Graphic Design Degree in Akron, OH — Salary & ROI 2026
Graphic Design degree analysis for Akron, OH. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$50K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$76K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
5.9 yrs
in Akron
Cost of Living
105
index (100 = avg)
Graphic Design in Akron, OH Overview
While Akron has a smaller college scene with 5 institutions, Graphic Design students benefit from lower tuition costs. Room and board averages $8,745/year, and the car-friendly layout shapes the student experience. Graphic Design enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and Typography. The adjusted starting salary in Akron is approximately $50,400.
Category
Arts & Design
Local Colleges
5
Public Tuition
$11,330/yr
Private Tuition
$45,325/yr
Room & Board
$8,745/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$8,336/yr
Unemployment
3.3%
Graduation Rate
72%
Graphic Design Salary in Akron (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Akron's cost of living index of 105 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Graphic Design salary: $48,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $88,000 senior level.Akron adjustment factor: 1.05x based on the local cost of living index.
Graphic Design ROI Calculator for Akron
Estimate your return on investment for a Graphic Design degree using local Akron tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $11,330 | Private avg: $45,325
Akron avg aid: $8,336/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$80,300
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$13,650
vs HS diploma in Akron
ROI Payback Period
5.9 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Akron
$318,700
Lifetime earnings premium ($399,000) minus total education cost ($80,300)
Student Loan Payoff for Graphic Design in Akron
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Akron for Graphic Design
University of Akron
public
$11,330/yr
$45,320 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Stark State College
$4,344/yr
Top Employers for Graphic Design in Akron
Akron offers opportunities in Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies for Graphic Design graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Akron Hiring Sectors for Arts & Design
Design agencies
Studios
Tech companies
Advertising firms
Media companies
Common Graphic Design Job Titles
Graphic Design in Nearby Ohio Cities
Columbus, OH
$49K starting · COL 103
31 colleges
Cleveland, OH
$46K starting · COL 96
20 colleges
Cincinnati, OH
$49K starting · COL 102
28 colleges
Toledo, OH
$52K starting · COL 108
16 colleges
Dayton, OH
$50K starting · COL 104
9 colleges
Parma, OH
$43K starting · COL 90
4 colleges
Canton, OH
$40K starting · COL 84
4 colleges
Lorain, OH
$41K starting · COL 85.2
3 colleges
Other Arts & Design Majors in Akron
UX Design
$53K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Architecture
$61K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Animation & Game Design
$53K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Industrial Design
$53K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Interior Design
$53K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Fashion Design
$53K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Film & Media Studies
$53K starting · 7.5 yr ROI
Fine Arts
$53K starting · 9 yr ROI
Graphic Design Degree in Akron — FAQ
Data Sources: Salary data from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbook. Cost of living from BLS Regional Data. College data from NCES/IPEDS. Updated March 2026.
Explore More
Compare Graphic Design ROI in other cities, or explore other majors in Akron.