2027 Best Value Graphic Design Schools in Tennessee
[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.
College Factual analyzed 5 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best value graphic design schools.
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2027 Best Value Graphic Design Schools in Tennessee
If you want to know which schools deliver the best value for the graphic design degrees they offer, see the list below.
Best Value Graphic Design Schools
Leading the list is East Tennessee State University, our #1 best value for graphic design in Tennessee. East Tennessee State University is a large public school located in the city of Johnson City. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $10,216, compared with $13,726 for out-of-state students. Typical student debt for graphic design graduates is $19,250. Graphic Design graduates of East Tennessee State University earn a median of $34,177 early in their careers. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 86%.
The University Of Tennessee is a great value for students pursuing a degree in graphic design, landing the #2 spot this year. The University Of Tennessee is a very large public school located in the city of Knoxville. Students from in state pay about $13,812 in tuition and fees, while out-of-state students pay about $33,256. Graphic Design graduates carry a median of $22,859 in student loans. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from The University Of Tennessee generally make around $36,061. Set against $22,859 in median debt, that is a healthy payoff. The acceptance rate is 42%.
Students looking for strong value in graphic design will find it at Freed Hardeman University, which ranked #3. Located in the town of Henderson, Freed Hardeman University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The average in-state cost of tuition and fees is $25,620. Students borrow a median of $24,479 to complete the graphic design program here. Graphic Design graduates of Freed Hardeman University earn a median of $54,530 early in their careers. That is a strong return on a $24,479 median debt. The acceptance rate is 60%.
A rank of #4 makes Nossi College Of Art one of the best values for graphic design. Nossi College Of Art is a small private for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. In-state tuition and fees average $20,350. Students borrow a median of $46,500 to complete the graphic design program here. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $24,497. That is a strong return on a $46,500 median debt. Roughly 46% of applicants are accepted.
A rank of #5 makes Lipscomb University one of the best values for graphic design. Lipscomb University is a moderately-sized private not-for-profit school located in the city of Nashville. In-state tuition and fees average $40,572. Students borrow a median of $23,529 to complete the graphic design program here. Early-career graphic design graduates make about $48,949. Weighed against typical debt, the earnings make a compelling case for value. The acceptance rate is 68%.
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Notes and References
This list is compiled 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 · 5 schools evaluated.
*Averages shown above reflect the top 5 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.
