Graphic Design · District of Columbia
Graphic Design colleges in District of Columbia
CampusPin lists 12 U.S. colleges in District of Columbia that offer Graphic Design programs. Compare tuition, acceptance rate, and enrollment in the table below, every figure links back to the institution's official IPEDS data.
Graphic Design teaches students to communicate ideas visually through typography, layout, and imagery, suiting people who want to combine creativity with craft across print and digital media.
Schools in District of Columbia that offer Graphic Design
American University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$56,543
Acceptance
47%
Enrollment
12,795
Gallaudet University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$18,382
Acceptance
61%
Enrollment
1,324
George Washington University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$64,990
Acceptance
44%
Enrollment
25,029
Georgetown University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$65,081
Acceptance
13%
Enrollment
19,886
Howard University
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$33,344
Acceptance
35%
Enrollment
12,830
Pontifical Faculty of the Immaculate Conception at the Dominican House of Studies
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
53%
Enrollment
6,966
Pontifical John Paul II Institute for Studies on Marriage and Family
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
75%
Enrollment
7,082
Saint Michael College of Allied Health
Washington, DC · Community College · Private
Tuition
$19,405
Acceptance
64%
Enrollment
123
The Catholic University of America
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$55,834
Acceptance
84%
Enrollment
5,095
University of the District of Columbia
Washington, DC · University · Public
Tuition
$6,152
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
3,638
University of the Potomac-Washington DC Campus
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$6,660
Acceptance
100%
Enrollment
593
Wesley Theological Seminary
Washington, DC · University · Private
Tuition
$30,953
Acceptance
74%
Enrollment
6,747
Graphic Design programs in District of Columbia: by the numbers
A quick comparison of the 12 schools listed above, drawn from each institution's published IPEDS data.
Schools listed
12
Public / private
1 / 11
Universities / 2-year
11 / 1
Cities represented
1
In-state tuition range
$6,152–$65,081
Median in-state tuition
$30,953
Lowest published in-state tuition
University of the District of Columbia
$6,152
Most selective
Georgetown University
13% acceptance
Largest by enrollment
George Washington University
25,029 students
Figures reflect the schools currently listed and each institution's most recent reported data. Verify current tuition and admissions details with the school before applying.
What you'll study in a Graphic Design program
- Typography: typeface selection, hierarchy, spacing, and setting text for readability
- Color theory and its application across print and screen
- Layout and composition using grids and visual hierarchy
- Branding and identity systems, including logos and style guides
- Industry-standard software (Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Working from a creative brief and refining work through design critiques
- Preparing files for print production and digital delivery
- Building and presenting a professional design portfolio
Where a Graphic Design degree can lead
- Graphic designers
- Brand / Visual Identity Designer
- UI/UX Designer
- Art Director (with experience)
- Production Artist
- Web / Digital Designer
Typical pay: $61,300 median for graphic designers (BLS, 2024)
A Graphic Design major covers typography, color theory, layout and composition, branding and identity systems, and the design of work for both print and screen. Coursework typically pairs studio projects with software training in tools such as Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, and most programs build toward a portfolio that students present when they graduate. The degree is usually offered as a BA or BFA, with the BFA placing more weight on studio hours and a final portfolio review.
Beyond the visuals, students learn to work from a creative brief, take feedback through critiques, and prepare files for production and accessibility. Many programs add electives in motion graphics, user-interface and user-experience design, illustration, or photography, letting students lean toward a specialization.
Graduates produce visual material for clients and employers across advertising, publishing, marketing, technology, and in-house creative teams. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports a 2024 median wage of $61,300 for graphic designers and projects 2.1% employment growth from 2024 to 2034, with a bachelor's degree the typical entry-level education.
Graphic Design in other states
Find more Graphic Design schools
Use CampusPin's filter-first search to narrow 12+ Graphic Design programs in District of Columbia by tuition, school size, acceptance rate, and campus setting.
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