2026 Best Value Graphic Communications Bachelor’s Degree Schools
Looking for the best-value Graphic Communications bachelor’s degree programs in the United States? Our ranking highlights 413 colleges 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 arm you with the information you need, Course Advisor reviewed 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 Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
Explore the best-value schools below:
For return on investment, no school beat Brigham Young University Provo this year in the United States. Based in Provo, UT, Brigham Young University Provo is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $6,688. Students borrow a median of $12,184 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Median earnings reach $75,790 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $12,184 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about Brigham Young University Provo
Out of the 413 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Wisconsin Stout landed the #3 spot. Based in Menomonie, WI, University Of Wisconsin Stout is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $10,701, compared with $19,265 for out-of-state students. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $25,937. Graduates go on to earn a median of $58,084 ten years after entry. Set against $25,937 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 88% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full University Of Wisconsin Stout report
Out of the 413 schools in the United States in this year's value ranking, University Of Maryland University College landed the #4 spot. Located in Adelphi, MD, University Of Maryland University College is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,136, compared with $12,336 for out-of-state students. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $26,038. University Of Maryland University College alumni report median earnings of $65,287 a decade after entry. Set against $26,038 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about University Of Maryland University College
A rank of #5 makes Ferris State University one of the best values in the United States. Located in Big Rapids, MI, Ferris State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $14,778 in tuition and fees. Ferris State University Graphic Communications students take on a median of $19,339 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $54,735. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 91% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Ferris State University report
Atlantic College landed the #7 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Guaynabo, PR. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,280. Atlantic College Graphic Communications students take on a median of $5,440 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $25,272. Set against $5,440 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Atlantic College
California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo landed the #8 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Luis Obispo, CA, California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $12,161, with out-of-state students paying around $33,230. Students borrow a median of $17,961 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $90,768. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo admits about 31% of applicants. Read the full report on California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo
University Of Minnesota Duluth came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. Based in Duluth, MN, University Of Minnesota Duluth is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $14,608, compared with $20,134 for out-of-state students. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $24,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $62,616 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read more about University Of Minnesota Duluth
Illinois State University came in at #9 in this year's value ranking. This public school is set in Normal, IL. In-state tuition and fees run about $14,410, with out-of-state students paying around $26,058. Graduates carry a median of $21,896 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $62,117. That is a strong return on a $21,896 median debt. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Illinois State University report
University Of Northern Iowa landed the #11 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Cedar Falls, IA, University Of Northern Iowa is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $9,936, while out-of-state students pay about $21,712. Graduates carry a median of $21,070 in student loans. University Of Northern Iowa alumni report median earnings of $55,177 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 93%. Get the full University Of Northern Iowa report
Indian River State College offered strong value this year, earning the #12 position. Located in Fort Pierce, FL, Indian River State College is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $2,764, compared with $10,201 for out-of-state students. Students borrow a median of $12,500 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $38,315. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Indian River State College
Pittsburg State University came in at #13 in this year's value ranking. Located in Pittsburg, KS, Pittsburg State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,400, while out-of-state students pay about $19,744. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $25,500. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,579 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $25,500 median debt. About 89% of those who apply are admitted. Read the full report on Pittsburg State University
Suny College At Buffalo ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Located in Buffalo, NY, Suny College At Buffalo is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $8,533 in tuition and fees, compared with $19,653 for out-of-state students. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $25,257. Graduates go on to earn a median of $52,334 ten years after entry. Set against $25,257 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 73% of those who apply are admitted. Get the full Suny College At Buffalo report
Bowling Green State University Main Campus offered strong value this year, earning the #16 position. This public school is set in Bowling Green, OH. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $13,912, compared with $21,900 for out-of-state students. Bowling Green State University Main Campus Graphic Communications students take on a median of $26,981 in debt. A decade after starting, 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. More on Bowling Green State University Main Campus
Webster University offered strong value this year, earning the #17 position. This private not-for-profit school is set in Saint Louis, MO. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,750. Students borrow a median of $25,939 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Median earnings reach $50,876 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $25,939 median debt. Webster University admits about 86% of applicants. Get the full Webster University report
Rocky Mountain College Of Art And Design landed the #18 spot for value in the United States this year. Located in Lakewood, CO, Rocky Mountain College Of Art And Design is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $20,190. Students borrow a median of $32,982 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Graduates go on to earn a median of $42,958 ten years after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Read more about Rocky Mountain College Of Art And Design
East Tennessee State University offered strong value this year, earning the #19 position. Located in Johnson City, TN, East Tennessee State University is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,216, while out-of-state students pay about $13,726. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $24,217. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,859. Set against $24,217 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. East Tennessee State University has an acceptance rate of 86%. Read the full report on East Tennessee State University
Academy Of Art University landed the #20 spot for value in the United States this year. This private for-profit school is set in San Francisco, CA. In-state tuition and fees run about $30,736. Students borrow a median of $36,717 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $39,008. Set against $36,717 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read more about Academy Of Art University
Art Center College Of Design came in at #21 in this year's value ranking. This private not-for-profit school is set in Pasadena, CA. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $54,170. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $35,593. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $71,958. That is a strong return on a $35,593 median debt. Art Center College Of Design admits about 74% of applicants. More on Art Center College Of Design
Arizona State University offered strong value this year, earning the #22 position. Set in Tempe, AZ, Arizona State University is a public institution. Students from in state pay about $12,223 in tuition and fees, with out-of-state students paying around $33,139. Students borrow a median of $18,964 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $62,668. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 90% of those who apply are admitted. More on Arizona State University
Cogswell Polytechnical College offered strong value this year, earning the #23 position. Set in San Jose, CA, Cogswell Polytechnical College is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $22,480. Graduates carry a median of $31,000 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $51,017. Set against $31,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Cogswell Polytechnical College has an acceptance rate of 51%. More on Cogswell Polytechnical College
Carroll University offered strong value this year, earning the #24 position. Based in Waukesha, WI, Carroll University is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $38,890. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $58,009. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Carroll University has an acceptance rate of 67%. Read the full report on Carroll University
Sam Houston State University offered strong value this year, earning the #25 position. Located in Huntsville, TX, Sam Houston State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees average $9,228, while out-of-state students pay about $19,068. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $28,342. Sam Houston State University alumni report median earnings of $54,211 a decade after entry. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Sam Houston State University admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Sam Houston State University
Ringling College Of Art And Design landed the #26 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Sarasota, FL, Ringling College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $57,900. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $43,325. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Ringling College Of Art And Design admits about 70% of applicants. Get the full Ringling College Of Art And Design report
New Jersey Institute Of Technology came in at #28 in this year's value ranking. New Jersey Institute Of Technology is a public school based in Newark, NJ. In-state tuition and fees run about $19,974, while out-of-state students pay about $37,664. New Jersey Institute Of Technology Graphic Communications students take on a median of $25,875 in debt. Median earnings reach $84,276 ten years out. Set against $25,875 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 65%. Get the full New Jersey Institute Of Technology report
Rochester Institute Of Technology placed #29 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. Located in Rochester, NY, Rochester Institute Of Technology is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $59,210. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Rochester Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $76,571 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 67%. See the full Rochester Institute Of Technology profile
Rest of the Top 50 Best-Value Graphic Communications Bachelor’s Degree Schools in the United States
These schools also delivered strong value this year:
George Mason University offered strong value this year, earning the #29 position. Set in Fairfax, VA, George Mason University is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $14,220, compared with $38,688 for out-of-state students. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $23,000. Median earnings reach $76,343 ten years out. Set against $23,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 88% of applicants are accepted. Get the full George Mason University report
Huntington University landed the #31 spot for value in the United States this year. This private not-for-profit school is set in Huntington, IN. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $31,870. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,672. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Huntington University
Columbia College Chicago placed #32 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. Based in Chicago, IL, Columbia College Chicago is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $34,088. Columbia College Chicago Graphic Communications students take on a median of $25,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $42,195. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Columbia College Chicago admits about 90% of applicants. Read the full report on Columbia College Chicago
Fairmont State University landed the #34 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Fairmont, WV, Fairmont State University is a public institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $8,708, with out-of-state students paying around $18,924. Fairmont State University Graphic Communications students take on a median of $26,447 in debt. Median earnings reach $46,857 ten years out. That is a strong return on a $26,447 median debt. The acceptance rate is 99%. More on Fairmont State University
Minneapolis College Of Art And Design landed the #35 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Minneapolis, MN, Minneapolis College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $45,484. Minneapolis College Of Art And Design Graphic Communications students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Median earnings reach $40,873 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Minneapolis College Of Art And Design admits about 48% of applicants. Get the full Minneapolis College Of Art And Design report
Digipen Institute Of Technology offered strong value this year, earning the #36 position. Based in Redmond, WA, Digipen Institute Of Technology is a private for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $38,950. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $27,000. Digipen Institute Of Technology alumni report median earnings of $79,878 a decade after entry. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 64%. Read more about Digipen Institute Of Technology
Suny College Of Technology At Alfred placed #37 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. Based in Alfred, NY, Suny College Of Technology At Alfred is a public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $8,892, compared with $16,837 for out-of-state students. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Graduates go on to earn a median of $50,445 ten years after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Suny College Of Technology At Alfred profile
Columbus College Of Art And Design ranked #37 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Based in Columbus, OH, Columbus College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $40,825. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $27,000. Columbus College Of Art And Design alumni report median earnings of $40,664 a decade after entry. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 68% of those who apply are admitted. More on Columbus College Of Art And Design
College For Creative Studies placed #37 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. College For Creative Studies is a private not-for-profit school based in Detroit, MI. Students from in state pay about $53,350 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Median earnings reach $44,860 ten years out. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. College For Creative Studies admits about 92% of applicants. See the full College For Creative Studies profile
Regent University placed #40 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. This private not-for-profit school is set in Virginia Beach, VA. Students from in state pay about $21,650 in tuition and fees. Regent University Graphic Communications students take on a median of $26,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $44,498. That is a strong return on a $26,000 median debt. Roughly 38% of applicants are accepted. More on Regent University
Savannah College Of Art And Design landed the #41 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in Savannah, GA, Savannah College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $41,630 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,748 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Median earnings reach $45,954 ten years out. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. About 83% of those who apply are admitted. See the full Savannah College Of Art And Design profile
University Of Hawaii At Manoa offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Based in Honolulu, HI, University Of Hawaii At Manoa is a public institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $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. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 87%. Read more about University Of Hawaii At Manoa
Depaul University offered strong value this year, earning the #42 position. Located in Chicago, IL, Depaul University is a private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $45,405. Graduates carry a median of $25,864 in student loans. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $68,751. Set against $25,864 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. About 76% of those who apply are admitted. More on Depaul University
Laguna College Of Art And Design ranked #44 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Based in Laguna Beach, CA, Laguna College Of Art And Design is a private not-for-profit institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $37,500. Graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $47,867. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 94% of applicants are accepted. See the full Laguna College Of Art And Design profile
New Mexico State University Main Campus landed the #45 spot for value in the United States this year. This public school is set in Las Cruces, NM. In-state tuition and fees average $8,183, with out-of-state students paying around $25,307. New Mexico State University Main Campus Graphic Communications students take on a median of $22,500 in debt. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $39,067. That is a strong return on a $22,500 median debt. Roughly 89% of applicants are accepted. Read the full report on New Mexico State University Main Campus
Kansas City Art Institute came in at #46 in this year's value ranking. Kansas City Art Institute is a private not-for-profit school based in Kansas City, MO. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $44,550. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $37,032. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. Roughly 55% of applicants are accepted. Get the full Kansas City Art Institute report
Montserrat College Of Art ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Montserrat College Of Art is a private not-for-profit school based in Beverly, MA. Students from in state pay about $40,690 in tuition and fees. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $27,000. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $33,022. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Get the full Montserrat College Of Art report
School Of Visual Arts ranked #47 on our 2026 list of the best-value Graphic Communications schools. Based in New York, NY, School Of Visual Arts is a private for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees run about $51,400. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $27,000. A decade after starting, students earn a median of $46,459. That is a strong return on a $27,000 median debt. About 93% of those who apply are admitted. See the full School Of Visual Arts profile
Pratt Institute Main offered strong value this year, earning the #49 position. Pratt Institute Main is a private not-for-profit school based in Brooklyn, NY. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $61,845. Typical Graphic Communications student debt is $26,724. Pratt Institute Main alumni report median earnings of $54,295 a decade after entry. Set against $26,724 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Roughly 73% of applicants are accepted. More on Pratt Institute Main
California College Of The Arts landed the #50 spot for value in the United States this year. Based in San Francisco, CA, California College Of The Arts is a private not-for-profit institution. Students from in state pay about $60,226 in tuition and fees. California College Of The Arts Graphic Communications students take on a median of $27,000 in debt. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $49,414. Set against $27,000 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. California College Of The Arts has an acceptance rate of 91%. See the full California College Of The Arts profile
Laurus College landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in San Luis Obispo, CA, Laurus College is a private for-profit institution. The median Graphic Communications program debt is $33,595. Laurus College alumni report median earnings of $30,896 a decade after entry. Set against $33,595 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Read the full report on Laurus College
Los Angeles Film School landed the #51 spot for value in the United States this year. Set in Hollywood, CA, Los Angeles Film School is a private for-profit institution. Students borrow a median of $33,250 to complete their Graphic Communications program here. Ten years after enrolling, students earn a median of $31,632. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. See the full Los Angeles Film School profile
California State University Los Angeles placed #48 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. See the full California State University Los Angeles profile
Hutchinson Community College placed #49 among the best-value Graphic Communications schools in the United States. See the full Hutchinson Community College profile
The University Of Findlay offered strong value this year, earning the #50 position. Read more about The University Of Findlay
Related Graphic Communications Value Rankings
See value rankings for other degree levels:
- Best Value Graphic Communications Schools (All Levels)
- 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 Graduate Certificate Degree Schools
- Best Value Graphic Communications Master’s Degree Schools
- Best Value Graphic Communications Doctoral Degree Schools
Ranking Methodology & Notes
These rankings are produced by Course Advisor (DMS_RANKING_2023), 2026 edition. Rankings consider 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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