Florida is home to 223 Title IV degree-granting institutions. Title IV schools are eligible for Title IV federal financial-aid programs. To become eligible, a school must offer a program of at least 300 clock hours in length, have accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, have been in business for at least two years, have signed a participation agreement with the Department, and grant an associate's degree or higher.
While some Florida Title IV’s are more expensive than others, having Title IV status means that even the most expensive schools are accessible to students with financial need. Fortunately, Florida is also home an impressive number high quality, yet affordable schools that offer a variety of top-tier art and design programs. This includes graphic design. Just a few include Florida International University, New World School of the Arts, and the University of Florida.
If you’re ready to compare Florida graphic design schools to others across the nation, take a look at the list of the most expensive to least expensive graphic design schools below and what you can expect to pay.
Most Expensive Florida Graphic Design Schools
Full Sail University, Winter Park - Tuition Cost: Varies by program. As of 2015, the cost for the Graphic Design program is $24,234 per year. Online students pay $14,250 per year.
Least Expensive Florida Graphic Design Schools
Digital Media Arts College, Boca Raton – Tuition Cost: Undergraduate $582 per credit hour; Graduate $848 per credit hour as of 2014.
University of South Florida, Tampa - Tuition Cost: Undergraduate residents $6,410, nonresidents $17,324; Graduate residents $10,428, nonresidents $21,126 for the 2014-2015 school year.
University of Florida, Gainesville – Tuition Cost: Undergraduate residents $6,310, nonresidents should add $22,278 to projected tuition/fees; Graduate residents $12,680, nonresidents should add $17,394 to projected tuition/fees. Tuition is for the 2015-2016 school year.
New World School of the Arts, Miami - Tuition Cost: Undergraduate residents $4,183.92 (lower division), $5,582.40 (upper division); nonresidents $14,418.36 (lower division), $27,859.50 (upper division). Tuition is for the 2014-2015 school year.
Florida Atlantic University, Boca Raton – Tuition Cost: Undergraduate residents and nonresidents $105.07 per credit hour + a nonresident fee of 493.86; Graduate residents and nonresidents $303.71 per credit hour + a nonresident fee of $623.80 for the 2014-2015 school year.
Florida Graphic Design Scene
Florida is home to 11,430 salaried graphic designers earing an average salary of $44,450 per year. The state has the fourth highest employment level for this occupation and higher average earnings than at least a dozen other states. Like designers in other states, Florida-based graphic designers typically work in advertising, public relations, publishing, printing and related services, specialized design services, and computer systems design.
Just a few top employers for Florida-based graphic designers include:
- 22squared, Tampa
- BFW + Interactive, Boca Raton
- BGT Partners, Hallandale Beach
- Crispin Porter + Bogusky: CP+B, Coconut Grove
- Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, Orlando
- MDG Advertising, Boca Raton
- SapientNitro, Miami Beach
- Winn Technology Group, Palm Harbor
- Zimmerman Advertising, Fort Lauderdale
- Zimmerman Agency, Tallahassee
- Zubi Advertising, Miami
While opportunities for aspiring graphic designers are plentiful across the state, some of the largest creative agencies are located in major cities such as Miami, Tampa, Tallahassee, and Fort Lauderdale.
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