How Much is a Graphic Design Course?

When deciding between graphic design courses, you’re likely to ask about the cost. Depending on the type of course and your reason for enrolling, the price may be the last determining factor in whether or not to take the course. Professional training is the best way to learn, but no two courses are the same and you may not want to, or be able to, shell out thousands of dollars to study graphic design. While the time and effort pay off in the long run, it all depends on your preferences and goals. It’s also important to remember that the most expensive option isn’t always the best option. It is best to remember that before finding out the hard way.

Overall, the cost of a course depends on several factors. It may depend on the length of the class and the depth of material the course covers. In addition, immersive courses are typically the most expensive, regardless of length or subject matter. University courses are the most expensive by far, followed by bootcamps. Even then, bootcamps are substantially less expensive than a typical university degree program. There are even cheaper options available, such as basic introductory classes, but these cover less material and are shorter as a result.

University and Community College Graphic Design Programs

If you have ample time and funds, and you want to become a professional Graphic Designer, a traditional university program may be the best option. Most programs differ in price depending on the degree type and the particular institution, but generally, these are the most expensive options for students. Before starting your learning journey, you will have to apply and get accepted. This process alone can be costly, as many schools require students to pay for transcripts and the application itself. Then, students will have to consider their degree type. They can typically earn an Associate's, Bachelor's, or Master’s degree, which can change the overall cost since they all last varying lengths. In addition, students may have to pay for program fees and will have to pay for textbooks, software, and other course materials (although some universities will provide limited licenses to students so they can use the necessary graphic design software). All this makes university programs quite expensive and, quite honestly, a privilege. Although students can apply for scholarships that lessen the financial burden, these programs are still incredibly costly as most scholarships take away some costs, but not all. However, these programs are in-depth and provide students with information on every aspect of graphic design, from the history and theory to its application and various practices. If you want to become a professional in the graphic design field, this is a great option, but certainly not the only option.

Professional Development Programs

Those who want to become professionals without taking on thousands of dollars in debt can seek out professional development programs from various training centers, such as Noble Desktop. The courses and bootcamps are career-focused and provide students with the most useful and necessary information to take their skills to the next level. They are considered costly, as some professional development programs cost anywhere from a couple thousand to nearly $20,000, but this is much less expensive than enrolling in a university program. While professional programs may not go into as much depth as their university counterparts, they still provide students with all the information they would need to enter the world of graphic design. These classes are even ideal for beginners since they will practice skills and techniques used in the workforce. These classes are still expensive, so students should be committed to showing up to class, studying the material, and practicing their skills. Regardless, they are cheaper than university degree programs, so they are a great compromise for those who want to gain professional-level skills in less time, at a lower cost.

Live Training Classes

If you are interested in studying graphic design but aren’t sure if it’s the right career path, you still have ample learning options. Similarly, if you work in a related field and are considering a shift into the graphic design world, you can enroll in live training classes. These cost far less money than other professional programs but still provide essential information on graphic design and its related tools and technologies. These short introductory courses give students enough information to decide if graphic design is right for them without overwhelming them. Students can leave feeling more competent in their graphic design abilities and may even feel ready to take on more intermediate and advanced courses. Additionally, these classes focus on practical application, so students will learn how to use programs like Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign, which are commonplace in most graphic design positions. These classes can last anywhere from a few hours to a few days and usually cost a couple hundred dollars (or less), making it an incredibly worthwhile and effective course option for any hopeful graphic design expert. This is a good method of laying a foundation for graphic design.

On-Demand Classes

A class that occurs asynchronously is often called an on-demand course. This learning style consists of pre-recorded lectures, reading material, and occasional activities that students complete on their own time. On-demand courses offer students a cost-effective way to learn new skills or supplement their current skills. Most on-demand classes either provide beginner-level information on a subject or go more in-depth on certain skills, such as using graphic design software or managing a professional portfolio. Students can listen to pre-recorded lectures and watch tutorials to gain a better understanding of what to do or how to apply said theory. In terms of cost, on-demand classes can differ. However, they are generally considered a cheaper option. The downside is that many on-demand classes come in packages, so students will have to purchase multiple or subscribe to a service, which can be less preferable if you know you only need to learn one or two things. On-demand classes are also ideal for hobbyists or anyone who just wants to learn a little more about graphic design because they are low-stakes and offer students a more relaxed way to study and practice. Although they aren’t ideal for aspiring professionals, on-demand classes are great as supplemental education or for just starting out.

Free Resources and Their Purpose

While gaining professional skills for free would be ideal, it is unfortunately not possible. However, there is still a time and a place for students to use free resources. There are myriad free learning options online, it is just a matter of where to find them. For example, Adobe’s website offers different tutorials, articles, and blog posts that provide more information on their software. Noble Desktop’s free seminar page provides students with pre-recorded lectures and tutorials that help them learn a little more about certain concepts, topics, and technologies. In addition, there are YouTube collections, social media accounts, websites, and chatrooms that offer more insight into graphic design. These tools are a great way to supplement your education or get a quick answer to a question. Free resources are also a quick and easy way to find troubleshooting techniques if the software gets confusing or if you need to fix a design but aren’t sure how. In addition, they can help prepare a student for a more professional course, such as an introductory class or a bootcamp. Plus, students can find free resources on virtually any aspect of graphic design, from theory and communication methods to design principles and software. Still, it is important to remember that free resources do not make up an actual education. The time spent learning graphic design for free will prove wasted as there are too many aspects and concepts to grasp, and it could be challenging depending on your previous experience or level of understanding. However, free resources are a great way to study, practice, and gain clarity on graphic design concepts presented in a professional training course.