One of today’s most exciting and rewarding job paths is a graphic design career.
Companies need original artwork to establish identities and engage with their customers. This gives designers plenty of opportunity to find work and earn good pay in this career option.
Top graphic design programs to compare
Compare 5 graphic design programs by tuition, timeline, and learning style—then request information from schools that match your goals.
Quick Summary (60 seconds)
- Lowest published tuition in this set: $2,599 (Penn Foster pay-in-full promo price shown; offers payment plan pricing too).
- Fastest timeline: 3 months (Shillington full-time).
- Most structured certificate: Sessions College (credit-bearing, semester-based, open admissions with set start terms).
- Degree paths: Rasmussen (Associate) and Full Sail (Bachelor’s) for students who want a formal credential.
Top Online Programs
| Program | Format | Cost & Length | More Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Penn Foster online certificate | Online, self-paced | $2,899 14 months | – Self-paced – open enrollment style – 1-800-471-3232 – Program page |
| Sessions College online certificate (credit-bearing) | Online, structured semesters | $8,400 2 semesters | – Open admissions – Starts Jan/Apr/Aug – 1-800-258-4115 – [email protected] – Program page |
| Shillington | Online, cohort-based | £7,450 3 mos FT 9 mos PT | – Cohort start dates – Program page – Contact |
| Rasmussen University | Online (degree) | $33,277 18 Mos | – Eight starts per year – online associate’s degree – 833-606-1911 – Program page |
| Full Sail University | Online (degree) | $65,000 108 weeks | – Verify upcoming start schedule – online bachelor’s – 800-226-7625 – Online tuition |
TL;DR: What School Should You Choose?
- Choose Penn Foster if you want the lowest published tuition and a self-paced certificate structure.
- Choose Sessions College if you want a credit-bearing certificate with open admissions and defined semester pacing.
- Choose Shillington if you want a studio-style intensive that can finish in 3 months full-time.
- Choose Rasmussen if you want an associate degree credential and frequent start dates.
- Choose Full Sail if you want a bachelor’s program with a published total online tuition figure and a week-based timeline.
Things to Consider
Start with your constraints: budget, time-to-finish, and how much structure you need. Rolling, self-paced online programs can be ideal if you’re working or juggling family responsibilities.
Cohort-based or degree programs often cost more but may provide more instructor feedback, deadlines, and a traditional school rhythm.
- Compare total cost (not monthly payments): confirm what’s included (software access, materials, fees, tech packages, and portfolio support).
- Pick your pacing style: self-paced vs cohort start dates; choose what helps you actually finish.
- Ask about portfolio outcomes: how many projects will you graduate with, and do you receive critique on your work?
- Verify tool coverage: Adobe Creative Cloud fundamentals are common; some programs also teach Figma for digital/interface workflows.
What Will I Study in a Graphic Design Program?
Most programs blend design fundamentals with production workflows. What’s included varies by school format, but these topic clusters are common:
Design Foundations
- Typography, hierarchy, layout
- Color theory and composition
- Branding and visual identity
- Design critique and iteration
Tools & Production
- Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign
- File prep for print and digital
- Web/social design basics (varies)
- Figma fundamentals (varies)
Portfolio Projects
- Logos & brand systems
- Posters, ads, and layouts
- Digital campaigns and assets
- Presentation and case-study format
Career Readiness (varies)
- Portfolio review and feedback
- Resume/LinkedIn and interview prep
- Freelance basics: pricing and contracts
- Networking and job search strategy
FAQs
Do I need a degree to become a graphic designer?
Many entry-level roles prioritize a strong portfolio and tool skills. A degree can help in some hiring pipelines, but portfolio quality is often the deciding factor.
How long does graphic design school take?
It depends on format: intensive programs can run a few months, certificates can take months to around a year+, and associate/bachelor’s degrees typically take longer.
Is online graphic design school legitimate?
Many online programs are legitimate. The key is verifying portfolio outcomes, instructor feedback, and what tools and workflows you will practice.
What software should I learn first?
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign are common foundations. For digital product and interface design, many designers also learn Figma.
Benefits of Training
Why Go to School for Graphic Design?
If you’re interested in becoming a graphic designer, there are many benefits to attending an accredited trade school for graphic design.
These include:
Hands-on Experience
Trade schools offer hands-on experience in all aspects of graphic design. You will have the chance to use various software programs like Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, which are essential for creating high-quality graphics.
Develop Your Portfolio
Another benefit of attending a graphic design school is that it gives students the chance to build their portfolios. A portfolio is an essential tool for any aspiring artist because it shows potential employers what they can do and how they’ve done it in the past. If you want to get hired as a graphic designer, having a strong portfolio is one of the most important things you can do.
Your Skills Will Improve Faster
If you attend a trade school for graphic design, then you will be able to learn more about this industry than if you were just studying on your own at home or in college because at trade schools there is more opportunity for one-on-one interaction with instructors who have lots of knowledge about the subject matter they teach.
Learn From Experienced Professionals
Graphic design schools typically offer courses taught by experienced professionals who have paid their dues in the field. They’ll be able to provide you with real-world advice on how to make it as a freelancer and advance your career.
It’s More Than Just Design
When you go to graphic design school, you will learn more than just how to use software and create images. You will learn about marketing, advertising, and communication as well as how to work with clients. This is important because it makes you more marketable as a designer.
Start Earning Money Right Away
Some trade schools offer internships or even part-time jobs for students who are interested in working while they earn their degrees. This can be a great way to get started on your career path while also making some money at the same time.
Legitimacy
Are online graphic design degrees or certificate programs legit? So long as your online program is associated with a real, local school that you know, then you shouldn’t be worried.
Types of Degrees
Certificate and Diploma programs
If you’re looking for a fast-track option, certificate and diploma programs may be right for you. They usually take just a few months to complete, but they can prepare you for entry-level positions in specific areas like web design or mobile app development. You might also find shorter classes that help students brush up on their skills with more advanced software packages like Adobe Illustrator or InDesign.
Associate Degree
Associate degrees are typically two-year programs that provide students with a broad overview of the field while also giving them hands-on experience through internships and projects. These programs provide a broad foundation that prepares students for further study or entry into the workforce. Many associate degree programs may not require any previous experience or coursework before entering the program.
Bachelor’s Degree
Bachelor’s degree programs in graphic design offer students an introduction to the world of visual communication by providing an overview of traditional and digital processes. Students learn about branding, typography and color theory, as well as how to communicate visually with photographs and illustrations. Some schools offer concentrations in illustration or advertising graphics so students can focus on a particular area within the field of graphic design.
Master’s Degree
Master’s degree programs in graphic design provide advanced training for those who want to become professional graphic designers or art directors. These programs may focus on issues related to branding strategies, user interface design or information architecture and incorporate a wide range of experiences related to communication strategies and visual design principles. Master’s degrees can help prepare students for leadership roles within the field and give them an advantage when competing for jobs against other applicants.