Best Graphic Design Schools in California (2025)

Compare graphic design schools across California. Below you’ll find a quick salary snapshot and nearby training programs.

California Graphic Design Schools Salary Snapshot

California
California Median Pay $76,440 $36.75 per hour
U.S. Median Pay $61,300 $29.47 per hour


Why Choose Graphic Design Schools in California?

  • Hands-on labs that align to industry certifications.
  • Strong demand across construction, maintenance, and manufacturing.
  • Mix of public colleges and private institutes statewide.
  • Pathways into apprenticeships and employer partnerships.

#1

Taft College

Taft, CA 20 miles away

Located in Taft, CA Taft College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Corrections, Criminal Justice, and Law Enforcement Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#2

California State University-Bakersfield

Bakersfield, CA 24.1 miles away

Located in Bakersfield, CA California State University-Bakersfield is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Criminal Justice, Art and Design Foundations, and Marketing Management.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#3

Bakersfield College

Bakersfield, CA 31 miles away

Located in Bakersfield, CA Bakersfield College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Accounting Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#4

Porterville College

Porterville, CA 51.1 miles away

Located in Porterville, CA Porterville College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Criminal Justice. The campus serves roughly 2,775 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $1,409
  • Out-of-state tuition: $10,289
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#5

Allan Hancock College

Santa Maria, CA 61.2 miles away

Located in Santa Maria, CA Allan Hancock College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Auto Body and Collision Repair, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#6

Lemoore College

Lemoore, CA 61.8 miles away

Located in Lemoore, CA Lemoore College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Computer Programming.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#7

College of the Sequoias

Visalia, CA 62.6 miles away

Located in Visalia, CA College of the Sequoias is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Aviation Maintenance Technology, Automotive Technician, and Automotive Technology.

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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#8

California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo

San Luis Obispo, CA 64.6 miles away

Located in San Luis Obispo, CA California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Construction Manager, Electrician, and Art and Design Foundations.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#9

Coalinga College

Coalinga, CA 68.1 miles away

Located in Coalinga, CA Coalinga College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Accounting Technology, Bookkeeper, and Construction Trades.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#10

Westmont College

Santa Barbara, CA 68.4 miles away

Located in Santa Barbara, CA Westmont College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Art and Design Foundations.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#11

Santa Barbara City College

Santa Barbara, CA 71.9 miles away

Located in Santa Barbara, CA Santa Barbara City College is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Automotive Technician, Automotive Technology, and Beauty Cosmetology.

Tuition Contact school for pricing
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Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC

#12

University of California-Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara, CA 72.7 miles away

Located in Santa Barbara, CA University of California-Santa Barbara is a institution focused on career-ready training. Signature programs include Art and Design Foundations. The campus serves roughly 23,205 learners.

Tuition
  • In-state tuition: $14,965
  • Out-of-state tuition: $45,742
Contact

Source: IPEDS Scorecard ACCSC


California Graphic Design Schools Salary & Job Outlook

Based on BLS occupation: Graphic Designers (27-1024)
Data Year: 2024 • California

Median Pay (2024) $76,440 $36.75 per hour

Mean Pay (2024)

$91,760 per year $44.11 per hour

Wage Percentiles

10th Percentile $44,650

$21.46 per hour

25th Percentile $57,160

$27.48 per hour

75th Percentile $99,510

$47.84 per hour

90th Percentile $128,270

$61.67 per hour

California vs U.S.

Median Wage +24.7%
$76,440

$36.75 per hour

Mean Wage +33.7%
$91,760

$44.11 per hour

Percent difference vs U.S.

Employment Outlook

2024 28,310

Employment: 28,310 jobs

Additional Details

Employment per 1,000 Jobs
1.57
Employment RSE
4.8%
Total Employment (BLS sample)
28,310 jobs

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. www.bls.gov/oes


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