digital Publishing
    Concentrations Available Options in advertising, interactive design, and illustration
    In-Person Requirements Fully online, though optional on-campus events and resources are available

    This structure allows you to plan your education around your schedule while still meeting professional standards in design.

  • Arizona State University Digital Immersion

    Arizona State University Digital Immersion charges a program tuition rate of $563 per credit. While the student retention rate is not available (N/A), the program reports a graduation rate of 26%, reflecting relatively low completion outcomes.

    Editor’s Take

    You can expect a program designed for accessibility and scale. ASU has built its online platform to serve many students while keeping course quality consistent with its in-person programs.

    The Digital Immersion format gives you the structure of a traditional university degree but with the flexibility of online access. You do not need to attend classes on campus, making it easier to balance school with work or personal responsibilities.

    The program emphasizes both creative and technical skills. You take courses in design theory, digital tools, and practical applications that prepare you for professional work. ASU’s large course catalog and faculty expertise also mean you have options to explore specialized areas within design.

    What To Know

    Category Details
    Flexibility Rating High – fully online with asynchronous options
    School Type Public research university
    Application Fee $70 (undergraduate, domestic applicants)
    Degree Credit Requirements About 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree
    Program Enrollment Options Full-time or part-time
    Example Major-Specific Courses Typography, Digital Illustration, Motion Graphics
    Concentrations Available Varies by semester; may include interactive design or visual communication
    In-Person Requirements None required for completion

    This structure provides you with a clear path to graduation while letting you adjust your pace. You complete all coursework online, and you can tailor your schedule around other commitments. Courses focus on building both foundational design skills and advanced digital practices.

  • Kentucky Wesleyan College

    Kentucky Wesleyan College charges a program tuition rate of $475 per credit. The school has a student retention rate of 57% and a graduation rate of 39%, indicating moderate student persistence and completion outcomes.

    Editor’s Take

    You will find that Kentucky Wesleyan College emphasizes small class sizes and personal attention. The online programs are designed to give you access to faculty support while keeping the flexibility needed for working students.

    The college combines liberal arts education with career training. This means you study design skills while also building critical thinking and communication abilities.

    The program is best suited if you want a structured but supportive environment. It works well for students who need online access but still value a close connection with professors.

    What To Know

    Category Details
    Flexibility Rating High – fully online with asynchronous options
    School Type Private, liberal arts, faith-based
    Application Fee Around $30
    Degree Credit Requirements About 120 credits for a bachelor’s
    Program Enrollment Options Full-time or part-time
    Example Major-Specific Courses Digital Imaging, Typography, Web Design, Branding
    Concentrations Available General Graphic Design focus (no formal tracks)
    In-Person Requirements None required; fully online

    This setup allows you to complete your degree entirely online. You can choose a pace that fits your schedule while still meeting the full academic requirements.

  • Lesley University

    Lesley University has a program tuition rate of $525 per credit, offering students a structured cost per course. The university reports a student retention rate of 74% and a graduation rate of 44%, reflecting solid student engagement and degree completion outcomes.

    Editor’s Take

    If you want a program that balances creative training with flexible learning, Lesley University is worth considering. The tuition cost is mid-range compared to similar schools, making it accessible without being the lowest option.

    The retention rate of 74% shows that most students continue after their first year, which suggests the program supports learners effectively. However, the 44% graduation rate is lower than average, so you should think carefully about the level of structure and support you may need to finish.

    You will find a strong focus on design fundamentals, digital tools, and applied learning. The program is for working adults who need online access and seek a curriculum that prepares them for professional design roles.

    What To Know

    Category Details
    Flexibility Rating Moderate – fully online, but structured deadlines
    School Type Private, nonprofit university
    Application Fee $50 (non-refundable)
    Degree Credit Requirements About 120 credits for a bachelor’s degree
    Program Enrollment Options Full-time or part-time
    Example Major-Specific Courses Typography, Digital Imaging, Web Design
    Concentrations Available Graphic Design, Interactive Design
    In-Person Requirements None required; program is fully online

    This setup allows you to study entirely online while focusing on creative and technical design skills. You can choose a pace that fits your schedule, whether you want to move quickly full-time or take fewer courses part-time.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do costs compare among the best online graphic design degrees?

Tuition for online graphic design programs depends on the school type and program length, with public universities often offering lower rates than private institutions, especially for in-state students. In addition to tuition, budget for software, design tools, or technology. Some programs include these in their fees, while others require separate purchases.

What are the requirements for enrolling in an online graphic design degree program?

Most online graphic design programs require a high school diploma or GED, and some may also request a portfolio to showcase your creative skills. Additional requirements can include test scores, recommendations, or a personal statement, with admission standards varying by school.

Can I complete an online graphic design degree at my own pace?

Online graphic design programs often provide flexible schedules, though some follow semester calendars while others allow faster progress. For the most flexibility, choose programs with asynchronous learning, which let you complete coursework on your own time.

What are the career prospects after completing an online graphic design degree?

An online graphic design degree can lead to careers like graphic designer, web designer, or digital illustrator, with many graduates working in marketing, advertising, or UX design. A bachelor’s degree is the typical entry point, while advanced degrees may unlock leadership or specialized roles.

Which online graphic design programs offer the best industry-relevant courses?

Top online graphic design programs typically cover areas like typography, branding, digital media, and UI design, ensuring alignment with industry demands. Many also include training in tools like Adobe Creative Cloud or Figma and emphasize project-based learning, helping you build a strong portfolio for employers.