Best Graphic Design Schools in Phoenix

Key Takeaways

• Best Graphic Design Schools in Phoenix include Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix College, and several specialized art institutes.
• All featured programs are regionally accredited and offer pathways to careers in branding, UX/UI design, digital illustration, and motion graphics.
• Tuition varies widely, from community college certifications under $10,000 to four-year degree programs over $50,000 total.
• Most programs emphasize industry readiness through internships, Adobe Creative Suite proficiency, and portfolio development.

Why Study Graphic Design in Phoenix?

Phoenix has become one of the fastest-growing creative hubs in the Southwest. The region’s strong employment market in advertising, tech, and media has created consistent demand for skilled designers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Arizona’s employment for graphic designers is projected to grow 4% through 2032, with salaries ranging from $48,000 to $74,000 per year depending on specialization and experience. Phoenix’s schools combine creative training with hands-on learning and strong local industry connections, ensuring students gain both artistic and technical mastery.

Ranking Methodology

This list evaluates schools based on five criteria:

1. Accreditation and Academic Quality
2. Curriculum Depth and Specializations
3. Facilities and Technology
4. Graduate Employment and Internship Opportunities
5. Affordability and Financial Aid Availability

Top 7 Graphic Design Schools in Phoenix

1. Arizona State University (Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts)

Location: Tempe, AZ

Degree: Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Graphic Design

Highlights: ASU’s program is nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report and combines visual communication theory with real-world client collaborations. Students work in state-of-the-art digital labs and participate in annual design showcases. The curriculum integrates UX design, motion graphics, branding, and sustainable design approaches. ASU’s partnerships with companies like Intel and Fender offer upper-level students real client experience before graduation.

Estimated Tuition: $12,000 per year (in-state), $31,000 (out-of-state)

Notable Alumni Quote: “ASU’s design program gave me access to internships that directly led to my first agency job,” says Jessica M., 2022 graduate and UX Designer at Honeywell.

2. Grand Canyon University (College of Fine Arts and Production)

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Degree Options: Bachelor of Arts in Advertising and Graphic Design

Highlights: GCU’s program merges marketing strategy with layout and typography, ideal for students interested in brand design or digital media campaigns. The university emphasizes Christian ethics and purpose-driven creativity. Students use Adobe Creative Cloud and develop dynamic portfolios judged by industry professionals at annual exhibitions.

Duration: 4 years | Format: On-campus & Online hybrid

Estimated Tuition: $17,800 per year

3. Phoenix College

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Degrees: AAS in Graphic Design, Certificate in Graphic Design Basics

Highlights: A top choice for affordability and flexible scheduling, Phoenix College offers small class sizes and one-on-one mentorship. Coursework includes digital illustration, production design, and web publishing. All design classes are Adobe-certified, providing preparation for the Adobe Certified Professional (ACP) exam. Graduates often transfer to ASU or directly enter junior design roles in local studios.

Approximate Annual Cost: $2,700 (in-state)

4. The Art Institute of Phoenix (restructured as The Art Institute of Scottsdale)

Location: Scottsdale, AZ (serving the Phoenix metro)

Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Graphic & Web Design

Highlights: Known for an immersive studio-based learning model, this program blends aesthetics and emerging technology. Students collaborate on live digital campaigns and motion graphics projects. Despite institutional restructuring in recent years, its design curriculum remains robust and industry-relevant, focusing on brand storytelling and conceptual design thinking.

Estimated Tuition: $21,000 annually

5. Collins College

Location: Phoenix, AZ

Programs: Digital Arts and Graphic Design (Associate Degree)

Highlights: Collins College provides a focused, two-year pathway emphasizing technical design tools and multimedia integration. Students gain experience in digital photography, animation, and interactive design. The program emphasizes preparing production-ready designers for entry-level creative roles within two years.

Duration: 24 months | Average Cost: $16,000 total

6. Mesa Community College

Location: Mesa, AZ (Greater Phoenix Area)

Degrees: AAS in Digital Arts, Certificate in Graphic Design

Highlights: Mesa CC offers a strong foundation in typography, color theory, and interactive media. The program’s emphasis on digital prepress, portfolio development, and printing technologies provides practical production skills that employers seek. Students can easily transfer credits to ASU or GCU.

Annual Tuition: $2,500 (in-state)

7. Scottsdale Community College (SCC)

Location: Scottsdale, AZ

Program: Associate of Applied Science in Graphic Design

Highlights: SCC has a strong reputation for fostering creativity through project-based instruction. Facilities include advanced Mac labs, printmaking studios, and 3D design spaces. Guest lectures from local agencies like LaneTerralever offer valuable industry visibility. Graduates frequently secure internships across the Phoenix metro area within design and media companies.

Approximate Annual Tuition: $2,400 (in-state)

Program Comparison Chart

School Degree Type Accredited Duration Average Tuition (Annual) Internships Available Arizona State University BFA Yes 4 years $12,000 (in-state) Yes Grand Canyon University BA Yes 4 years $17,800 Yes Phoenix College AAS / Certificate Yes 2 years $2,700 Optional The Art Institute of Scottsdale BA Yes 4 years $21,000 Yes Collins College Associate Yes 2 years $16,000 total Yes Mesa Community College AAS / Certificate Yes 2 years $2,500 Optional Scottsdale Community College AAS Yes 2 years $2,400 Yes

Curriculum and Software Skills

Across these institutions, students acquire critical design competencies using industry-standard tools such as:

• Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, and After Effects
• Figma and Adobe XD for UX/UI projects
• CorelDRAW and Procreate for illustration
• 3D modeling applications (Blender or Cinema 4D) in advanced studios

Typical coursework spans typography, digital layout, web design, branding strategy, and motion graphics. ASU and GCU also introduce emerging design technologies like AR/VR environments and responsive UX frameworks.

Career Outlook and Opportunities

Graduates from Phoenix graphic design programs are hired by agencies such as RIESTER, LAVIDGE, and Off Madison Ave, as well as national brands operating regional offices. Entry-level designers in Phoenix start around $46,000 annually, with senior designers and art directors earning $75,000+. Many schools maintain active job placement assistance, portfolio reviews, and networking events with AIGA Arizona (the Professional Association for Design).

Tips for Choosing the Right Program

• Define Your Career Goals: If you want brand strategy experience, choose a BFA or BA program with marketing integration, like GCU. If you prefer fast entry into the workforce, an AAS program at Phoenix or Mesa College is ideal.
• Visit Campus Studios: Touring facilities gives insight into available tech resources, studio culture, and lab accessibility.
• Seek Internships Early: Intern experience often determines employability. ASU and SCC provide structured internship support through partnerships with local firms.
• Compare Costs vs. Outcomes: While ASU offers unmatched exposure and networking, community colleges provide low-cost options that still lead to design industry employment.

Expert Insight

According to Dr. Laura Green, Professor of Visual Communication at ASU, “Employers increasingly seek designers with hybrid skills—those who can think strategically and code a little. Phoenix schools are evolving to reflect this demand by blending design thinking with digital literacy.”

Final Thoughts

Whether your goal is agency work, freelance design, or launching your own creative studio, Phoenix offers programs that align with every experience level and budget. The city’s strong creative network, affordable education options, and internship-rich curriculum make it one of the most promising places in the Southwest to study graphic design.

Frequently Asked Questions about Graphic Design Schools in Phoenix

Which graphic design schools in Phoenix are most recognized?

Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, Phoenix College, Mesa Community College, Scottsdale Community College, Collins College, and The Art Institute of Scottsdale are among the most recognized options for graphic design in the Phoenix area.

Are these Phoenix graphic design programs accredited?

Yes. All the featured schools offer regionally accredited graphic design or related digital arts programs, which helps with financial aid, credit transfer, and employer recognition.

How much does it cost to study graphic design in Phoenix?

Tuition ranges from about $2,400–$2,700 per year at community colleges to roughly $12,000–$21,000 per year at four-year schools. A full bachelor’s degree can total over $50,000, while many two-year or certificate paths stay under $10,000–$20,000.

What careers can you pursue with a graphic design degree from Phoenix?

You can prepare for roles in branding, UX/UI design, digital illustration, motion graphics, advertising design, and production design. Many graduates work at local agencies, in-house marketing teams, or as freelance designers.

What software and skills will you learn in these programs?

You typically learn Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, After Effects, Figma or Adobe XD, and sometimes 3D tools like Blender or Cinema 4D. Courses also cover typography, layout, web design, branding, and motion graphics, with a strong focus on building a portfolio.

Do Phoenix graphic design schools offer internships and job support?

Yes. Schools like Arizona State University, Grand Canyon University, and Scottsdale Community College offer structured internships, portfolio reviews, and networking events, helping you connect with Phoenix agencies and design employers.