Graphic Design Degree in Des Moines, IA — Salary & ROI 2026
Graphic Design degree analysis for Des Moines, IA. COL-adjusted salary data, local tuition costs, ROI calculator, and job market outlook.
Starting Salary
$44K
COL-adjusted
Mid-Career
$66K
COL-adjusted
ROI Payback
5.9 yrs
in Des Moines
Cost of Living
92
index (100 = avg)
Graphic Design in Des Moines, IA Overview
Des Moines, Iowa (pop. 214,133) has 10 colleges offering Graphic Design programs. The local cost of living index of 92 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $975/month. Graphic Design enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and Typography. The adjusted starting salary in Des Moines is approximately $44,160.
Category
Arts & Design
Local Colleges
10
Public Tuition
$8,977/yr
Private Tuition
$38,388/yr
Room & Board
$8,658/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$9,739/yr
Unemployment
6.9%
Graduation Rate
56%
Graphic Design Salary in Des Moines (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Des Moines's cost of living index of 92 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Graphic Design salary: $48,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $88,000 senior level.Des Moines adjustment factor: 0.92x based on the local cost of living index.
Graphic Design ROI Calculator for Des Moines
Estimate your return on investment for a Graphic Design degree using local Des Moines tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $8,977 | Private avg: $38,388
Des Moines avg aid: $9,739/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$70,540
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$11,960
vs HS diploma in Des Moines
ROI Payback Period
5.9 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Des Moines
$279,060
Lifetime earnings premium ($349,600) minus total education cost ($70,540)
Student Loan Payoff for Graphic Design in Des Moines
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Des Moines for Graphic Design
Drake University
private
$45,520/yr
$182,080 total
Grand View University
private
$31,256/yr
$125,024 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Des Moines Area Community College
$5,064/yr
Top Employers for Graphic Design in Des Moines
Des Moines offers opportunities in Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies for Graphic Design graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Des Moines Hiring Sectors for Arts & Design
Design agencies
Studios
Tech companies
Advertising firms
Media companies
Common Graphic Design Job Titles
Graphic Design in Nearby Iowa Cities
Cedar Rapids, IA
$48K starting · COL 100
4 colleges
Davenport, IA
$38K starting · COL 79
6 colleges
Sioux City, IA
$40K starting · COL 84
2 colleges
Iowa City, IA
$46K starting · COL 95.2
3 colleges
West Des Moines, IA
$47K starting · COL 97.5
3 colleges
Ankeny, IA
$46K starting · COL 95.8
3 colleges
Waterloo, IA
$40K starting · COL 82.5
3 colleges
Ames, IA
$42K starting · COL 87
8 colleges
Other Arts & Design Majors in Des Moines
UX Design
$46K starting · 3.2 yr ROI
Architecture
$53K starting · 5.5 yr ROI
Animation & Game Design
$46K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Industrial Design
$46K starting · 4.8 yr ROI
Interior Design
$46K starting · 5.8 yr ROI
Fashion Design
$46K starting · 6.5 yr ROI
Film & Media Studies
$46K starting · 7.5 yr ROI
Fine Arts
$46K starting · 9 yr ROI
Graphic Design Degree in Des Moines — 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 Des Moines.