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Fall 2027 applications are open — priority deadline is December 1

Campora

University
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Undergraduate Fine & Performing Arts

Graphic Design B.F.A.

Typography, brand and digital product design — studio-based, with a portfolio review every year.

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Credential
B.F.A.
Duration
4 years
Credits
120
Format
On campus
Tuition
$58,400 /yr
Next start
Aug 30, 2027
Apply by
Jan 15, 2027

Program overview

What this program is about

Graphic Design students work in studios with their own desk, from typography and image-making in year one to brand systems and digital product design.

Every spring, visiting designers from Boston studios review your portfolio, and the senior show is attended by agencies across New England.

Learning by doing

Every Campora program includes hands-on work outside the classroom — a co-op, a clinical placement, a residency, a studio project or faculty research. Boston is our campus: more than 600 employers and 30 hospitals are a short ride away.

  • 91%employed or in grad school within six months
  • $58,000median starting salary
  • 16students in an average class

What you will learn

  • Design with typography and grids
  • Create brand identity systems
  • Design digital products and interfaces
  • Present and defend design decisions
  • Build a professional portfolio

Curriculum

Your courses, term by term

120 credits across 8 terms. Course codes and credits as listed in the 2026–27 catalog.

Year 1 · Fall 16 credits
CodeCourseCredits
DES 101Design Foundations4
WRT 101First-Year Writing Seminar4
DES 111Drawing and Image-Making4
CAP 101Boston as Classroom (First-Year Seminar)4
Year 1 · Spring 16 credits
CodeCourseCredits
DES 121Typography I4
MTH 140Introduction to Statistics4
DES 201Typography II4
PHL 110Ethics and Society4
Year 2 · Fall 16 credits
CodeCourseCredits
DES 211Color and Composition4
HIS 120American Histories4
DES 221Brand Identity4
COM 210Public Speaking4
Year 2 · Spring 16 credits
CodeCourseCredits
DES 301Interaction Design4
DES 311Motion Design4
DES 321Publication Design4
DES 401Design Studio4
Year 3 · Fall 16 credits
CodeCourseCredits
DES 411Portfolio Seminar4
DES 421Senior Thesis Show4
DES 3xxMajor elective4
ELE —Free elective4
Year 3 · Spring 16 credits
CodeCourseCredits
ELE —Free elective4
DES 3xxMajor elective4
ELE —Free elective4
ELE —Free elective4
Year 4 · Fall 12 credits
CodeCourseCredits
DES 3xxMajor elective4
ELE —Free elective4
ELE —Free elective4
Year 4 · Spring 12 credits
CodeCourseCredits
DES 3xxMajor elective4
ELE —Free elective4
ELE —Free elective4

Concentrations

Shape the degree around your interests

  • 01

    Brand Design

    Identity, packaging and campaigns.

  • 02

    Digital Product Design

    UX/UI and interaction.

  • 03

    Motion

    Animation and video for screens.

Career outcomes

Where graduates go

  • Graphic designer $68,000
  • UX/UI designer $104,000
  • Art director $112,000

Median annual pay in Massachusetts, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational data (2025), rounded.

Recent graduates work at

  • Pentagram
  • HubSpot
  • Wayfair
  • Hill Holliday
  • New Balance

Admissions

What you need to apply

  • Campora online application or the Common App
  • Official high school transcript (college transcripts for transfer students)
  • One counselor or teacher recommendation
  • Personal essay, 250–650 words
  • SAT or ACT scores optional (test-optional)
  • Portfolio of 10–15 recent pieces

Deadlines

Early Action
Nov 1, 2026
Priority scholarship
Dec 1, 2026
Regular Decision
Jan 15, 2027
Transfer students
Mar 1, 2027

Tuition & aid

Cost and how to pay for it

Tuition2026–27, full time$58,400
Student activity & technology fee$1,180
Campus housingdouble room$13,900
Meal planunlimited$6,800
Books & suppliesestimate$1,200
Estimated total per year$81,480

Scholarships for this program

  • $24,000/yrPresidential ScholarshipGPA 3.8 or higher, renewable
  • $18,000/yrDean’s ScholarshipGPA 3.5 or higher, renewable
  • up to $30,000Commonwealth Grantneed-based, filed with the FAFSA

Estimate your net cost

Faculty

Who teaches you

Laura Chen

Assistant Professor of Graphic Design

Fine & Performing Arts

The annual portfolio reviews got me my first freelance clients.

Chloe Martinez B.F.A. Graphic Design, Class of 2024

FAQ

Questions students ask

Do I need a portfolio to apply?

Yes, 10–15 pieces of recent work in any medium. We review potential, not polish.

How long does the program take?

4 years of full-time study. Students who bring AP or transfer credit can finish sooner.

When can I start?

The next start date is August 29, 2027. Apply by January 14, 2027 for priority review.

Can international students apply?

Yes. Campora is approved to enroll F-1 students; our International Student Office helps with the I-20 and arrival.

How do I pay for it?

91% of students receive grants, scholarships or employer support. File the FAFSA and use the net price calculator on the Tuition & Aid page.

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Request information

Questions? We’ll answer in one day

Tell us a little about you and an admissions counselor will email you with answers, visit dates and next steps.

  • A reply from a real counselor within one business day
  • Cost and scholarship estimate for your program
  • Invitations to open houses and virtual sessions

Graphic Design

Next step

Ready to start Graphic Design?

Apply online in about 15 minutes, ask a counselor anything, or come and see campus for yourself.

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