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2027 Best Value Graphic Design Schools in District of Columbia

[Graphic Design](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/) programs reward a close look at where your money goes furthest. The best values balance affordable tuition against strong post-graduation earnings.

To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 2 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for graphic design students.

What’s on this page:

• Best Value Graphic Design Schools in District of Columbia

2027 Best Value Graphic Design Schools in District of Columbia

Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in graphic design, balancing cost against outcomes.

Best Value Graphic Design Schools

1

George Washington University
Washington, DC

$67,710 In-State Tuition & Fees

$22,910 Avg Student Debt

$90,873 Median Earnings (10yr)

Leading the list is George Washington University, our #1 best value for graphic design in District of Columbia. Set in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. In-state tuition and fees average $67,710. Students borrow a median of $22,910 to complete the graphic design program here. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from George Washington University generally make around $54,222. That is a strong return on a $22,910 median debt. Roughly 47% of applicants are accepted.

2

American University
Washington, DC

$58,771 In-State Tuition & Fees

$24,139 Avg Student Debt

$77,370 Median Earnings (10yr)

The strong cost-to-outcome balance at American University earned it the #2 place for graphic design. American University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Students from in state pay about $58,771 in tuition and fees. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $24,139. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from American University generally make around $54,585. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. Roughly 62% of applicants are accepted.

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Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. Schools are scored on 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 · 2 schools evaluated.

*Averages shown above reflect the top 2 ranked schools only.

• The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
• Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).

More about our data sources and methodologies.