Graphic Design Degree in Augusta, GA — Salary & ROI 2026
Graphic Design degree analysis for Augusta, GA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$40K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$60K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
7.1 yrs
in Augusta
Cost of Living
83
index (100 = avg)
Graphic Design in Augusta, GA Overview
Augusta, Georgia (pop. 202,081) has 11 colleges offering Graphic Design programs. The local cost of living index of 83 keeps student expenses low, with average rent near campus at $848/month. Graphic Design enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and Typography. The adjusted starting salary in Augusta is approximately $39,840.
Category
Arts & Design
Local Colleges
11
Public Tuition
$9,540/yr
Private Tuition
$30,837/yr
Room & Board
$9,609/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$12,269/yr
Unemployment
4.7%
Graduation Rate
56%
Graphic Design Salary in Augusta (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Augusta's cost of living index of 83 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Graphic Design salary: $48,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $88,000 senior level.Augusta adjustment factor: 0.83x based on the local cost of living index.
Graphic Design ROI Calculator for Augusta
Estimate your return on investment for a Graphic Design degree using local Augusta tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $9,540 | Private avg: $30,837
Augusta avg aid: $12,269/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$76,596
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$10,790
vs HS diploma in Augusta
ROI Payback Period
7.1 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Augusta
$238,804
Lifetime earnings premium ($315,400) minus total education cost ($76,596)
Student Loan Payoff for Graphic Design in Augusta
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Augusta for Graphic Design
Augusta University
public
$9,540/yr
$38,160 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Augusta Technical College
$3,152/yr
Top Employers for Graphic Design in Augusta
Augusta offers opportunities in Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies for Graphic Design graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Augusta Hiring Sectors for Arts & Design
Design agencies
Studios
Tech companies
Advertising firms
Media companies
Common Graphic Design Job Titles
Graphic Design in Nearby Georgia Cities
Atlanta, GA
$48K starting · COL 101
23 colleges
Columbus, GA
$41K starting · COL 84.5
8 colleges
Macon, GA
$48K starting · COL 101
13 colleges
Savannah, GA
$46K starting · COL 95
12 colleges
Athens, GA
$49K starting · COL 103
11 colleges
Sandy Springs, GA
$54K starting · COL 112.5
5 colleges
Roswell, GA
$52K starting · COL 108.2
4 colleges
Johns Creek, GA
$54K starting · COL 112.8
4 colleges
Other Arts & Design Majors in Augusta
UX Design
$42K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Architecture
$48K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Animation & Game Design
$42K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Industrial Design
$42K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Interior Design
$42K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Fashion Design
$42K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Film & Media Studies
$42K starting · 7.5 yr ROI
Fine Arts
$42K starting · 9 yr ROI
Graphic Design Degree in Augusta — 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 Augusta.