Why is this happening?

[ChanelS]

I just purchased this laptop three months ago and when I started using the  laptop, there were a lot of issues with the graphics. Lots of flickering and weird coloration happening. I waited to say anything because I wanted to see if an update would fix it, but all the updates I’ve gotten have made it worse. 

I’m away for school, so I can’t really send my laptop in. The picture I provided is not as severe as it’s gotten some times. 

[WAWood]

@ChanelS 

This is almost certainly an indication of failing video hardware -- either the screen or the video chip or both.

You need to connect an external monitor to the laptop.

If the visual artifacts also appear on the monitor, then it is a failing video chip and since those are soldered to the motherboard, they are not replaceable.

If the visual artifacts do NOT appear on the monitor, then it is a failing laptop screen. While those can be replaced, the cost varies enormously by individual PC model.

We are not able, or permitted, to provide any repair estimates or equipment prices.
For this information, you would need to contact an HP Repair or Service Center.

Since you live in the U.S., here is a link to the HP Service Repair Centers:
https://www.service-center-locator.com/hp-hewlett-packard/hp-hewlett-packard-service-center.htm

Good Luck