Rankings / HBCU
Best HBCUs for Graphic Design
- 32
- Schools
- $41,683
- Avg. Earnings
- 39%
- Avg. Graduation
- $18,467
- Avg. Net Price
- $27,577
- Avg. Debt
CollegeRanker Research
What Surprised Us Most
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Graduate earnings span a wide band on this list, from $31,670 at the low end to $63,066 at the top. That 2.0× spread shows how much outcomes vary within a single category.
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Elizabeth City State University offers the strongest payback. Graduates earn a median of $40,026 against $6,364 in annual net price, the best earnings-to-cost ratio in this ranking.
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The most budget-friendly option on this list is Lawson State Community College, at $6,275 annually in net price.
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Completion rates separate this field: Spelman College graduates 77% of its students, well above the 39% list average. Finishing what you start matters as much as where you start.
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Debt-to-earnings ratios favor Howard University: graduates owe only 0.39× their yearly income, the most manageable debt burden on the list.
Surprising Comparisons
- The top spot belongs to Elizabeth City State University ($40,026 earnings), not the highest earner, Howard University ($63,066). That is what weighting mobility and value over salary alone produces.
- Price and payoff diverge sharply here. Lawson State Community College ($6,275/yr) and Howard University ($50,539/yr) produce graduates earning $31,701 and $63,066 respectively, a far narrower earnings gap than the $44,264 cost difference would suggest.
- On a cost-adjusted basis, Elizabeth City State University outperforms Howard University: similar career earnings at a much lower net price.
The Takeaway
A consistent pattern: the schools that finish at the top get there by delivering strong earnings, manageable debt, and real mobility rather than by charging more or rejecting more applicants. Those outcomes are what define educational value.
What This Means for Students
For students evaluating these schools, begin with Elizabeth City State University and Spelman College. Look past sticker price: pull each school's net price for your income level, compare it against projected earnings, and let the data guide the decision instead of the brand.
Why this ranking matters
These schools are ranked on outcomes that compound: graduate earnings, upward mobility, debt, and value, all drawn from federal tax records and Scorecard data rather than reputation surveys. The list rewards results over prestige, led by institutions whose graduates earn a median of about $40K ten years after enrollment.
How we measure this — full methodology →How we rank · 4 pillars
Federal-source data only. Build your own weighting →
Data Behind This Page Updated 2026-07-13
Source datasets
Methodology
Schools are scored on the CollegeRanker 4-Pillar Algorithm: Economic Outcomes (30%), Social Mobility (25–35%), Academic Quality (15–20%), and Value (20–25%). Every weight is published and every figure traces to a public dataset.
See the full methodology and weights →Confidence notes
- Earnings, completion, and debt figures come from federal administrative records — tax data and student-aid filings — not surveys or self-reports, the highest-confidence tier of education data available.
- Social-mobility estimates are drawn from de-identified tax records covering more than 30 million students (Opportunity Insights).
- Where an institution is missing a metric, it is excluded from that metric rather than imputed, so averages are never inflated by guesses.
Limitations
- Federal earnings data primarily cover students who received federal financial aid; outcomes for non-aided students may differ.
- Earnings are measured roughly ten years after enrollment, so they describe how earlier cohorts fared — historical outcomes, not guarantees of future results.
- An institution's field-of-study mix affects raw earnings; scores reflect measured outcomes and are not fully major-adjusted unless explicitly noted.
- Net price is an average; the actual cost a given student pays varies widely by family income.
At a Glance
How the Top Schools Compare
| School | Earnings | Net Price | Graduation | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 Elizabeth City State University #1 overall | $40,026 ▼ -4% vs avg | $6,364 | 46% | 71 |
| 2 | $44,349 ▲ +6% vs avg | $13,739 | 53% | 68 |
| 3 Virginia State University #3 overall | $45,543 ▲ +9% vs avg | $15,840 | 40% | 67 |
| $39,196 ▼ -6% vs avg | $22,094 | 44% | 66 | |
| $43,167 ▲ +4% vs avg | $14,977 | 48% | 65 |
Score uses our 4-pillar methodology. Earnings % is vs. this list's average.
See full ranking →Executive Summary
Best HBCUs for Graphic Design
This analysis ranks 32 institutions on graduate earnings, social mobility, completion, and cost. Across the list, alumni earn a median of $41,683 ten years after enrolling, against an average graduation rate of 39% and an average net price of $18,467.
Key takeaways
- Strongest Earnings-to-Cost Ratio: Elizabeth City State University — Net Price: $6,364 | Graduation Rate: 46%
- Strongest Completion Outcomes: Spelman College — 77% completion rate
- Highest Earnings Generator: Howard University — Median alumni earnings: $63,066
Data Insight
The most expensive quartile of colleges costs 373% more than the most affordable — but their graduates earn just 34% more.
Humanities & Creative Fields Analysis
What does this ranking tell us about the value of a humanities and creative education?
$40,026
Median earnings (10yr)
37%
Median graduation rate
$15,460
Median net price
2.8%
Avg. mobility rate
The value of a humanities or creative degree resists summary in a single earnings number, but that does not make it absent. These programs build critical thinking, persuasive writing, and creative problem-solving, the abilities employers consistently say they need most. Those skills compound over a career and narrow the early earnings gap with more vocational fields.
Start with the medians across these 32 schools. Graduates earn a median of $40,026 ten years after enrollment. The median graduation rate is 37%, and the typical net price (what students pay after grants) runs $15,460 a year with about $28,160 in federal debt. Pell grants reach 62% of students on average, and the average mobility rate, the share of students lifted from the bottom income quintile to the top, is 2.8%.
Variability is the theme across these programs, and wide ranges in both earnings and cost make school selection especially consequential. Graduates earn a median of $40,026 ten years after enrollment, and the median net price runs $15,460. Affordability is the single most effective lever for improving ROI in this category.
The podium
Build your ranking
Drag a pillar — schools re-rank live.
Tip: Check the box on any 2–4 schools below to compare them side by side.
Full rankings
Why it ranks #1
Elizabeth City State University lands at #1 with a 71/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (56/100). Graduates earn a median $40,026 a decade after enrolling, 4% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,364 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Tallahassee, FL · 21% accepted · $13,739 net
Why it ranks #2
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University lands at #2 with a 68/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (59/100). Graduates earn a median $44,349 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,739 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #3
Virginia State University lands at #3 with a 67/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (52/100). Graduates earn a median $45,543 a decade after enrolling, 9% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,840 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #4
Dillard University lands at #4 with a 66/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $39,196 a decade after enrolling, 6% below this list's average, and net price runs $22,094 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #5
Lincoln University lands at #5 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (50/100). Graduates earn a median $43,167 a decade after enrolling, 4% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,977 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #6
Spelman College lands at #6 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (81/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (31/100). Graduates earn a median $59,993 a decade after enrolling, 44% above this list's average, and net price runs $38,967 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #7
University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff lands at #7 with a 65/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (52/100). Graduates earn a median $35,550 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,653 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #8
North Carolina Central University lands at #8 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (53/100). Graduates earn a median $42,968 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,359 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #9
Norfolk State University lands at #9 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by academic quality (51/100). Graduates earn a median $44,666 a decade after enrolling, 7% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,282 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #10
Clark Atlanta University lands at #10 with a 64/100 composite, led by social mobility (86/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (23/100). Graduates earn a median $42,712 a decade after enrolling, 2% above this list's average, and net price runs $37,702 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what puts it near the top.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #11
Howard University lands at #11 with a 63/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (22/100). Graduates earn a median $63,066 a decade after enrolling, 51% above this list's average, and net price runs $50,539 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #12
Tennessee State University lands at #12 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (80/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $42,730 a decade after enrolling, 3% above this list's average, and net price runs $15,796 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #13
Philander Smith University lands at #13 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (54/100). Graduates earn a median $38,427 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $14,224 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #14
Morehouse College lands at #14 with a 62/100 composite, led by social mobility (83/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (28/100). Graduates earn a median $52,889 a decade after enrolling, 27% above this list's average, and net price runs $39,013 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #15
University of the District of Columbia lands at #15 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (74/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $44,236 a decade after enrolling, 6% above this list's average, and net price runs $10,648 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #16
South Carolina State University lands at #16 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (82/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (46/100). Graduates earn a median $38,262 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,097 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #17
Claflin University lands at #17 with a 61/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (47/100). Graduates earn a median $40,304 a decade after enrolling, 3% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,800 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #18
Bowie State University lands at #18 with a 60/100 composite, led by economic outcomes (64/100) and pulled down by academic quality (49/100). Graduates earn a median $54,537 a decade after enrolling, 31% above this list's average, and net price runs $19,298 a year. Strong earnings drive the rank, but with mobility weighted 35% and value 20%, salary alone can only take a school so far.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #19
Virginia Union University lands at #19 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (67/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (51/100). Graduates earn a median $38,275 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $13,235 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #20
Stillman College lands at #20 with a 59/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by academic quality (43/100). Graduates earn a median $35,421 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,258 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #21
Morgan State University lands at #21 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by academic quality (56/100). Graduates earn a median $50,698 a decade after enrolling, 22% above this list's average, and net price runs $14,985 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Princess Anne, MD · 96% accepted · $13,338 net
Why it ranks #22
University of Maryland Eastern Shore lands at #22 with a 58/100 composite, led by social mobility (62/100) and pulled down by academic quality (53/100). Graduates earn a median $47,697 a decade after enrolling, 14% above this list's average, and net price runs $13,338 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #23
Florida Memorial University lands at #23 with a 57/100 composite, led by social mobility (84/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (39/100). Graduates earn a median $36,624 a decade after enrolling, 12% below this list's average, and net price runs $23,238 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #24
Bethune-Cookman University lands at #24 with a 55/100 composite, led by social mobility (63/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (50/100). Graduates earn a median $38,518 a decade after enrolling, 8% below this list's average, and net price runs $12,030 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #25
Tougaloo College lands at #25 with a 53/100 composite, led by academic quality (60/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (48/100). Graduates earn a median $34,724 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $17,043 a year. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #26
Le Moyne-Owen College lands at #26 with a 52/100 composite, led by value per dollar (65/100) and pulled down by academic quality (35/100). Graduates earn a median $35,594 a decade after enrolling, 15% below this list's average, and net price runs $7,099 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #27
Alabama State University lands at #27 with a 52/100 composite, led by social mobility (56/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (40/100). Graduates earn a median $34,502 a decade after enrolling, 17% below this list's average, and net price runs $20,435 a year, above the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #28
Lane College lands at #28 with a 51/100 composite, led by social mobility (63/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (45/100). Graduates earn a median $31,670 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $10,904 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #29
Talladega College lands at #29 with a 48/100 composite, led by value per dollar (52/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (47/100). Graduates earn a median $32,229 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $15,560 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #30
Benedict College lands at #30 with a 48/100 composite, led by social mobility (55/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (44/100). Graduates earn a median $31,902 a decade after enrolling, 23% below this list's average, and net price runs $18,250 a year. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that mobility is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #31
Lawson State Community College lands at #31 with a 39/100 composite, led by value per dollar (88/100) and pulled down by economic outcomes (23/100). Graduates earn a median $31,701 a decade after enrolling, 24% below this list's average, and net price runs $6,275 a year, well under the field. Because the methodology weights social mobility (35%) and value (20%) above prestige, that low cost is what carries it up the list, even with below-average salaries.
Pillar breakdown
Why it ranks #32
Morris Brown College lands at #32 with a 28/100 composite, led by academic quality (34/100) and pulled down by value per dollar (34/100). Net price runs $24,901 a year, above the field. Academics score well here, yet mobility (35%) and value (20%) carry the most weight, so outcome-per-dollar sets the final position.
Pillar breakdown
Cut it by what you care about
The same 32 schools, re-ranked by the outcome that matters to you.
Where the programs are
Top states on this list
Graphic design programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) are gaining attention for their unique approaches and cultural significance. For students looking to blend creativity with career opportunities, these institutions offer compelling paths. On average, graduates from these programs earn about $41,835 after completing their degrees.
The best HBCUs for graphic design stand out based on key outcomes like earnings, graduation rates, and student debt. With an average graduation rate of 37%, these schools show a diverse range of results, from high salaries to varying levels of financial burden. The rankings below reflect institutions that not only focus on visual and performing arts but also prioritize student outcomes.
Take Elizabeth City State University and Bowie State University, for instance. While Elizabeth City State graduates earn $40,026 with a graduation rate of 46%, Bowie State students earn significantly more at $54,537 but have a lower graduation rate of 38%. This contrast illustrates how different programs can impact both financial outcomes and student completion rates, providing valuable insights as you explore the options.
The story behind the ranking
A ranking gives you an order; these charts give you the shape. They show how this group of schools spreads across the four things that decide whether a degree pays off — what graduates earn, whether they finish, how far they move up, and what it costs. Look for the standouts, the outliers, and the trade-offs the list alone can't show.
Earnings Outcomes
What graduates earn 10 years after enrolling. Data from College Scorecard.
Distribution of Median Earnings
Earnings vs. Net Price
Top-left = best value. Top-ranked schools are highlighted.
Completion & Access
Graduation rates and who gets in. Data from College Scorecard & IPEDS.
Graduation Rates
Pell Grant Rate vs. Graduation Rate
Right = more low-income students. Higher = more graduate.
What the Mobility Data Says
Social mobility carries the heaviest weight in this ranking, and the measure comes from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built from more than 30 million anonymized tax records. Across the 19 schools here with that data, the average mobility rate is 2.8%. That figure is the share of students who start in the bottom income quintile and climb to the top. Dillard University leads the group at 5%, with Howard University (4%) and Elizabeth City State University (3.9%) close behind.
Access varies widely. On average, 21.8% of students at these schools come from families in the bottom income quintile. Philander Smith University enrolls the most, at 35.3%, a sign it is reaching the students mobility is meant to lift. A high mobility rate paired with strong access is the combination that changes a generation's trajectory.
For the low-income students who do enroll, the success rate (the odds of reaching the top quintile) averages 16.2% across the list, peaking at 37.1% at Howard University.
These campuses can also be measured on social capital: the cross-class friendships Opportunity Insights links to long-run economic outcomes. Economic connectedness here averages 1.19, where about 1.0 is the national norm, and Howard University is highest at 1.62.
Mobility, access, and social-capital figures from Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card & the Opportunity Insights Social Capital Atlas.
Cost & Debt
What families actually pay and what students owe. Data from College Scorecard.
Median Debt at Graduation
Where These Schools Are Located
Among the top schools, Bowie State University outshines Elizabeth City State University with significantly higher earnings of $54,537 compared to $40,026. However, Bowie State has a lower graduation rate at 38%, while Elizabeth City State stands at 46%. These figures highlight that a higher earning potential may come at the expense of student completion rates, an important factor for prospective students to consider.
After reviewing these schools, think about what matters most for you. Consider factors like location, program fit, and financial situation when weighing these outcomes. For instance, if a lower net price is crucial, Coppin State University could be appealing with its net price of $9,977. Align these metrics with your personal goals to find the right fit.
The path from college to a stable life is complex, and these numbers provide a window into what to expect. For a family deciding on education, understanding the financial implications of each school can lead to informed decisions. Choosing the right institution can have lasting impacts on career opportunities and financial stability.
Data Sources
U.S. Dept of Education College Scorecard
Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card
Social Capital Atlas
Times Higher Education World Rankings
NCES IPEDS
Frequently Asked Questions
Best HBCUs for Graphic Design: Your Questions, Answered
What is the #1 school in the Best HBCUs for Graphic Design ranking? +
Elizabeth City State University in Elizabeth City, NC ranks #1 in our 2026 Best HBCUs for Graphic Design ranking. It earns the top spot on the strength of a median $40,026 in graduate earnings ten years after enrollment and a 46% graduation rate. Our score is built entirely from federal data on graduation rates, graduate earnings, debt, and social mobility. Reputation surveys play no part.
Which school has the highest graduate earnings? +
Howard University posts the highest median earnings on this list: $63,066 ten years after enrollment, well above the $41,683 average across the 31 ranked schools with earnings data. Earnings that outpace cost are what separate a degree that pays off from one that does not.
Which school offers the best value? +
On a pure return-on-cost basis, Elizabeth City State University leads: graduates earn a median $40,026 against net price of about $6,364 a year, the strongest earnings-to-cost ratio in the ranking. Applicants should weigh that payback against sticker price rather than prestige.
Which school has the highest graduation rate? +
Spelman College has the highest graduation rate in this ranking at 77%, compared with a 39% average across the list. Completion matters because the students who finish are the ones who actually capture the earnings and mobility gains a degree promises.
How much does it cost to attend these schools? +
The average net price, meaning what students actually pay after grants and scholarships, is about $18,467 a year across the 32 ranked schools with cost data. Lawson State Community College is among the most affordable at roughly $6,275. Net price is a far better guide to affordability than the published sticker price.
How is the Best HBCUs for Graphic Design ranking calculated? +
We score every school on a four-pillar algorithm: economic outcomes (graduate earnings and debt), social mobility (Raj Chetty's Mobility Report Card, built on more than 30 million anonymized tax records), academic quality (graduation and retention), and value (net price and loan burden). Social mobility carries the heaviest weight, so schools that lift low-income students into higher earnings rank above those that simply admit wealthy students. Every input comes from federal data, and schools that withhold their numbers are scored lower for it.
How many schools are ranked and where does the data come from? +
This ranking evaluates 32 institutions using the U.S. Department of Education's College Scorecard, the Opportunity Insights Mobility Report Card and Social Capital Atlas, Times Higher Education, and NCES IPEDS. There are no opinion surveys or paid placements. The order is determined by the data alone and refreshed as new federal figures are released.
Sources & Citations
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