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QS Rank:

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1001

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Kent State University

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Ohio

United States

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in Visual Communication Design at Kent State University prepares students for dynamic careers in graphic design and illustration. Offered through the College of Communication and Information, this program provides a flexible liberal arts framework, allowing students to tailor their coursework. The curriculum focuses on developing technical skills in organizing imagery and typography for a wide range of applications, including print, motion, video, screen displays, interactive experiences, package design, exhibition design, and environmental wayfinding. Students gain proficiency in traditional craftsmanship and digital technologies, learning to create effective visual solutions to communication challenges while understanding the ethical and legal aspects of the field. This BA program is ideal for those planning to pursue graduate studies or combine visual communication design with another academic discipline.
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Total Tuition Fees

$97,200

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Duration

48 Months

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Median Salary

$40,674

Ranking

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#683

US World and News Report

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#1001

QS World University Rankings

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Intake

Fall ( Sept - Nov )

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Spring ( Apr - June )

Class Profile

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Class Size

25

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Average Age

22

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Average Work Experience

1 Years

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Full-Time Enrollment

4,588 Undergrads

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Admission Policy

GPA: Require; Rank: Not Used; Prep Courses: Consider if Submitted; Recommendations: Consider if Submitted

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International Students

4.01

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Rentention Rate

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82

Career Outcomes

Graduates of the Visual Communication Design program are prepared for diverse roles in graphic design and illustration, developing strong technical skills in organizing imagery and typography for various media, from print to interactive experiences. The program emphasizes ethical considerations, traditional craftsmanship, and digital proficiency, enabling students to solve complex communication problems visually. Many graduates pursue careers directly in the field, while others opt for graduate studies or combine their design expertise with another field.
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Median Earnings After Graduation

$40,674 / year

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Graduation Rate

67%

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Job Placement

93%

Prospective Job Roles

Graphic Designer

Illustrator

UI/UX Designer

Package Designer

Art/Creative Director

Motion Designer/Animator

Exhibit/Wayfinding Designer

Top recruiters

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Eligibility Criteria

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At least 2.5 / 4.0 undergraduate GPA is expected.

English Proficiency Tests

  • TOEFL

    71

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  • PTE

    48

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  • Duolingo

    100

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  • IELTS

    6

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Standardised Test Score

  • SAT

    510

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Application Requirements

Here's everything you need to know to ensure a complete and competitive application—covering the key documents and criteria for a successful submission.

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Application Fee: 50

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    Transcript

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    English Proficiency Test

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    Academic LOR

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    Resume

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    Portfolio

Application Deadlines

Regular DecisionPriority ApplicationScholarship Consideration
SpringOct 1, 2026N/AN/A
FallJun 1, 2027Nov 1, 2026May 1, 2027

Fees and Funding

Tuition and estimated room & board are proposed for the 2026-2027 academic year. Total program cost for non-Ohio residents and international students is approximately $97,200 over 4 years.
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Tuition Fees

$24,300 / year

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Overall Cost

$44,321 / year

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Average Total Aid Awarded

$15,635 / year

Funding Options

Scholarship

Merit Scholarship

Average aid awarded: $15,635. 58% of students receive financial aid. 63% of financial need met

Scholarships

Global Scholarship (USD 9,650) - For incoming international undergraduate students, renewable with full-time enrollment and good academic standing. Range: $4,300 to $15,000 annually.; Honors Scholarship (USD 9,500) - For new freshmen admitted to the Honors College, based on GPA. Range: $2,000 to $17,000 annually.; Polatajko Family Scholarship (USD 1,000) - For undergraduate and graduate students with a minimum GPA of 2.75. Non-renewable.; CCI Dean's Scholarship - Need-based scholarship for admitted Kent State undergraduates in the School of Visual Communication Design and other CCI schools. Requires a completed FAFSA.; Wallace J. Hagedorn Photography Scholarship (USD 200,000) - Awarded by the School of Media and Journalism and the School of Visual Communication Design to photography students. Up to $200,000 annually.; Richard Sweet Memorial Scholarship in Art (USD 920) - For graduates of Portage County, Ohio, high schools pursuing a BA or BFA in Design or Photography/Fine Art, with a 3.0 GPA or higher and a portfolio.; Flashes Go Further Scholarship - Offers tuition-free education.; Automatic Merit Scholarship Consideration - First-year students admitted for Fall 2026 by February 1, 2026, are automatically considered for merit scholarships from the Office of University Scholarships and Financial Aid.
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    Polatajko Family Scholarship

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    CCI Dean's Scholarship

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    Wallace J. Hagedorn Photography Scholarship

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    Richard Sweet Memorial Scholarship in Art

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    Flashes Go Further Scholarship

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    Automatic Merit Scholarship Consideration

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    Honors Scholarship

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    Global Scholarship

FAQs

  • A student can complete Visual communication design at Kent State University with in 48.
  • The application fee to pursue Visual communication design at Kent State University is USD 70 for international students.
  • The annual tuition fee to pursue Visual communication design at Kent State University is USD 20799.
  • The submission of these scores mainly depends on the type of degree/ course selected at the Kent State University. For example, the GMAT test is required to take admission to an abroad graduate management program, the LSAT is required during an abroad Law School admission process, and more. Therefore, check Kent State University requirements before submitting a score.
  • Visual communication design can help Indian/ international students gain: 1. Quality and Practical Education 2. Global Recognition 3. International Exposure 4. Amazing Job Opportunities 5. Experience of Lifetime and more
  • If a student fulfils all the eligibility criteria and admission requirements of Kent State University, they can easily pursue Visual communication design. The basic eligibility criteria include the following: 1. A GPA above 3 2. Well-written Statement of Purpose 3. An impressive Letter of Recommendation 4. A Work Experience Certificate (if required) 5. A Statement of Financial Proof 6. Academic Transcripts 7. Valid Visa, etc.
  • An MS degree at Kent State University can usually be completed in 2 years. However, many universities offer a 1-year master’s specialisation as well. You can explore the official Kent State University website to check the course/ degree duration.
  • One can apply for scholarships to pursue their international education at Kent State University by: 1. Looking for country-specific scholarships by contacting the specific scholarship institutions. 2. Applying to or finding out if any subject-specific scholarships are available from the university website/ department.

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