Graphic Design Degree in Murfreesboro, TN — Salary & ROI 2026
Graphic Design degree analysis for Murfreesboro, TN. 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
7.9 yrs
in Murfreesboro
Cost of Living
91
index (100 = avg)
Graphic Design in Murfreesboro, TN Overview
Murfreesboro, Tennessee (pop. 152,769) has 10 colleges offering Graphic Design programs. The local cost of living index of 91 is near the national average, with average rent near campus at $1,003/month. Graphic Design enrollment is stable nationwide, with steady demand for graduates skilled in Adobe Creative Suite and Typography. The adjusted starting salary in Murfreesboro is approximately $43,680.
Category
Arts & Design
Local Colleges
10
Public Tuition
$9,312/yr
Private Tuition
$43,809/yr
Room & Board
$13,946/yr
Avg Fin. Aid
$16,072/yr
Unemployment
5.4%
Graduation Rate
53%
Graphic Design Salary in Murfreesboro (COL-Adjusted)
Salaries adjusted for Murfreesboro's cost of living index of 91 (national average = 100).
Note: National average Graphic Design salary: $48,000 starting, $72,000 mid-career, $88,000 senior level.Murfreesboro adjustment factor: 0.91x based on the local cost of living index.
Graphic Design ROI Calculator for Murfreesboro
Estimate your return on investment for a Graphic Design degree using local Murfreesboro tuition and cost of living data.
Public avg: $9,312 | Private avg: $43,809
Murfreesboro avg aid: $16,072/yr
Federal avg: 6.5% | Private: 4-14%
Total Education Cost
$93,032
tuition + room & board - aid
Annual Earnings Premium
$11,830
vs HS diploma in Murfreesboro
ROI Payback Period
7.9 years
to break even
Lifetime Return in Murfreesboro
$252,768
Lifetime earnings premium ($345,800) minus total education cost ($93,032)
Student Loan Payoff for Graphic Design in Murfreesboro
Standard Plan (10 years)
Aggressive Plan (5 years)
Colleges in Murfreesboro for Graphic Design
Middle Tennessee State University
public
$9,312/yr
$37,248 total
Community Colleges (2-Year Transfer)
Motlow State Community College
$4,320/yr
Top Employers for Graphic Design in Murfreesboro
Murfreesboro offers opportunities in Design agencies, Studios, Tech companies for Graphic Design graduates. National top employers in this field include:
Key Murfreesboro Hiring Sectors for Arts & Design
Design agencies
Studios
Tech companies
Advertising firms
Media companies
Common Graphic Design Job Titles
Graphic Design in Nearby Tennessee Cities
Nashville, TN
$44K starting · COL 92
35 colleges
Memphis, TN
$45K starting · COL 93
22 colleges
Knoxville, TN
$41K starting · COL 85
5 colleges
Chattanooga, TN
$38K starting · COL 80
5 colleges
Clarksville, TN
$43K starting · COL 90
9 colleges
Franklin, TN
$57K starting · COL 118.5
4 colleges
Jackson, TN
$40K starting · COL 82.5
3 colleges
Johnson City, TN
$50K starting · COL 105
6 colleges
Other Arts & Design Majors in Murfreesboro
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 Murfreesboro — 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 Murfreesboro.