Getting a degree in product design doesn’t have to be expensive. If you want to start a successful career as a product designer, you can get a great education in design strategy and learn in-demand skills from the cheapest product design schools without breaking the bank.
In this article, we’ll be going over the best and most affordable product design schools. We’ll cover tuition costs, acceptance rates, and what kind of jobs you can get with the cheapest product design degrees.
What Are the Most Affordable Product Design Schools in the US?
The most affordable product design schools in the US include Elizabeth City State University, Brigham Young University, and San Jose State University. In-state tuition for these schools is much lower than the average tuition paid in national public universities, according to US News.
How Much Do the Cheapest Product Design Schools Cost?
The cheapest product design schools cost between $3,300 and $29,500 per year for professional education. Most tuition values vary on a wide range of factors, such as whether students reside in the state, how many hours of study they are completing, and if they’re pursuing online degrees.
Cheapest Product Design Schools Costs Breakdown
- Tuition. Tuition is a mandatory fee that is usually associated with the number of credits of each program. Tuition varies based on a broad range of factors such as the particular school of design you attend, the type of program you’re pursuing, and your residency status.
- Student fees. These fees support a budget that covers medical, emotional, and physical health services, such as access to a gym, career guidance, and counseling services.
- Books. Many colleges require students to pay for textbooks that are used in design courses. The total cost will vary by semester and depends on the number of credits you sign up for.
- Housing and meals. If you’re living on campus, you’ll likely have to pay for housing and meal fees. These costs depend on the type of accommodations you choose, such as a shared dorm room or private apartment, and the kind of meal plan you want.
- Health insurance. Health insurance fees sometimes include access to local medical facilities outside of school, in case of serious medical situations.
Why You Should Attend a Product Design School
You should attend a product design school because you’ll receive a professional education that will teach you a wide range of relevant technical skills and design thinking skills that can open up new doors to a successful career. These schools have world-class faculty, academically rigorous curricula, and offer opportunities for relevant experience in a broad range of collaborative projects.
Product design programs combine art, business, engineering, and marketing to allow you to learn how to work with many different media. With an interdisciplinary approach to education, these schools will give you a competitive edge and solid skills that can be used in many different fields, from the tech industry and UX design to a dream project in industrial design.
Best Product Design School Career Options
Some of the best product design school career options include industrial design, UX design, digital product design, and creative art and design roles. Many professionals employed in these areas earn an average income above the national average. You can find out more about salaries later in this article.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the job outlook for industrial designers is six percent from 2020 to 2030, which is about as fast as the national average for all other occupations. The profession is expected to add about 3,100 job openings per year. The evolution of technology is bound to increase the demand for product design of digital products.
Product Design Salary
The average salary for someone with a BS in Product Design is $69,000 per year, according to PayScale. This value tends to increase the more you further your education in the field. According to PayScale, professionals with a Master’s Degree in Product Design make $89,000 every year, on average.
These values vary on a wide variety of factors, including the type of product design you specialize in, the company or design firms you’re working for, the state you’re working in, and your overall professional education and experience levels.
Can You Attend Product Design School for Free?
No, you typically cannot attend product design school for free. However, there are several types of financial aid you can apply for in order to reduce, or even completely cover, your tuition fees and other expenses. Common types of financial aid include federal and state grants, scholarships, student loans, and work-study programs.
Cheapest Product Design Schools That Won’t Break the Bank
| School | In-State Tuition | Out-of-State Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Elizabeth City State University | $3,326 | $7,326 | 40% |
| Brigham Young University | $6,120 | $6,120 | 77% |
| San Jose State University | $7,852 | $19,732 | 69% |
| Arkansas Tech University | $7,900 | $13,636 | 46% |
| Southwestern Oklahoma State University | $7,913 | $15,023 | 39% |
| Northwest Missouri State University | $8,852 | $14,919 | 52% |
| University of Utah | $8,893 | $28,345 | 67% |
| West Texas A & M University | $9,202 | $11,208 | 46% |
| Purdue University | $9,992 | $28,794 | 83% |
| Arizona State University | $11,348 | $29,438 | 66% |
What Are the Cheapest Product Design Schools? A Deep Dive
Paying for Product Design School With Financial Aid
Even the cheapest product design schools can be too expensive for many students. Luckily, there are several financial aid options to help you cover your expenses. These options include federal grants and loans, private loans, and work-study programs.
Federal Grants
Federal grants are issued by the US government to help fund college education, small businesses, and other projects. They are geared towards people who need financial aid and generally don’t have to be paid back.
In order to determine if you’re eligible for a grant, students must submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. This form examines the financial status of each student and their parents and dictates whether they are eligible for financial aid and how much money they should be awarded.
Federal Loans
Federal student loans may be offered to students as a financial aid option. These federal government loans must be paid back, with interest, but they are more beneficial in some ways than private loans.
Some benefits include lower and fixed interest rates, no need for a credit check or co-signer, and flexible repayment plans. You also don’t have to start paying back these types of loans until you’re out of college and have a secure income.
Private Loans
Private loans are offered by private entities, like banks and credit unions. They have to be paid back with interest under conditions and terms that are set by the lender organization. These types of loans are usually more expensive over time than federal student loans. These loans also are not subsidized and require credit checks or a co-signer.
Work Study
Several schools offer work-study opportunities for students who need help paying their tuition. Whether they’re studying part-time or full-time, they can check out positions available at their universities such as library, mailroom, help desk, and office assistant roles.
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How to Apply for Federal Aid to Finance Your Product Design School Program
To apply for federal aid, you must first gather general and financial information about yourself and your parents or legal guardians, and then provide your student information and a comprehensive list of the schools you wish to attend. Be sure to proofread and correct any mistakes you may have made before submitting your FAFSA.
- Gather your information. Having the information you need before you start filling out your application will speed up the process. Some pieces of information you need to include your social security number, a list of colleges, and your personal income information.
- Fill in your student information. This section requires you to provide personal information and a comprehensive list of the schools you’re interested in attending in the upcoming school year.
- Enter parent information. Next, you’ll need to provide your parents’ or legal guardians’ information. Some of the information required includes their full names and mailing addresses. You’ll need to fill this section even if you don’t currently live with your parents.
- Provide financial information. This section is reserved for your household financial information. You must provide personal income information and that of your parents.
- Sign and submit your FAFSA form. After completing your form, make sure you read through it to confirm if your information is correct. Once you’re done you can electronically sign your form if you’re filling it out online and submit it.
Best Product Design Scholarships
- The Design Foundation Gianninoto Industrial Design Undergraduate Scholarship | Amount: $5,000. This scholarship is open to all industrial design majors at the undergraduate level. Applicants must maintain a B grade point average and are required to submit transcripts, a letter of purpose, a project portfolio, and three project images.
- Vectorworks Design Scholarship | Amount: $3,000 or $6,000. This scholarship is open to landscaping, architecture, design, and entertainment students to submit their work for a chance to win a $3,000 or $6,000 scholarship. Winners will also receive Vectorworks software and training by design experts in the field.
- DesignAShirt Creative Excellence in Graphic Design & Marketing Intelligence Scholarship | Amount: $500. This scholarship is provided by DesignAShirt and is open to all undergraduate and graduate students in the fashion, marketing, and design fields. Applicants must submit a 1,000-word essay and a sample of their own creative work by the November 30th annual deadline.
- Adobe Design Circle Scholarship | Amount: Up to $25,000. This scholarship was created for undergraduate students going into product design or experience design-related programs. It is available for any student around the world and is available until March of each year.
- Ann Arbor Graphic Arts Memorial Foundation Scholarship | Amount: Minimum $3,000. This scholarship was designed for students interested in the graphic arts field, or more specifically the printing industry. Students must be attending a school in Michigan full-time and keep a minimum GPA of 2.0.
Cheapest Undergraduate Product Design Schools
The cheapest undergraduate product design schools can still offer excellent programs throughout the following sections, we’ll be covering some of the most affordable product design associate degree and bachelor’s degree programs.
Most Affordable Product Design Associate Degree Programs
- Arkansas Tech University | Associate of Applied Science in Information Technology | $242/credit. This program is geared toward students who want an entry-level job in IT. Enrolled students will earn the necessary skills that will enable them to create computer programs, design applications, and develop websites.
- Orange Coast College | Associate of Science in UX Design | $46/unit (in state); $331/unit (out of state). Students learn how to apply their design skills to create products that improve user experience. They’ll learn how to design solutions for the web, apps, and other interactive tech tools.
- NHTI – Concord’s Community College | Associate of Science in Industrial Design Technology | $215/credit (in state); $490/credit (out of state). Students interested in entry-level jobs in industrial design or pursuing a bachelor’s design degree will learn basic skills in engineering, 2D and 3D design, and manufacturing.
- Elgin Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Computer-Aided Design | $132/credit (in district); $297/credit (out of district). Students of this program will learn about computer-aided design, which provides fundamental design knowledge on how to automate and accelerate the manufacturing process of any product using high-tech tools like prototyping machines and modeling simulators.
- Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Associate of Science in Web Development | $160/credit (in state); $232/credit (out of state). Using programming and digital design concepts, students learn how to efficiently create websites and web applications that meet the needs of potential clients.
Most Affordable Product Design Bachelor’s Degree Programs
- Elizabeth City State University | Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design | $42/credit (in state); $208/credit (out of state). The interdisciplinary faculty of this program trains students in the world of graphic design while utilizing a liberal arts foundation and excellent art and design facilities.
- Bringham Young University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Industrial Design | $323/credit (Latter-day Saint); $646/credit (non-Latter-day Saint). The perks of this industrial design program include a human-centered approach to software and contemporary design concepts and internship opportunities for real-world experience.
- Northwest Missouri State University | Bachelor of Science in Digital Media with Emphasis in Visual Imaging | $396/credit hour (in state); $649 (out of state). A student enrolled in this program will be trained in the relevant skills needed for a career in technology and web design, as well as more creative fields such as interactive and print design.
- Southwestern Oklahoma State University | Bachelor of Science in Computer Science – Video Game Design Option | $249/credit (in state); $486/credit (out of state). This video game design program prepares students with software and app development skills for a creative career in technology after graduation.
- San Jose State University | Bachelor of Fine Art with a Concentration in Digital Media Art | $3,949/semester (in state); $6,365/semester (out of state). This program is located in Silicon Valley and equips students with the skills needed for a successful career in technology and UX design.
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Cheapest Graduate Schools for Product Design
The cheapest graduate product design schools offer a variety of master’s and doctoral degree programs that are affordable, especially for in-state students. Over the next sections, we’ll be taking a look at some of the best affordable programs and their tuition costs.
Most Affordable Schools for Master’s Degrees in Product Design
- Purdue University | Master of Fine Arts in Industrial Design | $348/credit (in state); $948/credit (out of state). This program allows students to apply their industrial design skills to create innovative products and solutions to help businesses succeed.
- University of Utah | Master of Science in Biomedical Engineering – bioInnovate Track | $9,002/year (in state); $30,488 (out of state). This degree program concentration equips students with the high-level skills needed to design and develop biomedical devices and technology in the fast-growing industry.
- West Texas A&M University | Master of Fine Arts in Studio Art | $673/credit (in state); $721/credit (out of state with tuition waiver); $1,099/credit (out of state). This MFA program is led by interdisciplinary faculty that works to equip students with intense practical skills and knowledge in design, digital art, printmaking, and other types of creative media.
- Arkansas Tech University | Master of Engineering in Electrical Engineering | $243/credit (in state); $485/credit (out of state). Students acquire deeper knowledge and skills in machine design, energy systems, and materials. Upon graduation, they will be eligible for higher-paying engineering jobs or a PhD in the field.
- Arizona State University | Master of Science in Exploration Systems Design with a Concentration in Instrumentation | $12,014/year (in state); $24,498/year (out of state). This 30-credit MS program prepares students for the design and construction of instrumentation fit for the exploration of the Earth and the universe.
Most Affordable PhDs in Product Design Universities
- University of Utah | PhD in Materials Science & Engineering | $9,002/year (in state); $30,488/year (out of state). Students of this program will design, develop, and conduct intensive research on critical materials used in engineering. They can work in areas like thermodynamics and must defend a final thesis at the end of the program.
- Arizona State University | PhD in Design, Environment and the Arts with a Concentration in Design | $12,014/year (in state); $24,498/year (out of state). This doctoral program is taught by leading interdisciplinary faculty and prepares students for high-paying careers in sustainability-focused design across several industries, from city planning to product and graphic design.
- Auburn University | PhD in Aerospace Engineering | $5,913/semester (in state); $15,993/semester (out of state). Graduate students work closely with an advisor to perform in-depth research regarding the design and creation of products that impact aerodynamics, flight dynamics, propulsion, and other structural dynamics.
- University of Tennessee | PhD in Biomedical Engineering | $639/credit hour (in state); $1,650/credit hour (out of state). Under the guidance of an orientation team, students are able to research new techniques and materials for designing groundbreaking products, from medical equipment to robotics.
- University of Texas Arlington | PhD in Mechanical Engineering | $11,044/year (in state); $23,486/year (out of state). Graduate students are able to increase their competencies in design, research, and development across several areas like thermal and fluid science, mechanical design, and manufacturing.
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How to Choose a Good and Affordable Product Design School
URL: https://unsplash.com/photos/fJebhGIP0P4
Alt-text: Industrial Design BS students working on an interaction design collaborative project on a computer monitor.
Caption: The best product design schools offer flexibility, low tuition, hands-on learning experiences, and increase students’ chances of landing high-paying and rewarding careers.
Choosing an affordable product design school means finding benefits that make the overall cost worth it. These benefits include a low student-to-faculty ratio, high job placement rates, scholarship and aid opportunities, and lower in-state fees.
Student-to-Faculty Ratio
A low student-to-faculty ratio allows students to receive more direct guidance from professors and staff. Smaller class sizes make it easier to ask questions, network, and even find work opportunities with your favorite department of design faculty.
Job Placement Rates
You’ll want to look for schools that have high job placement rates. This means that students who graduate from that specific university have little trouble finding jobs in their field. The best schools help their students with finding great opportunities in the industry.
Scholarships and Financial Aid
The more scholarships and aid a school offers, the more chances you have of securing financial help for yourself. When looking at different schools, consider comparing the number and type of scholarships each institution offers to decide which option is best for you.
In-State Options
If your ultimate goal is saving money, then you should be searching for excellent universities that are closer to home. Living in the same state as your school automatically makes you eligible for in-state tuition, which is usually significantly lower than that for non-resident students.
Selective Schools
Don’t be afraid to apply for selective and more expensive schools. In some cases, you may be eligible for financial aid and scholarships that cover most or all of the tuition costs. At some schools, such as Rice University, middle and low-income students are not charged for tuition.
Tips for Saving Money While Attending Product Design School
- Buy used books. If the textbooks you need are the same books used by previous students, you can usually purchase them used online or at bookstores for nearly half the price.
- Take advantage of college amenities. If your school offers fitness classes, movie nights, and other fun programs for free, take advantage of them to save on entertainment instead of spending money on the gym, movie theaters, and other recreational activities.
- Work part-time. Many students work part-time to help pay for tuition or save money while they’re studying. You can try looking for on-campus or off-campus jobs, as well as work-study programs.
- Fill out the FAFSA every year. Your FAFSA form is what schools use to determine your need for financial aid, so don’t forget to update and submit it every year to receive help from the federal government.
- Always carry your student ID. Several stores, restaurants, and other facilities offer discounts to students, so be sure to carry your student ID everywhere you go to enjoy these perks.
Cheapest Online Schools for Product Design
Attending cheap schools for product design can also be done entirely online. Throughout the next sections, we’ll be covering a few of the best and most affordable online degrees for product design.
| School | Tuition | Graduation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Rasmussen University | $229/credit | 34% |
| University of Maryland – Global Campus | $312/credit (in state); $499/credit (out of state) | 21% |
| Regent University | $395/credit | 62% |
| Bellevue University | $440/credit | 23% |
| Arizona State University | $552/credit | 26% |
Most Affordable Online Product Design Bachelor’s Programs
- Rasmussen University | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design| $229/credit. This program prepares students for successful careers in areas like motion graphics, web and UX design, and user interface design.
- University of Maryland – Global Campus | Online Bachelor of Science in Web & Digital Design | $312/credit (in state); $499/credit (out of state). This 120-credit online BS program provides practical experience in web development, UX design, animation, and graphic design.
- Regent University | Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Arts | $395/credit. The online BFA in Graphic Arts provides students with hands-on experience in web design, print production, and publication design that will enable them to create their own digital design products.
- Bellevue University | Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design | $440/credit. The online graphic design degree teaches students about the different tools and production methods they need to create a work-ready portfolio.
- Arizona State University | Online Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design | $552/credit. Students enrolled in this 120-credit design program will learn how to create products that translate information into visual systems through animation, print work, and web design.
Most Affordable Online Product Design Master’s Programs
- University of Houston | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering | $549/credit (in state); $1,057/credit (out of state). This program specifically focuses on the design of engineering solutions for the energy industry. Students are able to conduct research in applied mechanics, materials science, and thermal sciences.
- Liberty University | Master of Fine Arts in Graphic Design | $565/credit. The MFA in Graphic Design allows students to effectively use visual communication to relay different information by creating visually appealing products.
- Bellevue University | Master of Science in Instructional Design and Technology | $630/credit. This program teaches students how to create the most effective and creative learning materials that can be used by all kinds of teaching professionals, thereby allowing them to create a rich portfolio throughout the program.
- Purdue University | Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering | $750/credit. Graduate students can choose specializations in fluid mechanics, system design, computational simulations, or nanotechnology. This program requires the completion of 30 credits.
- University of Arizona | Master of Science in Electrical and Computer Engineering | $1,149/credit. This program was designed for working engineers looking to succeed in a design-focused role. Students receive hands-on experience in electrical and computer systems design while working with expert faculty.
Will Attending an Online Product Design School Save Me Money?
Yes, attending an online product design school will save you money. Online programs are usually more affordable because students are not required to relocate or pay housing fees and transportation costs. Additionally, tuition fees for online degrees are often cheaper than for on-campus degrees.
Benefits of Online Product Design Programs
- Affordable tuition. Most schools with dedicated online degrees usually have specific tuition fees for online courses. Since these schools are not required to support the costs of having students present on campus, they have a reasonable tuition rate in comparison to on-campus degrees. This is especially true for students who would otherwise be considered out-of-state.
- Relocation isn’t necessary. Online degrees allow you to enroll in all kinds of universities without worrying about the distance. Not having to relocate makes the college experience much more comfortable and affordable.
- No extra fees. Online degrees mean that you don’t have to worry about the additional fees that on-campus students have to pay, such as housing fees, meal plan fees, and other accommodation fees.
- Flexible schedules. Most online program courses are asynchronous, meaning that you can take them whenever you want. The ability to make your own schedule allows you to balance school with any other responsibilities you might have.
- Self-motivation. Being able to complete online programs in your own time is a great way to work on your self-motivation. You’re responsible for making yourself take your courses and create effective study time.
Highest-Paying Product Design Careers
| Product Design Job | Product Design Degree | Average Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Computer Hardware Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $128,170 |
| Electrical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $101,780 |
| Mechanical Engineer | Bachelor’s degree | $95,300 |
| Industrial Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $77,030 |
| Graphic Designer | Bachelor’s degree | $50,710 |
Best Product Design Jobs Explained
Some of the best product design school jobs are computer hardware engineer, electrical engineer, mechanical engineer, industrial designer, and graphic designer. We’ll be taking a closer look at each of them in the following sections.
Product Design Schools Ranking Methodology: How We Ranked the Most Affordable Product Design Schools
We chose the most affordable product design colleges based on tuition and general costs information from the schools’ official websites, the US Department of Education’s database of accredited schools, and the US Department of Education’s College Scorecard tool.
Additional Reading About Product Design
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Cheapest Product Design Schools FAQ
Some of the top companies hiring industrial designers include Motorola Mobility, Fuseproject, TEAGUE, and LifestyleDesign. Salaries paid by these companies range between $79,800 and $100,700 per year.
The different types of product design include furniture design, household appliance design, toy design, and transportation design. Fashion and footwear design are also considered a type of product design.
The different phases of product design include research, definition, brainstorming, prototype creation, and testing. Only if the feedback for a product design prototype is positive can a product become manufactured on a large scale.
The best books that will teach you how to learn product design include The Design of Everyday Things by Don Norman, Sprint: How to Solve Big Problems and Test New Ideas in Just Five Days by Jake Knapp, and Tom Kelley’s The Art of Innovation.
About us: Career Karma is a platform designed to help job seekers find, research, and connect with job training programs to advance their careers. Learn about the CK publication.
