Graphic design encompasses many different classes based on the profession that you would like to pursue.  First you must decide which profession you are targeting.  Of course, the basics include the traditional skills of drawing and painting.  These are then expanded upon to fit a niche.  When you add the computer technology of computer aided design software, web design and animation, you will have the knowledge to compete in a very large marketplace for a job.  Computer animation and 3D graduates fill the art, film and video game marketplaces.  These are the hottest new jobs available to graphic design students and with the above-mentioned skills, you will enter the job market as a design professional.

Following is a breakdown of the different types of graphic design.  Advertising design is seen everyday in magazines, on television and on all billboards and signs.  Any ad you see, has a great graphic designer behind it.  Set exhibit design includes placement of items in a strategic way so as to reach a goal.  This can be items on display in a store, Broadway play or even television set for a program.  Desktop publishing includes working with copywriters to plan layouts of magazines, web pages and even deciding on which photographic technique will achieve the required results. This also includes creating Cd covers, movie credits letterhead and logos.

The earnings to expect after retaining your degree, is as follows.  The average United States salary is reported as being $45,578 with management at $70,000 to $100,000.  Candidates who are well versed in verbal, visual and written communication and also pay great attention to clients needs will enter the market at the high end of the scale.  Of course, location and experience play into salaries as always.

The next question is live on-campus or commute?  Commuting is a much better cost efficient way of earning a degree.  With the huge rise in the cost of tuition and books, there is no need to further inflate the cost of education.  There are some variables also to consider. In choosing a school or college it is important to find one with easy access to the campus.  It is also advisable to check in advance for upcoming construction that would result in many hours of traffic and greatly increase your drive time.  If you are already stressed out when you arrive on campus and then have to stress out on the way home, it makes for a lot longer day and may even cause to be mentally gruelling.

The next item to look for is available grants and scholarships.  There are many available and they are easily accessible through the Internet.  Your education is exactly the same whether you pay full price or get government or financial aid.  Also, some colleges offer financial aid on their website.  There have been scholarships recently offered by Sony International Entertainment to women.  This is based on the fact that there is a dire shortage of women in the field of video game production and design.  Checking through large corporations as this one may help you obtain financial aid.  Apply for aid as soon as possible, ideally 6 months before you intend to start design school.

There are over 100 highly accredited graphic design schools in the United States.  The Art Institute has 40 locations and is widely known.  Some of them offer on-line night and weekend classes and even have a career services department.  This is essential to have help locating the perfect job for you in these tough economic times.