2026 Best Value Graphic Communications Schools
Looking for the best-value Graphic Communications programs programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 413 schools by value — the balance of cost and student outcomes, using our 2026 methodology. Our scores reflect factors such as tuition, student debt, and post-graduation earnings to surface the strongest return on investment.
To help you make your decision, Course Advisor evaluated schools to produce this 2026 value ranking, drawing primarily on U.S. Department of Education data (IPEDS and College Scorecard). View our full ranking methodology.
Top 25 Best-Value Graphic Communications Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
Our analysis found Northeast Wisconsin Technical College to be the best-value Graphic Communications school in the United States. Based in Green Bay, WI, Northeast Wisconsin Technical College is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $4,960, compared with $7,203 for out-of-state students. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $14,997. Northeast Wisconsin Technical College alumni report median earnings of $44,553 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $14,997 median debt. See the full Northeast Wisconsin Technical College profile
You'll get strong value at Southeast Technical Institute, which ranked #2 this year. Located in Sioux Falls, SD, Southeast Technical Institute is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,650. Southeast Technical Institute Graphic Communications students take on a median of $18,442 in debt. Southeast Technical Institute alumni report median earnings of $46,709 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $18,442 median debt. More on Southeast Technical Institute
Out of the 413 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Brigham Young University Provo landed the #3 spot. Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit school based in Provo, UT. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,688. Graduates carry a median of $12,184 in student loans. Brigham Young University Provo alumni report median earnings of $75,790 a decade after entry. Set against $12,184 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Read the full report on Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 413 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Western Iowa Tech Community College landed the #4 spot. Based in Sioux City, IA, Western Iowa Tech Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $5,186, while out-of-state students pay about $5,330. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $11,886. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $40,473. Set against $11,886 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Western Iowa Tech Community College
Out of the 413 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, Kirkwood Community College landed the #5 spot. Based in Cedar Rapids, IA, Kirkwood Community College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $6,176, with out-of-state students paying around $8,220. Students borrow a median of $15,779 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $41,016. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Kirkwood Community College
Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #6 position. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology is a public school based in Lancaster, PA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,050. Graduates carry a median of $8,625 in student loans. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $54,681 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 71%. More on Thaddeus Stevens College Of Technology
Houston Community College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Houston, TX, Houston Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $2,040 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $5,460. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $19,223. Houston Community College alumni report median earnings of $39,254 a decade after entry. Set against $19,223 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Houston Community College
Ozarks Technical Community College came in at #8 in this year's value ranking. Set in Springfield, MO, Ozarks Technical Community College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $4,256 in tuition and fees, compared with $7,040 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Ozarks Technical Community College alumni report median earnings of $36,455 a decade after entry. Set against $19,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Get the full Ozarks Technical Community College report
Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College offered strong value this year, earning the #9 position. Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College is a public school based in New York, NY. In-state tuition and fees average $5,170, with out-of-state students paying around $8,050. Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College Graphic Communications students take on a median of $8,794 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $42,306. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. More on Cuny Borough Of Manhattan Community College
Middlesex County College placed #10 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. Based in Edison, NJ, Middlesex County College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $4,764, compared with $7,356 for out-of-state students. Middlesex County College Graphic Communications students take on a median of $8,525 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,861. That is a strong return on a $8,525 median debt. Read the full report on Middlesex County College
Front Range Community College placed #11 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. Front Range Community College is a public school based in Westminster, CO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $4,663, compared with $17,263 for out-of-state students. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $12,263. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $45,910. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read the full report on Front Range Community College
University Of Wisconsin Stout placed #13 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. This public school is set in Menomonie, WI. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,701, while out-of-state students pay about $19,265. Graduates carry a median of $25,937 in student loans. University Of Wisconsin Stout alumni report median earnings of $58,084 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. University Of Wisconsin Stout has an acceptance rate of 88%. Read more about University Of Wisconsin Stout
University Of Maryland University College offered strong value this year, earning the #14 position. Located in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,136 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $12,336. Students borrow a median of $26,038 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full University Of Maryland University College profile
Atlantic College came in at #15 in this year's value ranking. Located in Guaynabo, PR, Atlantic College is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,280. Students borrow a median of $5,440 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Median earnings reach $25,272 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $5,440 median debt. Read more about Atlantic College
Ferris State University offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. Set in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,778. Graduates carry a median of $19,339 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $54,735 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ferris State University admits about 91% of applicants. More on Ferris State University
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo offered strong value this year, earning the #18 position. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,161 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,230. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $17,961. Median earnings reach $90,768 ten years out. Set against $17,961 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 31% of those who apply are admitted. See the full California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo profile
Illinois State University came in at #19 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees average $14,410, while out-of-state students pay about $26,058. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $21,896. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. See the full Illinois State University profile
University Of Minnesota Duluth placed #19 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. This public school is set in Duluth, MN. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,608, while out-of-state students pay about $20,134. Students borrow a median of $24,500 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,616. Set against $24,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Minnesota Duluth has an acceptance rate of 89%. Read the full report on University Of Minnesota Duluth
University Of Northern Iowa offered strong value this year, earning the #21 position. Located in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,936, compared with $21,712 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $21,070 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $55,177 ten years after entry. Set against $21,070 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 93%. Read more about University Of Northern Iowa
Indian River State College placed #22 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. Located in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $2,764, while out-of-state students pay about $10,201. Graduates carry a median of $12,500 in student loans. Indian River State College alumni report median earnings of $38,315 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Indian River State College profile
Pittsburg State University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. This public school is set in Pittsburg, KS. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,400, with out-of-state students paying around $19,744. Pittsburg State University Graphic Communications students take on a median of $25,500 in debt. Pittsburg State University alumni report median earnings of $50,579 a decade after entry. Set against $25,500 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Pittsburg State University profile
Suny College At Buffalo came in at #25 in this year's value ranking. Located in Buffalo, NY, Suny College At Buffalo is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,533, compared with $19,653 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $25,257 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Median earnings reach $52,334 ten years out. Set against $25,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 73%. See the full Suny College At Buffalo profile
Bowling Green State University Main Campus ranked #26 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Set in Bowling Green, OH, Bowling Green State University Main Campus is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $13,912 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $21,900. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Graphic Communications students take on a median of $26,981 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $47,896. Set against $26,981 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 81% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Bowling Green State University Main Campus report
Depaul University ranked #27 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $25,864 in student loans. Median earnings reach $68,751 ten years out. Set against $25,864 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Depaul University has an acceptance rate of 76%. See the full Depaul University profile
Webster University offered strong value this year, earning the #27 position. Based in Saint Louis, MO, Webster University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $31,750 in tuition and fees. Webster University Graphic Communications students take on a median of $25,939 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,876. That is a strong return on a $25,939 median debt. Webster University has an acceptance rate of 86%. More on Webster University
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graphic Communications Schools in the United States
Not far behind, these schools also offered excellent value:
Rocky Mountain College Of Art And Design came in at #29 in this year's value ranking. Set in Lakewood, CO, Rocky Mountain College Of Art And Design is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $20,190. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $32,982. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,958. That is a strong return on a $32,982 median debt. More on Rocky Mountain College Of Art And Design
East Tennessee State University ranked #30 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Located in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $10,216, compared with $13,726 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $24,217 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $44,859. Set against $24,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 86%. Get the full East Tennessee State University report
Southern Methodist University came in at #31 in this year's value ranking. Located in Dallas, TX, Southern Methodist University is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $67,040 in tuition and fees. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $20,712. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $78,354. Set against $20,712 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Southern Methodist University has an acceptance rate of 63%. Get the full Southern Methodist University report
Art Center College Of Design landed the #32 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Pasadena, CA, Art Center College Of Design is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $54,170. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $35,593. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,958. Set against $35,593 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 74%. Read the full report on Art Center College Of Design
Arizona State University placed #33 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $12,223, while out-of-state students pay about $33,139. Students borrow a median of $18,964 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Median earnings reach $62,668 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $18,964 median debt. The acceptance rate is 90%. Get the full Arizona State University report
Cogswell Polytechnical College landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Jose, CA, Cogswell Polytechnical College is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $22,480. Cogswell Polytechnical College Graphic Communications students take on a median of $31,000 in debt. Cogswell Polytechnical College alumni report median earnings of $51,017 a decade after entry. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cogswell Polytechnical College admits about 51% of applicants. Read more about Cogswell Polytechnical College
Carroll University ranked #35 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Located in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $38,890. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $58,009. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 67% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Carroll University report
Academy Of Art University ranked #36 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Set in San Francisco, CA, Academy Of Art University is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $30,736. Academy Of Art University Graphic Communications students take on a median of $36,717 in debt. Academy Of Art University alumni report median earnings of $39,008 a decade after entry. Set against $36,717 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Academy Of Art University
Sam Houston State University ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Based in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $28,342. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $54,211. Set against $28,342 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Sam Houston State University report
Ringling College Of Art And Design placed #38 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Sarasota, FL. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $57,900. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $43,325 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 70% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Ringling College Of Art And Design
New Jersey Institute Of Technology came in at #40 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Newark, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,974, compared with $37,664 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $25,875 in student loans. Median earnings reach $84,276 ten years out. Set against $25,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. New Jersey Institute Of Technology has an acceptance rate of 65%. Read the full report on New Jersey Institute Of Technology
Rochester Institute Of Technology landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit school based in Rochester, NY. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,210. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $76,571 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 67%. Get the full Rochester Institute Of Technology report
Huntington University landed the #42 spot for value in the United States this year. Huntington University is a private not-for-profit school based in Huntington, IN. In-state tuition and fees run about $31,870. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Huntington University alumni report median earnings of $46,672 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Huntington University has an acceptance rate of 76%. Get the full Huntington University report
George Mason University placed #42 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. Located in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, with out-of-state students paying around $38,688. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $23,000. George Mason University alumni report median earnings of $76,343 a decade after entry. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. More on George Mason University
Columbia College Chicago offered strong value this year, earning the #44 position. Located in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $34,088 in tuition and fees. Columbia College Chicago Graphic Communications students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Columbia College Chicago alumni report median earnings of $42,195 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Columbia College Chicago
Texas State Technical College placed #45 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. Set in Waco, TX, Texas State Technical College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $7,212, with out-of-state students paying around $11,812. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $12,953. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $38,916. Set against $12,953 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. See the full Texas State Technical College profile
Fairmont State University ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Located in Fairmont, WV, Fairmont State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,708, while out-of-state students pay about $18,924. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $26,447. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $46,857. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Fairmont State University has an acceptance rate of 99%. Get the full Fairmont State University report
Minneapolis College Of Art And Design offered strong value this year, earning the #48 position. Located in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $45,484. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $27,000. Minneapolis College Of Art And Design alumni report median earnings of $40,873 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minneapolis College Of Art And Design admits about 48% of applicants. More on Minneapolis College Of Art And Design
Digipen Institute Of Technology ranked #49 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Located in Redmond, WA, Digipen Institute Of Technology is a private for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $38,950. Digipen Institute Of Technology Graphic Communications students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $79,878. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 64% of applicants are accepted. See the full Digipen Institute Of Technology profile
Suny College Of Technology At Alfred landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Alfred, NY, Suny College Of Technology At Alfred is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $8,892, compared with $16,837 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $50,445. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 76% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on Suny College Of Technology At Alfred
Columbus College Of Art And Design placed #50 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Columbus, OH. Students from in state pay about $40,825 in tuition and fees. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $27,000. Median earnings reach $40,664 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 68%. Get the full Columbus College Of Art And Design report
College For Creative Studies placed #50 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. Set in Detroit, MI, College For Creative Studies is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $53,350. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $27,000. Graduates go on to earn a median of $44,860 ten years after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 92% of applicants are accepted. Read more about College For Creative Studies
Regent University offered strong value this year, earning the #53 position. Regent University is a private not-for-profit school based in Virginia Beach, VA. In-state tuition and fees average $21,650. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $26,000. Median earnings reach $44,498 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 38% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Regent University profile
Savannah College Of Art And Design ranked #54 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Located in Savannah, GA, Savannah College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $41,630. Graduates carry a median of $26,748 in student loans. Median earnings reach $45,954 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,748 median debt. Roughly 83% of applicants are accepted. See the full Savannah College Of Art And Design profile
University Of Hawaii At Manoa landed the #55 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Honolulu, HI. In-state tuition and fees average $12,186, compared with $34,218 for out-of-state students. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $23,250. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $57,624. Set against $23,250 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. University Of Hawaii At Manoa admits about 87% of applicants. See the full University Of Hawaii At Manoa profile
Best Value Graphic Communications Schools by Degree Level
Compare value rankings by degree level:
- Best Value Graphic Communications Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Graphic Communications Undergraduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Graphic Communications Associate’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Graphic Communications Bachelor’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Graphic Communications Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Graphic Communications Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Graphic Communications Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
This list is compiled by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs 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 · Scope: Nation. *Averages shown above reflect the top 413 ranked schools only.
References
- Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) — National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education (core institutional data).
- College Scorecard — U.S. Department of Education (graduate earnings and outcomes data).
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