Earning a design degree is a major investment of time and money. As you consider whether to pursue a design degree, here are some factors to weigh in detail:
The Costs - Know What You'll Pay
Pursuing a design degree at a 4-year college or university is a significant financial investment. Tuition and fees for a bachelor's degree in graphic design or other design field often total $30,000-$60,000 for the full program. This does not include additional costs like room and board, books and supplies. State schools tend to be more affordable than private institutions.
Community college associate's degrees offer a more budget-friendly path, often costing between $5,000-$15,000 total for the two-year program. Make sure to research and compare costs across different schools and programs when deciding where to apply.
Also factor in whether you will need to take out student loans to fund your design degree, and if so, how much debt you may incur. Examine your potential to repay student loans after graduation based on average entry-level design salaries. Pursuing scholarships, grants and work-study programs can help significantly lower your costs.
Thinking through these monetary factors will give you a realistic sense of the investment a design degree requires. This can help inform your decision on whether it fits into your budget and will pay off down the road.
Job Prospects - Consider the Value to Employers
What are the potential job prospects after earning a design degree? Many entry-level jobs specifically look for candidates who have completed a bachelor's degree program in a field like graphic design, product design or UX design. Having that four-year degree shows commitment to the industry. It can give you a competitive edge against self-taught designers competing for the same roles.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts employment for graphic designers will grow 4 percent from 2019 to 2029—about as fast as the average for all occupations. Industrial designers are projected to grow 5 percent over that period. Certain design specialties like UX and UI design are in even higher demand. These moderate growth rates signal decent job opportunities for new design graduates.
Research common entry-level design roles and look at job listings to see what education and skills employers seek. A design degree can open more doors earlier in your career compared to being self-taught. But you'll still need to build an impressive portfolio showcasing your skills and talents.
Skills & Knowledge - Design Programs Teach Key Competencies
A design education provides both broad-based learning and specific skills development. Here are some of the knowledge areas and competencies you can gain through a design degree program:
- Design theory, psychology and history—Understand principles of aesthetics, human-centered design, brand development.
- Practical tools—Learn industry-standard programs like Adobe Creative Cloud, CAD software, etc.
- Foundational skills—Color theory, typography, information design, photography and more.
- Project management—Develop systems to manage workload, processes, clients.
- Communication—Present and explain your designs; collaborate in teams.
This well-rounded background creates a strong foundation to build upon as a professional designer. Programs aim to prepare students for the realities of a design career with course projects and internships. Hands-on practice using professional tools is key. Focusing on a specific concentration like graphic design, UX/UI or 3D design allows you to develop specialized skills.
Alternatives - Viable Options Beyond Degrees
While formal design degrees offer immense value, they are not the only pathway into the industry. Many successful designers enter the field through self-driven learning, bootcamps, apprenticeships and other alternative routes.
Shorter certificate programs at community colleges and online design schools allow you to build skills at a lower cost. These programs range from a few months to a year and focus on developing an impressive portfolio.
Apprenticeships let you learn directly from experienced designers through extensive on-the-job training. You get hands-on experience and mentoring while building your abilities.
Intensive bootcamps offer rapid training in high-demand digital design skills like UX/UI design, front-end development and more. Many bootcamp grads transition successfully into design roles.
Another option is self-teaching through online courses, tutorials and practice. With determination and consistent effort, it's possible to build an standout portfolio on your own. Some employers place more weight on demonstrated skills than degrees.
The Takeaway
Consider your own goals, optimal learning methods and budget when deciding between a formal design program or alternative pathway.
Both degreed and self-taught designers can thrive in the industry by showcasing their talents through great portfolios.
While not absolutely required, a design degree can provide immense value in launching your career.
But make sure to choose an affordable program that provides skills and training employers are actively looking for.
