2027 Best Value Graphic Design Schools in Arkansas

[Graphic Design](/majors/visual-and-performing-arts/design-and-applied-arts/graphic-design/) degree programs vary widely in price and payoff across the country. The schools below stand out for delivering a strong graphic design education at a price that pays off.
To produce this 2027 ranking, College Factual evaluated 6 schools on the balance of cost and outcomes for graphic design students.
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2027 Best Value Graphic Design Schools in Arkansas
Below are the schools that deliver the strongest value in graphic design, balancing cost against outcomes.
Best Value Graphic Design Schools
For return on investment in graphic design, no school beat Northwest Arkansas Community College this year. Set in the city of Bentonville, Northwest Arkansas Community College is a large public institution. Expect in-state tuition and fees of around $3,342, compared with $5,238 for out-of-state students. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $12,479 in student loans. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $40,671. Set against $12,479 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff.
Students looking for strong value in graphic design will find it at University Of Arkansas Fort Smith, which ranked #2. University Of Arkansas Fort Smith is a moderately-sized public school located in the city of Fort Smith. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $7,334, with out-of-state students paying around $12,182. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $20,333. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from University Of Arkansas Fort Smith generally make around $39,204. That is a strong return on a $20,333 median debt. Roughly 80% of applicants are accepted.
Arkansas Tech University came in at #3 on our 2027 list of the best value graphic design schools. Arkansas Tech University is a large public school located in the town of Russellville. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $8,674, compared with $14,668 for out-of-state students. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $28,950 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Arkansas Tech University generally make around $20,285. That is a strong return on a $28,950 median debt. The acceptance rate is 96%.
John Brown University came in at #4 on our 2027 list of the best value graphic design schools. Set in the town of Siloam Springs, John Brown University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $31,756. Students borrow a median of $20,500 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of John Brown University earn a median of $24,893 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $20,500 median debt. John Brown University admits about 76% of applicants.
Harding University is a great value for students pursuing a degree in graphic design, landing the #5 spot this year. Located in the town of Searcy, Harding University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit university. Students from in state pay about $25,962 in tuition and fees. Students borrow a median of $26,715 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of Harding University earn a median of $35,582 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $26,715 median debt. The acceptance rate is 70%.
Ouachita Baptist University came in at #6 for value in graphic design this year. Located in the town of Arkadelphia, Ouachita Baptist University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $34,500. Students borrow a median of $23,520 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of Ouachita Baptist University earn a median of $35,820 early in their careers. Set against $23,520 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. Ouachita Baptist University admits about 68% of applicants.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 edition. The methodology weighs the cost of a degree against the earnings graduates go on to achieve, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Best Value · 6 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 6 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.