Graphic design is an art form that has been around for centuries. It’s also a profession that can make you a lot of money and lead to other opportunities in the future.
But just like any other career choice, trade schools offer programs specializing in graphic design.
Whether you’re looking for a school with affordable tuition or one with an impressive reputation, we’ve compiled information on the 15 best trade schools for graphic design in 2024.
Table of contents
- 15 Best Trade Schools for Graphic Design
- #1. Savannah College of Art and Design (Savannah, Georgia)
- #2. Academy of Art University (San Francisco, California)
- #3. Central Christian College of Kansas
- #4. Full Sail University
- #5. Grand Canyon University
- #6. Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, New York)
- #7. San Joaquin Valley College
- #8. Pratt Institute – Brooklyn Campus (Brooklyn, New York)
- #9. Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, Rhode Island)
- #10. Maryland Institute College of Art (Baltimore, Maryland)
- #11. SAE Institute
- #12. Franklin Pierce University
- #13. Chapman University College
- #14. California University of Pennsylvania
- #15. Nova Southeastern University
- #16. Saint Leo University
- Why Attend a Graphic Design Program?
- What is Graphic Design Trade School Cost?
- How much Can you Earn When you First Start?
- The Work of Graphic Designers
- Are there Specific Qualifications Needed for Jobs in Graphic Design?
- What sort of Abilities Ought Graphic Designers have?
- Conclusion
- References
- Recommendations
15 Best Trade Schools for Graphic Design
Here are the top graphic design trade schools worth checking out:
#1. Savannah College of Art and Design (Savannah, Georgia)
Savannah College of Art and Design is the oldest art school in the country. It was founded in 1883 and has been consistently ranked as one of America’s best colleges.
SCAD offers a variety of programs, including graphic design, fashion design, and illustration and Bachelor’s degrees in business administration/management; fine arts; interdisciplinary arts & sciences; film studies; photography & media arts; printmaking & book arts, among other areas.
#2. Academy of Art University (San Francisco, California)
Academy of Art University (AAU) is a for-profit university with campuses in San Francisco, Los Angeles and online. The school offers Bachelor’s degrees in graphic design and web design.
AAU has been ranked as one of the best graphic design schools on Uloop since 2017, according to reviews from students who have attended the school’s programs and faculty members who teach there.
#3. Central Christian College of Kansas
Central Christian College of Kansas is a private, non-profit, coeducational Christian liberal arts college located in McPherson, Kansas.
It offers over 30 majors and pre-professional programs for students looking to earn a bachelor’s degree or transfer to another four-year university with their education.
Most of its student body is female and between 1 and 5 years old; however, many older students come from all walks of life, including military veterans seeking an educational opportunity after their service ends.
The school has an enrollment range of 1,500 to 2,000 students that attend classes throughout the day, six days per week. Students can choose an online course delivery model or a traditional classroom setting depending on their preferred learning style.”
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#4. Full Sail University
Full Sail University is a private, for-profit university in Winter Park, Florida. It has three campuses in the U.S., including one in Orlando and two in California: one in San Diego and another on the campus of California State University at Long Beach.
The school was founded in 1979 by Craig McGuffie and his wife, Barbara, as a computer graphics program for those seeking careers as animators or video game designers.
Today it offers over 100 degree programs across its three campuses that include Bachelor’s degrees (BFA), master’s degrees (MFA), and doctoral studies; some offer online options as well!
Full Sail University enrolls over 10,000 students yearly than any other graphic design school!
#5. Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University is a private, non-profit Christian university in Phoenix, Arizona. The university has an undergraduate enrollment of over 22,000 students and a graduate enrollment of over 7,000 students.
Grand Canyon University offers a variety of Bachelor’s degrees in design, including graphic design; fashion merchandising; interior architecture; fine arts and studio art (including photography); digital media production (video editing).
#6. Rochester Institute of Technology (Rochester, New York)
RIT is a private, research-intensive university in Rochester, New York. The school was founded in 1829 and has been ranked as one of the best art, design, and technology colleges by U.S. News & World Report since 2000.
RIT offers Bachelor’s degrees in three areas:
- Architecture
- Fine arts
- Graphic design/illustration
- Industrial design/computer graphics
- Industrial systems engineering management (MSEM)
- Multimedia communications arts (MSCA)
- Printmaking/digital printing technologies (PMDT)
- Recreation therapy (R.T.)
#7. San Joaquin Valley College
San Joaquin Valley College is a community college in Fresno, California. The school offers several graphic design courses that allow students to learn the skills they need to enter the field of graphic design.
The school has an accredited program with many industry professionals willing to help you learn how to succeed in this field.
The tuition rate is low compared to other schools and colleges, so you won’t have trouble paying your bills while studying at San Joaquin Valley College!
#8. Pratt Institute – Brooklyn Campus (Brooklyn, New York)
Pratt Institute is a private, coeducational college in New York City, United States. Charles Pratt and Andrew Carnegie founded it in 1887 as the Brooklyn Institute of Arts and Sciences.
Besides its main campus in New York City’s Clinton Hill neighborhood, it also has campuses on Long Island (Nassau County), which opened on September 4th, 2018, one each for printmaking, fine arts, design studios, drama classes, dance classes, photography courses, broadcast journalism courses.
Pratt offers undergraduate degrees within fields including graphic design; illustration/printmaking; fashion design; commercial art & production management majors. Graduate programs also exist at both campuses (Brooklyn & Nassau).
Read Also: 15 Best Trade Schools in M.A. (Massachusetts) in 2024
#9. Rhode Island School of Design (Providence, Rhode Island)
RISD is a private, nonsectarian, coeducational university in Providence, Rhode Island.
The college was founded in 1877 with the benefaction of Anna T. Jeanes and her husband, Dr. George C. Tillinghast.
The school offers undergraduate programs in art and design; architecture; communication design; graphic design; interior architecture & design; product development & entrepreneurship (PDE); interior architecture & PDE; product development & entrepreneurship (PDE).
The graduate program offers master’s degrees in all four disciplines: MFA – Graphic Design, MFA – Architecture, Fine Art + Product Development/Entrepreneurship.
#10. Maryland Institute College of Art (Baltimore, Maryland)
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) is a private, non-profit, four-year art and design college located in Baltimore, Maryland.
MICA has been named among the best colleges in the United States by The Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report.
The school offers programs for students interested in graphic design, illustration, and motion graphics and programs for those who want to pursue professional careers in broadcast media or advertising agencies after graduation. Some popular majors include:
Graphic Design – A Bachelor’s degree program that focuses on developing skills required to work professionally with visual communication materials such as posters and prints; websites; advertisements; brochures; newsletters; magazines, and so forth.
Students learn how to use various software programs such as Adobe Photoshop CS6+ to create custom illustrations with text blocks designed especially for each project (e..g., logo/logo redesigns).
#11. SAE Institute
SAE Institute is a for-profit college. Founded in 1974, it has campuses in Los Angeles, San Francisco, London, and Dubai.
SAE Institute offers full-time and part-time programs that include classes on design theory and marketing strategies.
The school offers Bachelor’s degrees in graphic design (BFA), digital media arts (BFA), and fashion merchandising management (BSM).
Students can also earn certificates from their program of choice by completing online courses offered over six semesters at no extra cost to students who already have their general education requirements fulfilled.
#12. Franklin Pierce University
Franklin Pierce University is a private university in Rindge, New Hampshire, United States. It was named after Franklin Pierce, the 14th President of the United States.
The New England Association of Schools and Colleges have accredited the university since 1963 when it became an independent junior college program.
In 1970, it became part of Boston University’s campus and added graduate programs in 1965 and 1972, respectively, before becoming fully independent again in 2008.
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#13. Chapman University College
Chapman University College is a trade school for graphic design. The program focuses on learning about the art of graphic design and how to apply it to different industries, including advertising, marketing, and brand development.
The school has been around since 1922 and offers a four-year degree program that students can complete in their first year or as an online option if they choose not to live on campus.
Tuition ranges from $45,000 to $49,000, depending on which level you attend (professional or advanced).
Read Also: 15 Best Trade Schools in Florida
#14. California University of Pennsylvania
The California University of Pennsylvania is a private university in California, Pennsylvania.
The school offers various degrees and programs for students, including a Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design, a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design, and even a Master of Arts in Graphic Design.
The school’s focus on graphic design makes it an ideal choice if you’re interested in pursuing this field as your career path after graduation.
If you want to be sure that you’ll make enough money upon graduating from one of these programs, consider getting your degree via distance learning instead!
#15. Nova Southeastern University
Nova Southeastern University is a private university in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. It has over 30,000 students and an acceptance rate of 82%.
The school was founded in 1968 and offered four-year Bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
The graphic design program at Nova Southeastern University focuses on helping you learn how to create effective visual communication for businesses or organizations by offering instruction in typography, layout design, art direction/graphic design of print materials and murals, or other large format projects.
#16. Saint Leo University
Saint Leo University is a private Catholic university in the United States.
The school offers bachelor’s and master’s degrees in graphic design and a certificate program for those who already understand the field.
Saint Leo University is in Saint Leo, Florida, which means it’s close to the Tampa Bay area but not too far from Orlando or Jacksonville.
Why Attend a Graphic Design Program?
Attending a recognized trade school for graphic design has several advantages if you’re interested in a career as a graphic designer. They are:
#1. You Gain Practical Experience
Trade schools provide practical training in all facets of graphic design. You will use various software applications, including Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator, which are necessary to produce high-caliber graphics.
#2. Create a portfolio
Students that enroll in graphic design programs also develop their portfolios. Any prospective artist needs a portfolio since it shows their skills and past work processes to potential employers.
One of the most crucial things you can do to increase your chances of being hired as a graphic designer is to build a solid portfolio.
#3. Your Skills Will Advance More Rapidly
Since there is more potential for one-on-one interaction with professors who are knowledgeable about the subject they teach at trade schools, you will learn more about the graphic design profession than if you were studying at home or college.
#4. You’ll pick up knowledge from Seasoned Experts
Schools of graphic design frequently provide courses taught by seasoned experts who have made sacrifices in the industry. They can guide you toward succeeding as a freelancer and growing your career.
Read Also: 15 Best Trade Schools in Michigan
#5. There’s More to It Than Just School
You will learn more than simply how to use software and make images when you attend graphic design school. You will also study marketing, communication, and advertising while learning to work with clients.
#6. You can start making money right away
Some trade schools provide internships or even part-time positions for students. Some trade schools offer internships or part-time jobs for students interested in working while completing their degrees.
#7. Time
Completing a graphic design degree may take four to five years, depending on the institution and curriculum.
For working adults who desire to finish their degrees faster than standard programs allow, some schools offer sped-up programs.
What is Graphic Design Trade School Cost?
Depending on the school, program, and location, graphic design education can range in price from $9,400 to $20,000 per year.
The more expensive options include private colleges and trade schools that give Bachelor’s degrees in graphic design or related professions like advertising. Community colleges and universities offering associate degrees typically offer cheaper programs for applied arts degrees.
How much Can you Earn When you First Start?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average yearly salary for graphic designers is $51,360.
However, salaries vary based on your location, your level of expertise, and whether you work for a large corporation or as a freelancer. If you’re starting, this number might also decrease.
The Work of Graphic Designers
Using digital illustration and layout software, graphic designers produce striking images and designs. After examining the project’s requirements, they select color schemes and create distinctive layouts and visuals.
They discuss design concepts and make pitches for ideas to investors, art directors, and partners. Before everyone agrees on a picture or logo, it may go through multiple iterations.
Graphic designers work with digital and printed media, depending on the customer’s requirements.
The two frequently go together since computers are crucial in getting photographs ready for printing.
Students learn when and where to employ vector and raster formats while attending graphic design trade school.
Graphic designers with experience can eventually advance into leadership positions with high compensation potential, such as art director or chief designer.
Are there Specific Qualifications Needed for Jobs in Graphic Design?
Higher-paying employment in graphic design causes a bachelor’s degree, but other entry-level positions call for a certificate or associate’s degree. Reputable art or graphic design colleges offer these more advanced certifications.
Software manufacturers occasionally offer certification programs for specific packages.
These specialized graphic design courses provide extra certifications, which are frequently quite appealing to employers. A candidate becomes more marketable when looking for work in the field the more training they have.
Most employers require applicants to present work portfolios so they can get a better idea of their work style and skill set.
It’s typically preferable if the applicant can give a website address to a digital collection. Employers should have rapid and straightforward access to potential employees’ work.
Some students attend an online graphic design school to save time and money. This is a practical choice for full-time people who want to avoid long commutes or save time.
Read Also: 13 Best Electrician Trade schools in the World.
What sort of Abilities Ought Graphic Designers have?
Prospective students invest in graphic design education to gain Bachelor’s degrees and work skills. Some dreamers pursue drawing, multimedia, computer graphics, or visual communications degrees to suit particular interests.
Value the importance of typography in graphic design for those wishing to enter the field.
Many logos and design components heavily rely on text as a component. Potentials ought to be knowledgeable about the following typography ideas:
- Tracking
- Kerning
- Leading
- Point sizes
- lengths of lines
FAQs
It takes technical proficiency, creativity, and critical thinking to succeed in the skilled profession of graphic design. Designers need to recognize issues and produce well-communicated visual solutions. They must also be well-versed in the most recent software and technological advancements.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that the average annual wage for graphic designers was $50,710 in 2024. Graphic designers consequently made an average of $24.38 per hour. The top 10% made almost $98,260 annually, while the bottom 10% took home just $31,310.
A graphic design major is typically easy. But it also needs creativity and originality in thinking. The exact time and effort are needed for graphic design and other disciplines.
Students should first declare graphic design as their primary and graduate from one of the 349 programs in this field that the National Association has approved of Schools of Art and Design.
Conclusion
If you’re looking to get into the field of graphic design, then you may wonder which schools are the best choices. We have provided you with a list of 20 schools that offer courses in this area.
These colleges and universities offer degrees and certificates for students pursuing careers in this field.
References
- https://www.best-trade-schools.net/programs/graphics-design-and-arts/graphic-design/
- https://www.best-trade-schools.net/programs/graphics-design-and-arts/music/
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