- 1.UX Designers earn a median salary of $104,500 with 16% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked UX Design programs include University of Central Florida, University of Florida, University of Florida-Online based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Central Florida offers ux design education at $4,478/year with 93% graduation rate
- 4.25 accredited UX Design programs analyzed using IPEDS 2023 completion data
Best UX Design Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable
Massachusetts College of Art and Design
MassArt trains UX designers grounded in fine arts traditions of rigorous critique and visual sophistication, producing creatively-led designers who bring aesthetic intentionality to user experience work.
Program Overview
Massachusetts College of Art and Design provides budget-friendly UX Design education at $1,030 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 98% graduation rate. Boston Fenway cultural district
Hakia Insight: Boston Fenway cultural district
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Boston Fenway cultural district
- •Access to ongoing design exhibitions and industry events
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Elizabeth City State University
Elizabeth City State University's Graphic Design program is part of a historically black public university that emphasizes preparing students for both professional careers and graduate school advancement.
Program Overview
Elizabeth City State University provides budget-friendly UX Design education at $1,000 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 99% graduation rate. Located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Hakia Insight: Located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina
- •Part of historically black public university system
- •Access to G.R. Little Library with extended hours and research support
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Fitchburg State University
The program uniquely combines traditional graphic design with modern UX/UI design and requires extensive hands-on internship experience in professional settings.
Program Overview
Fitchburg State University's Graphic Design program within the Communications Media department offers comprehensive training in visual communication and design thinking. The program covers diverse areas including book design, visual identity and branding, package design, website design, exhibition design, motion graphics, advertising, data visualization, environmental design, user experience design, and illustration. Students work on real-world projects such as photomontage posters, UX/UI interaction design for mobile apps, font design, and beer infographics. The program emphasizes both creative thinking and practical application of visual language in modern communication. All Communications Media students are required to complete a full-semester 12-credit internship involving 30-40 hour weeks of mentored practicum in professional settings. The department offers both a major concentration and a minor option, allowing students across campus to develop creative skills and master graphic design fundamentals.
Hakia Insight: Fitchburg State University's partnerships with Giro Studio and Worcester Chamber of Commerce translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Gulf Coast State College
13 ux design graduates annually
Program Overview
Gulf Coast State College provides budget-friendly UX Design education at $1,750 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 90% graduation rate.
Cost Breakdown
Program Strengths
- 90% graduation rate
- 13 ux design graduates annually
Admissions
Florida Atlantic University
151 ux design graduates annually
Program Overview
Florida Atlantic University provides budget-friendly UX Design education at $2,522 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 78% graduation rate.
Cost Breakdown
Program Strengths
- 78% graduation rate
- 151 ux design graduates annually
- Research University (R1/R2)
- 73% acceptance rate
Admissions
Lake Washington Institute of Technology
LWTech is the only public institute of technology in Washington state, offering hands-on UX design education with small class sizes and direct industry connections in the Seattle tech corridor.
Program Overview
Lake Washington Institute of Technology provides budget-friendly UX Design education at $3,195 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 43% graduation rate. Located in Kirkland, WA in the Seattle tech corridor
Hakia Insight: Located in Kirkland, WA in the Seattle tech corridor
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Located in Kirkland, WA in the Seattle tech corridor
- •Access to rich digital gaming and tech environment
- •Strong regional industry connections
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
Admissions
North Carolina A & T State University
Department labs are equipped with PC and Mac computers, application software, SLR digital cameras, wide format printers, and a package plotter, providing comprehensive technical resources for user experience design education.
Program Overview
North Carolina A & T State University provides budget-friendly UX Design education at $3,540 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Despite lower costs, the program maintains a strong 84% graduation rate.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Highline College
Highline College's program uniquely combines traditional graphic design with UX/UI design elements and offers a seamless pathway from associate to bachelor's degree within the same institution, featuring industry-designed courses and mandatory internship experience.
Program Overview
Highline College provides budget-friendly UX Design education at $3,633 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Located in Des Moines, WA with access to Seattle's creative industry
Hakia Insight: Located in Des Moines, WA with access to Seattle's creative industry
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Located in Des Moines, WA with access to Seattle's creative industry
- •Light rail and bus route accessibility
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
21 ux design graduates annually
Program Overview
Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University offers a Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction and UX Design. The program emphasizes research-based approaches to design and includes thesis or project-based completion options.
Hakia Insight: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University graduates earn $72,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on ux design curriculum.
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Research Labs & Institutes
accessibility and inclusive design
secure user interface design
Industry Partners
Career Outcomes
IBM, Amazon, Government agencies, Healthcare systems
Certifications & Designations
University of Hawaii Maui College
Offers accessible, practical design fundamentals integrated with community college pathways rather than standalone UX specialization.
Program Overview
University of Hawaii Maui College provides budget-friendly UX Design education at $3,144 per year, making quality education accessible to more students. Direct pipeline to local Maui hospitality, tourism, and small business design needs
Hakia Insight: Direct pipeline to local Maui hospitality, tourism, and small business design needs
Cost Breakdown
Degree Programs
Location Advantages
- •Direct pipeline to local Maui hospitality, tourism, and small business design needs
- •Transfer pathways to UH Manoa and mainland four-year programs
Career Outcomes
Admissions
Best UX Design Programs - Top 10 Most Affordable — Complete Program Data
#1. Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Location: Boston, MA | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,030/year | Graduation Rate: 98% | Score: 100.0
What makes Massachusetts College of Art and Design stand out: MassArt trains UX designers grounded in fine arts traditions of rigorous critique and visual sophistication, producing creatively-led designers who bring aesthetic intentionality to user experience work.
Hakia Insight: Boston Fenway cultural district
Program Overview: MassArt's UX program emerges from a deep studio design tradition, meaning students inherit a culture of rigorous critique, iterative making, and visual sophistication that separates graduates from those trained primarily in digital tools. The curriculum begins with foundational design principles—typography, color, composition, spatial thinking—before layering UX-specific methods like user research and interaction design. This grounding produces designers who make aesthetically intentional choices rather than defaulting to templates. Faculty are active designers and design educators; many maintain practices and exhibit work, bringing current thinking about design's role in culture into the classroom. The college's location in Boston's Fenway cultural district exposes students to ongoing design conversations through galleries, lectures, and industry events. MassArt graduates are particularly competitive for roles emphasizing design leadership, brand strategy, and creative direction—outcomes rooted in the program's insistence that UX designers must understand design's communicative and emotional dimensions, not just its functional ones.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Ux Design
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
#2. Elizabeth City State University
Location: Elizabeth City, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,000/year | Graduation Rate: 99% | Score: 94.1
What makes Elizabeth City State University stand out: Elizabeth City State University's Graphic Design program is part of a historically black public university that emphasizes preparing students for both professional careers and graduate school advancement.
Hakia Insight: Located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Program Overview: Elizabeth City State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design through the School of Humanities and Social Sciences. The program seeks to provide a solid education to prepare students for opportunities in professional careers and/or graduate school. The department provides a baccalaureate-level sequence of study that leads to a Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design. While the university does not appear to offer a dedicated UX Design program, the Graphic Design program may provide foundational skills relevant to user experience design through visual communication, design principles, and digital media training. The program appears to have transfer partnerships, including a bilateral agreement with Pitt Community College for Graphic Design students. ECSU is located in Elizabeth City, North Carolina, and serves as a historically black public university with various academic support services and resources available to students.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design (4 years)
Industry Partners: Pitt Community College
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
#3. Fitchburg State University
Location: Fitchburg, MA | Type: Public | Tuition: $970/year | Score: 85.7
What makes Fitchburg State University stand out: The program uniquely combines traditional graphic design with modern UX/UI design and requires extensive hands-on internship experience in professional settings.
Hakia Insight: Fitchburg State University's partnerships with Giro Studio and Worcester Chamber of Commerce translate research into real-world experience — a key differentiator for hiring managers.
Program Overview: Fitchburg State University's Graphic Design program within the Communications Media department offers comprehensive training in visual communication and design thinking. The program covers diverse areas including book design, visual identity and branding, package design, website design, exhibition design, motion graphics, advertising, data visualization, environmental design, user experience design, and illustration. Students work on real-world projects such as photomontage posters, UX/UI interaction design for mobile apps, font design, and beer infographics. The program emphasizes both creative thinking and practical application of visual language in modern communication. All Communications Media students are required to complete a full-semester 12-credit internship involving 30-40 hour weeks of mentored practicum in professional settings. The department offers both a major concentration and a minor option, allowing students across campus to develop creative skills and master graphic design fundamentals.
Degree Programs: Graphic Design Concentration, Communications Media, BS (4 years); Graphic Design Minor (not specified)
Industry Partners: Giro Studio, Worcester Chamber of Commerce, Brewster Branding, Another Age Video, Central Square Theater
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Graphic Designer, Visual Identity Designer, Package Designer, Website Designer, UX Designer, Motion Graphics Designer, Exhibition Designer
Admissions:
#4. Gulf Coast State College
Location: Panama City, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $1,750/year | Graduation Rate: 90% | Score: 57.4
Admissions:
#5. Florida Atlantic University
Location: Boca Raton, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $2,522/year | Graduation Rate: 78% | Score: 41.7
Admissions:
#6. Lake Washington Institute of Technology
Location: Kirkland, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,195/year | Graduation Rate: 43% | Score: 31.5
What makes Lake Washington Institute of Technology stand out: LWTech is the only public institute of technology in Washington state, offering hands-on UX design education with small class sizes and direct industry connections in the Seattle tech corridor.
Hakia Insight: Located in Kirkland, WA in the Seattle tech corridor
Program Overview: Lake Washington Institute of Technology offers comprehensive UX Design education through their User-Centered Design program and integrated design pathways. The program emphasizes real-world projects, meeting deadlines, problem-solving, and enhancing user experiences using industry-standard software. Students learn in small class settings ensuring personalized attention and hands-on training. The curriculum covers design and research methods incorporating technology, human activity, and data to prioritize needs for product/service development. Students master identifying design problems, analyzing research methods, evaluating data, and applying research-driven knowledge to design solutions. The program prepares graduates for careers in design firms, high-tech companies, advertising and branding firms, in-house art departments, and freelance consultancy, with strong emphasis on human-centered design theory and principles of inclusive and accessible design.
Degree Programs: Bachelor of Applied Science in Design (4 years); Associate in Applied Science-Transfer in Design (2 years); Associate in Applied Science-Transfer in User-Centered Design (2 years); User-Centered Design Certificate of Proficiency (15 months)
Industry Partners: Amazon LEO
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: designers, animators, project managers
Notable Faculty: Steve Ater (Design); Benjamin Meyer (Design)
Admissions:
#7. North Carolina A & T State University
Location: Greensboro, NC | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,540/year | Graduation Rate: 84% | Score: 29.0
What makes North Carolina A & T State University stand out: Department labs are equipped with PC and Mac computers, application software, SLR digital cameras, wide format printers, and a package plotter, providing comprehensive technical resources for user experience design education.
Program Overview: The Bachelor of Science in Computer Graphics Technology (CGT) program offers a User Experience (UEXP) concentration that emphasizes true user experience applied to website development, video game creation, 2D and 3D animations, multimedia production, virtual reality (VR), publishing design, logo design, typography, and content creation for marketing or communication. Graduates typically secure jobs in companies, organizations, and government agencies with in-house design and user experience functions, with many also pursuing freelance design work and entrepreneurship.
Degree Programs: BS
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: User Experience Designer, User Interface Designer, App Designer, Web Designer, VR Developer, Video Game Developer, Graphic Designer, Multimedia Creator, 3D Model Creator, Animator
Admissions:
#8. Highline College
Location: Des Moines, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,633/year | Score: 28.3
What makes Highline College stand out: Highline College's program uniquely combines traditional graphic design with UX/UI design elements and offers a seamless pathway from associate to bachelor's degree within the same institution, featuring industry-designed courses and mandatory internship experience.
Hakia Insight: Located in Des Moines, WA with access to Seattle's creative industry
Program Overview: Highline College's Visual Communications Program offers a comprehensive Graphic Design pathway that builds a strong foundation in design principles and industry-standard software skills. The program covers both print and online media, including logo and brand design, web page development, character design, animation, and advertising and marketing. Students use industry-standard software and equipment to design creative solutions while developing professional portfolios through real-world projects designed by industry professionals. The program offers flexible instruction modes including in-person, online, and hybrid formats, allowing students to complete coursework while maintaining work-life balance. Students gain hands-on experience through internships and can transfer seamlessly into the Bachelor of Applied Science in Integrated Design at Highline College.
Degree Programs: Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Graphic Design (2 years); Associate of Applied Science-Transfer (AAS-T) in Graphic Design (2 years); Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) in Integrated Design (2 years)
Career Outcomes: | Common Roles: Graphic Designer for Print and Online Media, Illustrator or Character Designer, Advertising and Marketing Graphic Designer, UX/UI Design, Social Media Content Creator, Production Artist, Creative Director, User Interface Designer, Print and Publication Designer, Video Editor, Animator
Notable Faculty: Tamara Hilton (Graphic Design)
Admissions:
#9. Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University
Location: Tallahassee, FL | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,152/year | Score: 28.0
Hakia Insight: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University graduates earn $72,000, driven by the program's industry connections and hands-on ux design curriculum.
Program Overview: Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University offers a Master of Science in Computer and Information Sciences with a concentration in Human-Computer Interaction and UX Design. The program emphasizes research-based approaches to design and includes thesis or project-based completion options.
Degree Programs: Master of Science - Computer and Information Sciences (HCI/UX) (2)
Research Labs: Human-Computer Interaction Research Lab - accessibility and inclusive design; Cybersecurity and Privacy Lab - secure user interface design
Industry Partners: IBM, Capital City Bank, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare
Career Outcomes: | Top Employers: IBM, Amazon, Government agencies, Healthcare systems | Common Roles: Senior UX Designer, UX Researcher, Product Manager
Admissions:
Accreditations: Certified User Experience Professional, Human Factors and Ergonomics Society Certification
#10. University of Hawaii Maui College
Location: Kahului, HI | Type: Public | Tuition: $3,144/year | Score: 27.5
What makes University of Hawaii Maui College stand out: Offers accessible, practical design fundamentals integrated with community college pathways rather than standalone UX specialization.
Hakia Insight: Direct pipeline to local Maui hospitality, tourism, and small business design needs
Program Overview: UH Maui College's design education operates at a more foundational, community-college level, embedding design thinking into digital media and information technology programs. Rather than offering a specialized UX degree, the college provides pathways for students to build design competencies while earning credentials in broader IT or graphic communication fields. Coursework emphasizes practical skills—wireframing, prototyping, user testing—alongside hands-on projects for local Maui businesses. The intimate island setting enables direct partnerships with tourism, hospitality, and small business sectors that need affordable design solutions. Many graduates either pursue four-year degree completions at UH Manoa or other universities, or enter the workforce as junior designers or digital media specialists in regional companies.
Degree Programs: Bachelors in Ux Design
Career Outcomes:
Admissions:
Best UX Design Programs - Compare Top 5 Most Affordable
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 Massachusetts College of Art and Design | Boston, MA | Public | $1,030 | 98% | 100.0/100 |
| #2 Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City, NC | Public | $1,000 | 99% | 94.1/100 |
| #3 Fitchburg State University | Fitchburg, MA | Public | $970 | N/A | 85.7/100 |
| #4 Gulf Coast State College | Panama City, FL | Public | $1,750 | 90% | 57.4/100 |
| #5 Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | Public | $2,522 | 78% | 41.7/100 |
Top 25 Most Affordable UX Design Programs 2026
| Rank | Institution | Location | Tuition | Value Score | Grad Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Massachusetts College of Art and Design | Boston, MA | $1,030 | — | 98% |
| 2 | Elizabeth City State University | Elizabeth City, NC | $1,000 | — | 99% |
| 3 | Fitchburg State University | Fitchburg, MA | $970 | — | — |
| 4 | Gulf Coast State College | Panama City, FL | $1,750 | — | 90% |
| 5 | Florida Atlantic University | Boca Raton, FL | $2,522 | — | 78% |
| 6 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology | Kirkland, WA | $3,195 | — | 43% |
| 7 | North Carolina A & T State University | Greensboro, NC | $3,540 | — | 84% |
| 8 | Highline College | Des Moines, WA | $3,633 | — | — |
| 9 | Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University | Tallahassee, FL | $3,152 | — | — |
| 10 | University of Hawaii Maui College | Kahului, HI | $3,144 | — | — |
| 11 | University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | $4,478 | — | 93% |
| 12 | University of North Carolina at Charlotte | Charlotte, NC | $3,812 | — | 76% |
| 13 | University of Florida | Gainesville, FL | $4,477 | — | 95% |
| 14 | Georgia Southern University | Statesboro, GA | $4,371 | — | 94% |
| 15 | Kennesaw State University | Kennesaw, GA | $4,450 | — | 66% |
| 16 | University of Florida-Online | Gainesville, FL | $3,358 | — | 65% |
| 17 | University of North Georgia | Dahlonega, GA | $4,230 | — | 100% |
| 18 | University of South Florida | Tampa, FL | $4,559 | — | 85% |
| 19 | Florida Gulf Coast University | Fort Myers, FL | $4,191 | — | 95% |
| 20 | Texas A & M University-Commerce | Commerce, TX | $4,790 | — | 83% |
| 21 | Florida State University | Tallahassee, FL | $4,640 | — | — |
| 22 | California State University-Fresno | Fresno, CA | $5,742 | — | 97% |
| 23 | Appalachian State University | Boone, NC | $4,242 | — | 78% |
| 24 | Escuela de Artes Plasticas y Diseno de Puerto Rico | San Juan, PR | $4,300 | — | 83% |
| 25 | Florida International University | Miami, FL | $4,721 | — | — |
Showing 1–25 of 50
True Cost Breakdown
The true cost of a UX Design degree extends beyond tuition. Understanding total cost of attendance helps you budget accurately and compare programs fairly. According to College Board, non-tuition expenses add $12,000-$25,000 annually to degree costs.
Full Cost Breakdown:
- Tuition — $3,000-$15,000/year (in-state public) vs $30,000-$60,000/year (private)
- Fees — $500-$3,000/year (technology, activity, health fees)
- Books/Supplies — $500-$1,500/year; e-textbooks and open resources reduce costs
- Housing — $8,000-$15,000/year; off-campus often cheaper than dorms
- Food — $3,000-$5,000/year; meal plans vs. cooking varies widely
- Transportation — $1,000-$3,000/year; car-free campuses save significantly
- Personal/Misc — $2,000-$4,000/year; includes phone, entertainment, supplies
Cost-Saving Strategy: Use each school's Net Price Calculator for personalized estimates including financial aid. Sticker price rarely reflects actual cost.
In-State Tuition Strategies
Establishing in-state residency can reduce UX Design degree costs by $40,000-$80,000 over four years. Each state has different requirements, but most allow residency establishment within 12 months.
Common Residency Requirements:
- Physical presence — 12 consecutive months living in state before enrollment
- Intent to remain — Driver's license, voter registration, vehicle registration in state
- Financial independence — If under 24, may need parents to establish residency too
- Employment — Some states require working in-state during residency year
Gap Year Strategy: Work in your target state for a year before starting college. You'll earn money, establish residency, and save tens of thousands on tuition. Many tech hubs (Austin, Seattle, Denver) offer good entry-level tech jobs.
Regional Agreements: Some states offer reduced tuition through compacts like WUE (Western Undergraduate Exchange) or MSEP (Midwest Student Exchange)—typically 150% of in-state tuition.
Save with Transfer Credits
Starting at a community college before transferring can reduce UX Design degree costs by $20,000-$40,000. According to Community College Research Center, transfer students who complete associate's degrees before transferring achieve similar graduation rates to direct admits at four-year schools.
Transfer Pathway Strategy:
- Complete 60+ credits at community college (~$8,000-$15,000 total)
- Target transfer agreements — Many states guarantee admission to public universities for CC graduates
- Focus on transferable courses — General education and intro CS courses transfer most reliably
- Maintain 3.5+ GPA — Transfer admission is often more competitive than freshman admission
Transfer-Friendly Universities:
- UC System — TAG (Transfer Admission Guarantee) with CA community colleges
- UT Austin — CAP program guarantees transfer after one year at other UT campuses
- Arizona State — MAPP agreements with Maricopa Community Colleges
- Many state schools — 2+2 articulation agreements guarantee credit transfer
Graduate Debt-Free Strategies
Graduating debt-free from a UX Design program is achievable with strategic planning. According to TICAS, 30% of bachelor's graduates complete their degrees without student loans. Here's how to join them.
Debt-Free Strategies:
- Community college start — Complete 2 years for ~$7,000 vs $30,000+ at 4-year schools
- Work part-time — 15-20 hours/week at $15-20/hour covers living expenses; campus IT jobs are ideal
- Employer tuition programs — Companies like Starbucks, Amazon, and Target offer full tuition coverage
- AmeriCorps/Peace Corps — Earn $6,500+ education award per year of service
- Tuition payment plans — Interest-free monthly payments avoid loans for manageable amounts
Income While in School:
- Paid internships — ${programName} interns earn $4,000-$8,000/month in summer
- Freelance work — Web development, tutoring, or technical writing at $25-75/hour
- Teaching/tutoring — Campus tutoring centers pay $12-20/hour
- Research positions — $15-25/hour working with faculty
Career Paths
UX Designer
SOC 15-1255Design user interfaces and experiences for digital products and applications
UI Designer
SOC 15-1255Focus on visual design and interactive elements of digital interfaces
UX Researcher
SOC 15-1255Conduct user research and usability testing to inform design decisions
Product Designer
SOC 15-1255Lead design strategy and user experience across entire product lifecycles
Information Architect
SOC 15-1255Structure and organize digital content and navigation systems
Most Affordable States for UX Design Education
| State | Total Programs | Median Tuition | Top Program |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most Affordable UX Design Programs in Florida | 5 | $4,477 | University of Central Florida |
| Utah | 4 | $6,496 | Utah Valley University |
| Most Affordable UX Design Programs in North Carolina | 2 | $6,535 | University of North Carolina Wilmington |
| Wisconsin | 3 | $6,812 | University of Wisconsin-Whitewater |
| Most Affordable UX Design Programs in New York | 3 | $7,070 | CUNY New York City College of Technology |
| Most Affordable UX Design Programs in Texas | 7 | $8,685 | Tarleton State University |
| Maryland | 2 | $9,238 | University of Maryland-Baltimore County |
| Indiana | 3 | $9,718 | Purdue University-Main Campus |
| Kansas | 2 | $10,596 | Wichita State University |
| Most Affordable UX Design Programs in Washington | 4 | $11,524 | Lake Washington Institute of Technology |
| Most Affordable UX Design Programs in Arizona | 2 | $11,546 | Northern Arizona University |
| Most Affordable UX Design Programs in Ohio | 3 | $11,826 | Ohio State University-Main Campus |
| Most Affordable UX Design Programs in California | 4 | $11,834 | California State University-Monterey Bay |
| New Jersey | 2 | $13,674 | Kean University |
Maximizing Financial Aid for UX Design Students
Financial aid significantly reduces the actual cost of UX design education. The most affordable programs in our rankings provide financial aid to 75-85% of students, with average aid packages ranging from $8,000-$15,000 annually. This aid comes through federal grants, state programs, institutional scholarships, and work-study opportunities.
Pell Grant eligibility provides up to $7,395 annually for students with demonstrated financial need (Federal Student Aid). Many public universities supplement federal aid with state grants and institutional scholarships specifically for in-state students pursuing STEM and design fields.
Students should explore specialized scholarships for women in tech and design-specific funding opportunities. Organizations like Adobe, AIGA, and the National Center for Women & Information Technology offer scholarships ranging from $1,000-$10,000 for UX design students.
- Complete FAFSA by priority deadlines (typically February-March)
- Apply for state-specific grants and scholarships
- Research university foundation scholarships for design students
- Consider work-study programs related to design and technology
- Explore employer tuition reimbursement if working part-time
Merit-based scholarships at affordable public universities often require 3.5+ GPAs and strong portfolios. Many programs offer renewable scholarships worth $2,000-$8,000 annually for students maintaining academic standards and demonstrating continued interest in UX design careers.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable UX Design Programs
Based on 61 programs from IPEDS 2023, BLS OES May 2024
Ranking Factors
Percentage of students who complete their degree within 150% of normal time, indicating program effectiveness and student support.
Based on the number of graduates in this specific field, reflecting program size, resources, and industry relevance.
Derived from acceptance rate, indicating academic competitiveness and prestige of the institution.
Regional salary data and employment rates for graduates in this field.
Return on investment calculated from tuition costs relative to expected career earnings.
Data Sources and Methodology
Tuition, fees, and institutional data from the National Center for Education Statistics
Graduate earnings, employment rates, and loan default data from the Department of Education
Employment projections and salary data for UX design and web development occupations
Financial aid programs, Pell Grant amounts, and FAFSA requirements
Understanding UX Design Program Costs: Public vs Private
The cost difference between public and private UX design programs is substantial. In-state students at public universities pay an average of $12,500 annually for tuition and fees, while private institution costs average $45,000 per year. This represents a potential savings of $130,000 over four years when choosing public education.
Total program costs extend beyond tuition to include housing, meals, books, and supplies. Public university students typically spend $98,000-$120,000 for a complete four-year UX design degree, including living expenses. Private university students often face total costs of $200,000-$280,000 for the same education level.
- In-state public tuition: $8,000-$18,000 annually
- Out-of-state public tuition: $20,000-$35,000 annually
- Private university tuition: $35,000-$55,000 annually
- Living expenses: $12,000-$18,000 annually depending on location
- Books and supplies: $1,200-$1,800 annually for design software and materials
Students pursuing online UX design degrees can reduce costs further by eliminating campus housing and commuting expenses. Online programs from accredited public universities offer the same curriculum and degrees as on-campus versions while providing flexibility for working students.
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.