Texas Graphic Design Schools: Most Expensive to Least Expensive

According to the Institute of Education Sciences (IES), as of July 2012, the State of Texas was home to 252 Title IV degree-granting institutions. The Lone Star State has the fourth largest collection of colleges in the country, and it is home to some of the most respected academic institutions in the world. Just a few of Texas’s most renowned universities include Rice University, Texas A&M, University of Texas at Austin, Texas Tech, and University of Texas at Dallas.

Many of the state’s finest schools are surprisingly affordable (with resident status), while others are quite expensive. However, it doesn’t matter whether a school costs $30,000 a year or $3,000, Title IV status means they are eligible for federal financial aid programs. This is good news for students and parents that have their sights set on an expensive top-tier school. With Title IV status, even the most expensive schools are accessible to students with financial need.

To become a Title IV school, the institution must meet five requirements established by the U.S. Department of Education. They must (1) sign a participation agreement with the Department, (2) have accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education (3) grant an associate's degree or higher, (4) offer a program of at least 300 clock hours in length, and (5) be in business for at least 2 years.

Texas is home to nearly a dozen Title IV’s that offer top-rated graphic design programs. Continue reading to find out which schools are on the list and what you can expect to pay. As stated, resident tuition is typically lower than non-resident tuition, while graduate students usually pay more than undergraduates. In many cases, all it takes is one year of documented residency and the intent to remain in the state to become eligible for resident tuition.

Most Expensive Texas Graphic Design Schools

Texas Christian University (TCU), Fort Worth – Tuition Information: Undergraduate $34,500 for the 2012 – 2013 school year

Baylor University, Waco - Tuition Information:  Undergraduate $30,586 for the 2012 – 2013 school year.  Tuition does not include fees of $3,260 per year.

McMurry University, Abilene - Tuition Information: Undergraduate $23,505 for the 2012 – 2013 school year

Schreiner University, Kerrville - Tuition Information: Undergraduate $20,940 for the 2012 – 2013 school year. Tuition does not include fees of $600 per year.

Least Expensive Texas Graphic Design Schools

University of Houston, Houston - Tuition Information: Undergraduate residents $5,617, nonresidents $14,041; graduate residents $7,872, nonresidents $16,296 for the 2012 – 2013 school year. Tuition does not include undergraduate fees of $2,021 or graduate fees of $918 per year.

Lamar University, Beaumont - Tuition Information: Undergraduate residents $4,752, nonresidents $14,376 for the 2012 – 2013 school year. Tuition does not include undergraduate fees of $2,270 per year.

Sam Houston State University, Huntsville - Tuition Information: Undergraduate residents $4,488, nonresidents $12,912 for the 2012 – 2013 school year. Tuition does not include fees of $2,120 per year.

Angelo State University (ASU), San Angelo - Tuition Information: Undergraduate residents $3,996, nonresidents $12,420 for the 2012 – 2013 school year. Tuition does not include fees of $1,166 per year.

University of Texas-Pan American (UTPA), Edinburg - Tuition Information:  Undergraduate residents $3,969, nonresidents $12,681 for the 2011 – 2012 school year.  Tuition does not include fees of $1,065 per year.

Midwestern State University, Wichita Falls - Tuition Information: Undergraduate residents $3,876, nonresidents $5,436 for the 2012 – 2013 school year.  Tuition does not include fees of $1,021 per year.

Texas Graphic Design Scene

Texas is home to a large community of salaried artists and designers. According to the latest report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (March 27, 2012), the state has a population of 106,350 salaried artists and designers.  Approximately 10,780 are graphic designers. They work in advertising, education, public relations, publishing, web design, technology, and more. Graduates will find more than 2,600 technology firms and schools (all levels) in the state of Texas, as well as hundreds of creative agencies, publishers, and design firms.

Just a few employment options include Ad Ideas Inc., (San Antonio), Design at Work Creative Services and FKM (Houston), The MAD House and T3 (Austin) and Witherspoon & Associates, Inc., (Fort Worth). A number of production studios also hire graphic designers. Just a few possibilities include Troublemaker Studios (Austin),
DNA Productions and Reel FX Studios (Dallas), and 1080 Entertainment and Locke Bryan Productions (Houston).

Texas has one of nations the highest number of major cities with a population of more than 250,000. Because most major cities tend to have the most active art and culture (and business) scenes, aspiring graphic designers may find the best job opportunities in places such as Houston, San Antonio, Dallas, Austin, Fort Worth, El Paso, Arlington, Corpus Christi, and Plano. However, if you’re interested in settling in a place that may be a bit more secluded than a big city, you might get lucky in Lockport, La Grange, Kerrville (home of Schreiner University) or Galveston.