The best! Talk about a subjective word!
If you’re graduating high school in the next year or two and looking towards your future pursuits in graphic design, “where should I go to college?!?” is likely creeping to the front of your brain.
Different people are going to want different things out of their college educations, even within the scope of a degree in graphic design.
How do you determine where to go?
Some of you will want to attend a university with some serious prestige, others of you would rather pay less tuition to obtain your degree.
Others of you still are looking for flexible degree options or a strong post-graduation employment rate. We’ve taken all of this into account, assembling a list of 50 graphic design colleges that are worth exploring for at least one of the reasons listed above.
Because of our varied criteria, this list doesn’t actually rank the top fifty schools chronologically (i.e. The #4 school is not necessarily better than the #44 school on the list). Time to look at some schools!
What are the top Graphic Design Schools?
The best graphic design schools for 2020 are:
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Florida
- Boston University
- Carnegie Mellon University
- University of Miami
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Maryland Institute College of Art
- School of Visual Arts – NYC
- University of Minnesota
View the complete list of graphic design schools and their program details below
The Best Graphic Design Schools are …
Important information about the educational debt, earnings, and completion rates of students who attended this program.
1. University of Pennsylvania
Department: Fine Arts Department
Website: https://www.design.upenn.edu/fine-arts/undergraduate/curriculum
Degrees:
- Major in Fine Arts, specializing in Graphic Design
- Minor in Fine Arts
- Master of Fine Arts
About:
The University of Pennsylvania, located in the city of Philadelphia, is an Ivy League college that has 10,300 undergraduate students. What’s great about UPenn, aside from their high-caliber educational offerings, is their financial aid.
They operate on a “no-loan” policy, meaning that all eligible students receive financial aid grants. Unlike loans included in the financial aid packages of other schools, students do not need to pay back grants.
2. University of Florida
Department: School of Art and Art History
Website: http://arts.ufl.edu/academics/art-and-art-history/programs/graphic-design/
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
- MFA in Studio Art with Concentration in Graphic Design
About:
The University of Florida engages in the valuable practice of building a highly collaborative classroom work environment. Fostering collaboration alongside creativity will set you up for real success as you move forward in your career. Alumni from UF work at places like Microsoft and Walt Disney Imagineering (among many others).
3. Boston University
Department: School of Fine Arts
Website: http://www.bu.edu/cfa/academics/find-a-degreeprogram/school-of-visual-arts/graphic-design/
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
- MFA in Graphic Design
About:
All undergraduate students at BU must attend the foundation program before officially entering into their pursuit of a BFA in Graphic Design. This Foundation program exposes students to all forms of art creation and works to train your mind, hands, and your eye for the tasks to come.
4. Carnegie Mellon University
Department: School of Graphic Design
Website: http://design.cmu.edu/programs/undergrad
Degrees:
- BDes in Graphic Design (BFA equivalent)
- BXA in Design and either humanities or sciences
- Minor in Design
- IDeATe (Integrative design, arts, and technology) design and a concentration in one of eight other fields (like game design)
- MA in Design
- MPS in Design for Interactions
- MDes in Design for Interactions
- PhD in Design Studies
About:
What’s great about a degree from Carnegie Mellon University is the customization it affords you. You have a lot of freedom when it comes to designing your degree; You can mix and match courses across disciplines, and even across different design fields (combining elements of graphic design and industrial design, for example).
5. University of Miami
Department: Department of Art and Art History
Website: http://www.as.miami.edu/art/areas-of-concentration/graphic-design–multimedia/
Degrees:
- BA in Graphic Design/Multimedia
- BFA in Graphic Design/Multimedia
- MFA in Graphic Design/Multimedia
About:
To Enroll in the BFA or MFA program, you will need to submit a portfolio in addition to your application. If you’re admitted into the BA program but wanted to be in the BFA program, you can apply to the BFA program.
However, in order to graduate with your BFA degree, you’ll need to be in the BFA program for at least one full year prior to graduation.
6. Rhode Island School of Design
Department: Graphic Design
Website: http://www.risd.edu/academics/graphic-design/
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
- MFA in Graphic Design
About:
RISD affords junior and senior level students in its BFA program the opportunity to nab internships during the school year or over the summer. RISD also requires a portfolio submission of 12-20 examples of your current work, and they will also assign you two drawing samples to include in your submission.
The front-end design submissions ensure that you join a class of aspiring graphic designers that have a similar running start in the discipline.
7. Rochester Institute of Technology
Department: College of Imaging Arts and Sciences
Website: http://cias.rit.edu/schools/design
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
About:
RIT’s College of Imaging Arts and Sciences department supplies students with impressive facilities in which they can further their studies and complete their work.
The Vignelli Center for Design Studies is one such place, known the world over. RIT also helps facilitate your acquisition of a co-op or internship, getting you some great real-world experience.
8. Maryland Institute College of Art
Department: Graphic Design
Website: https://www.mica.edu/Programs_of_Study/Undergraduate_Programs/Graphic_Design.html
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
- MFA in Graphic Design
About:
MICA’s focus is on helping you find your personal voice as a graphic designer. This can be a helpful approach, as uniqueness and personal flair will help you stand out against a more generic, white-washed approach to design.
9. School of Visual Arts
Department: Graphic Design
Website: http://www.sva.edu/undergraduate/design
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
- MFA in Design
About:
With a tremendous number of studio course offerings, it’s hard to get a more custom-built degree than at the School of Visual Arts. As a student, you can focus on honing your strengths or strengthen your weaknesses to really find your niche.
10. University of Minnesota
Department: College of Design
Website: http://graphic.design.umn.edu/
Degrees:
- Undergraduate Degree in Graphic Design
- Graduate Degree in Graphic Design
- Minor in Graphic Design
About:
The University of Minnesota is a great place for you if you’re looking to really entrench yourself in the college. The University has an abundance of resources to help you locate volunteer and student engagement opportunities. The focus on campus involvement will help you get the most out of your time at the University. (Our top-rated graphic design schools in Minnesota)
11. Parsons School of Design at the New School
Department: School of Art, Media, and Technology
Website: http://www.newschool.edu/parsons/bfa-communication-design/
Degrees:
- BFA Communications Design
- AAS in Graphic Design
About:
Calling New York home means the Parsons School of Design can boast close proximity, and ties, to a lot of big names in the world of design. This means you’ll have some great opportunities to pursue through guest lectures, possible internships, and even job contacts down the line.
12. Yale University
Department: The School of Art Graphic Design Program
Website: http://art.yale.edu/GraphicDesign
Degrees:
- MFA in Graphic Design
About:
Yale University offers a highly selective program in which you can earn your Master’s of Fine Arts degree in Graphic Design. Their MFA program lasts for two years, with the possibility of an extra year on the front end if you choose to try and enroll in their preliminary-year program, which guarantees you a spot in their MFA program.
Only ten students are admitted to the MFA program each year, up to seven of which could be from the preliminary-year program.
13. Wayne State College
Department: Department of Art and Design
Website: https://www.wsc.edu/directory_record/4931/graphic_design
Degrees:
- BA in Graphic Design
- BS in Graphic Design
About:
Wayne State College places a primary focus on design elements with the tool of choice being the computer. If you’re looking for a very affordable option, a school like Wayne State College is a good place to start.
Depending on how many credit hours you’re enrolled in, and where you live, your tuition could be between $3500 and $5000 dollars per semester.
14. Fashion Institute of Technology
Department: School of Art and Design
Website: https://www.fitnyc.edu/graphic-design/
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
About:
High-profile internship opportunities, as well as the opportunity to study abroad with your pick of several colleges in England are two big selling points for the Fashion Institute of Technology. FIT only offers a two-year program, which includes a mandatory internship and results in a BFA in Graphic Design.
15. North Carolina State University at Raleigh
Department: Department of Art and Design
Website: https://design.ncsu.edu/academics/graphic-design
Degrees:
- BA in Graphic Design
- Master of Graphic Design
About:
With a focus on the end-user and user experience, you’ll benefit greatly from a degree from North Carolina State University at Raleigh. The user experience is more important to business now than it’s ever been, and with that focus playing a strong part in your studies, you’ll end up with a very versatile skill set.
16. Florida State University
Department: Department of Art
Website: http://art.fsu.edu/programs-2/undergraduate/focus-area-templates-course-descriptions/
Degrees:
- BFA in Studio Art
About:
As you can see from the link, Florida State University has a wealth of Studio Art offerings. This school where you, as a student and eventual professional, can really find your niche. There are web courses, animation courses, mechatronic art courses–it’s full of interesting disciplines and skills to explore. (Full list of graphic design classes in Florida)
17. Appalachian State University
Department: Department of Art
Website: http://art.appstate.edu/graphicdesign.php
Degrees:
- BFA Graphic Design
About:
Here is another university that lets you focus on your strengths as an individual. Schools with that kind of flexibility will help you separate yourself from the pack. Appalachian State University is a school that will encourage you to come up with your own, personalized methods for creative problem-solving.
In a world where everyone is getting a degree, uniqueness will help you stand out.
18. Pratt Institute
Department: School of Design, School of Art
Website: https://www.pratt.edu/academics/school-of-art/undergraduate-school-of-art/associate-degrees/aos/graphic-design-aos/
Degrees:
- BFA in Communications Design
- AAS in Graphic Design/Illustration
- AOS in Graphic Design
About:
Attending Pratt Institute will cost around $60,000 dollars (includes tuition, room and board, and fees). The institute offers two 2-year Graphic Design Programs, one of which has an illustration focus. The BFA in Communications Design combines advertising, illustration, and graphic design.
19. Drake University
Department: The Department of Art and Design
Website: http://www.drake.edu/academics/undergraduate/majors/graphic/
Degrees:
- BA in Graphic Design
- BFA in Graphic Design
About:
Drake University is a school that focuses on your technical skills as a graphic designer. Your abilities to problem solve or communicate will only take you so far if you’re unable to deliver a fine finished product.
The final project not only requires you to assemble an online portfolio, but also requires you to develop “a stationary system and necessary business communication documents.”
20. Iowa State University
Department: Graphic Design Department
Website: http://www.design.iastate.edu/graphicdesign/degree.php
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
About:
Only 76 students are admitted into the BFA program annually, after completing their first year in the Core Design Program. The price is right for Iowa, too. Residents can expect to pay around $16,000, which includes housing. Those of you looking to attend from outside the state of Iowa will pay closer to $30,000.
21. California Institute of the Arts
Department: The School of Art
Website: https://art.calarts.edu/programs/graphic-design
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
- MFA in Graphic Design
- MFA in Graphic Design with a Motion Graphics Specialization
About:
The California Institute of the Arts BFA program has a competitive cap of 15 students. Enrollment alone does not guarantee success, as you will be subjected to faculty reviews at the end of every academic year. Continuing on in the BFA program is contingent upon passing the review. (View all graphic design colleges in California)
22. Pennsylvania State University
Department: College of Arts and Architecture, Stuckeman School
Website: https://stuckeman.psu.edu/gd
Degrees:
- Bachelor of Design
- Master of Fine Arts
About:
Despite its size as an overall university, Penn State’s graphic design college program promises classes of 20 students or less. The university has also attracted instructors with widely varying backgrounds. The diversity of faculty, coupled with the newly built state-of-the-art facilities, makes PSU an appealing choice for any student.
23. Dominican University
Department: Art Department
Website: http://www.dom.edu/academics/undergraduate/programs/graphic-design
Degrees:
- Major in Graphic Design
About:
For full-time undergraduates, the price of tuition, and room and board, comes in around $40,000 dollars. That’s a lot of money, but it is under the national average for 4-year private universities. And, over 90% of incoming students receive financial aid. Their facilities are decked out with powerful computers and the latest graphic design software.
24. Ringling College of Art and Design
Department: Art and Design
Website: http://www.ringling.edu/Graphic-Design
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
About:
This Floridian college was originally founded as a college for cartoonists. Now it’s grown to include 11 major degree program offerings from which you can choose. In the Graphic Design program, you’ll have an opportunity to collaborate with local businesses to earn some real-world experience.
25. American University
Department: Department of Art
Website: http://www.american.edu/cas/graphic-design/
Degrees:
- BA in Graphic Design
- Minor in Graphic Design
About:
Like many universities on the list, American University requires students to complete core classes, with passing grades, before being officially admitted into this graphic design college. A portfolio submission prior to your senior year is required.
These checks and balances ensure that you as a student are applying yourself and growing your skills.
26. Texas A&M University-Commerce
Department: Graphic Design
Website: http://www.tamuc.edu/academics/locations/dallas/programs/designCommunication.aspx
Degrees:
- BFA in Design Communications
- BFA in New Media
- BFA in Art Direction
About:
Texas A&M University-Commerce provides you with three different paths of focus for a degree in fields that overlap with graphic design. Design Communications focuses mostly on print work: packaging, billboards, posters, etc.
New Media focuses on skills like animation, and interactive and multimedia design. Art Direction focuses on market targeting and singular ad campaigns in a variety of mediums.
27. Savannah College of Art and Design
Department: School of Digital Media
Website: https://www.scad.edu/academics/programs/graphic-design
Degrees:
- BFA/BA/Minor in Graphic Design
- MFA/MA in Graphic Design
About:
Savannah College of Art and Design has a curricular emphasis on the user experience. Appealing to the end-user is more important today than it’s ever been before. SCAD’s focus on that industry shift speaks to its up-to-date curriculum.
28. Northeastern University
Department: Department of Art + Design
Website: http://www.northeastern.edu/camd/artdesign/
Degrees:
- BS in Graphic and Info Design
- BA in Graphic and Info Design
About:
Northeastern University has an abundance of major and minor degree programs to choose from, all within the art + design fields. The two degrees listed above are the two most specifically related to graphic design.
However, there are other degrees, like those in interactive design, that deal with similar elements but ultimately hone in on a different niche. If you want to pursue Graphic design or even something like Graphic Design, Northeastern University is a great choice.
29. University of Denver
Department: School of Art and Art History
Website: http://www.du.edu/ahss/art/programs/studio-art-bfa.html
Degrees:
- BA in Studio Art
- BFA in Studio Art
About:
University of Denver, with its more open-ended Studio Art programs, will allow you to focus more on what you want to do, placing your credit hours into amassing wide skills or following or more vertical learning path.
Everything from ceramics to 3D renderings is covered in the Studio Art program. You’ll be able to design in whatever form you’d like.
30. Michigan State University
Department: Department of Art, Art History, and Design
Website: http://art.msu.edu/content/graphic-design
Degrees:
- Bachelors in Studio Art with Graphic Design Concentration
About:
The design program at Michigan State University has a collaborative relationship with its community; Students attending Michigan State University have the opportunity to work with clients, but within and outside of the university, allowing you to gain professional experience.
31. Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Department: Art and Design
Website: http://mcad.edu/academic-programs/graphic-design
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
- MFA in Visual Studies
- Certificate in Graphic Design
About:
In your third year at MCAD, you will be required to score an internship. It might be a daunting task, but having that built into the curriculum will serve you well. Another networking opportunity comes in your senior year of the BFA in Graphic Design Program.
MCAD hosts an Emerging Talent Showcase, allowing students to showcase their work to potential employers.
32. Chapman University
Department: Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences
Website: https://www.chapman.edu/wilkinson/art/graphic-design/
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
About:
Chapman University offers you, as the student, the opportunity to develop the technical skills, the verbal articulation, and the personal voice you’ll need to succeed as a graphic designer. Chapman University will also challenge you with a project in which you are judged against professional, industry standards.
Having your work hold up to your peers and to your professors in an academic setting is one thing, having your work pass the industry standards test is a completely different animal.
33. Virginia Commonwealth University
Department: The School of the Arts
Website: http://arts.vcu.edu/graphicdesign/
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
- MFA with a Visual Communications Concentration
About:
If you’re a person who likes to be involved in your community, whether it’s your school, your neighborhood, or your whole city, VCU is worth exploring. They have an overarching theme in their BFA program of ethical development, social awareness, and cultural awareness.
34. Cranbrook Academy of Art
Department: 2D Design Department
Website: http://cranbrookart.edu/2d-department/departmental-philosophy/
Degrees:
- MFA in Graphic Design
About:
Experimentation, creation, and actually making, these are some characteristics of the CAA Master of Fine Arts Degree Program in Graphic Design. The School only hosts about 150 students at a time, which shakes about to be about 15 grad students across each of the school’s ten program offerings.
35. Otis College of Art and Design
Department: The Communication Arts Department
Website: http://www.otis.edu/graphic-design
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
- MFA in Graphic Design
About:
The Communication Arts Department offers only three programs, one of which is Graphic Design. You’ll experiment with many forms of visual communication, everything from posters to websites.
36. Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Department: The Graphic Design Department
Website: http://www.massart.edu/academic_programs/graphic_design.html
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
- Certificate in Graphic Design
About:
MassArt offers a graphic design program that will help you develop your communication and idea-articulation skills. In the field of visual communication, it is vitally important that you can communicate with your team, MassArt’s focus on the elements of effective teamwork will help get you where you need to be to succeed.
37. Temple University
Department: The Tyler School of Art
Website: https://tyler.temple.edu/programs/graphic-interactive-design
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic and Interactive Design
- MFA in Graphic and Interactive Design
About:
Before entering into the BFA program for Graphic and Interactive Design, you must pass a portfolio review in your Sophomore year. In addition to the selective BFA program, Temple offers an even more selective two-year MFA program.
38. Art Center College of Design
Department: ArtCenter
Website: http://www.artcenter.edu/academics/undergraduate-degrees/overview.html
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
- MFA in Graphic Design
About:
Small classes, and a big focus on social and humanitarian needs, that’s ArtCenter in a nutshell. You can also expect some rewarding interdisciplinary work with other students and teachers from other majors and departments throughout the school.
39. North Carolina State University
Department: The College of Design’s Department of Art and Design
Website: https://design.ncsu.edu/academics/graphic-design
Degrees:
- BA in Graphic Design
- Master’s in Graphic Design
About:
NCSU’s BA degree program in Graphic Design stresses the importance of the user experience. Targeting your specific audience, designing great user interfaces, and using other elements of graphic design to improve the user experience, problems like these will be yours to solve at NCSU.
40. Arkansas Tech University
Department: College of Arts and Humanities
Website: http://www.atu.edu/art/artworks-graphicdesign.php
Degrees:
- BA in Graphic Design
About:
This is a bang-for-your-buck kind of school. In-state is around $14,000, and for non-residents it’s only $19,000. While these costs are based on the 2014/15 school year, they are the most up-to-date costs listed on ATU’s site.
41. School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Department: Visual Communication Design Department
Website: http://www.saic.edu/academics/departments/vcd/
Degrees:
- BFA in Visual Communication Design
- MFA in Visual Communication Design
- Certificate in Graphic Design
About:
At the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, you will approach graphic design knowing that your work and the work of your peers in the field impact mass culture, both in design and in art.
42. University at Buffalo
Department: Department of Art
Website: http://art.buffalo.edu/programs/undergraduate-programs/studio-art-ba/graphic-design-ba/
Degrees:
- BA in Graphic Design
- BFA in Graphic Design
About:
As with many BA programs, the BA program provided by the University at Buffalo takes a more general approach to the study of graphic design. If you are looking to major in another program or take on a double minor, the BA in Graphic Design is a great option for you.
The BFA in Graphic Design is a more technical approach to Graphic Design, and doesn’t afford the same broad-study opportunities.
43. CUNY Queens College
Department: Department of Art
Website: http://www.qc.cuny.edu/Academics/Degrees/DAH/Art/Pages/Design.aspx
Degrees:
- BS in Design
- Minor in Graphic Design
About:
In-state tuition is $6,500 dollars, and out-of-state tuition is over $13,000. Queens College gives you the opportunity to use industry-standard technology as you explore graphic design concepts and learn the art of visual communication.
Once-a-semester meetings with your advisor will ensure you are on track with your Design major’s requirements.
44. California College of the Arts
Department: Department of Art
Website: https://www.cca.edu/academics/graphic-design
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
About:
Graphic Design is one of the most popular programs at CCA. If you’re a top performing student, the college will likely provide you with an opportunity to network with local, employed graphic designers.
45. Creighton University
Department: College of Arts and Sciences
Website: https://www.creighton.edu/program/graphic-design-and-media-major-ba
Degrees:
- BA in Graphic Design and Media
About:
According to Creighton University, 96% of the College of Arts and Sciences are either enrolled in grad school, volunteering in their field or are employed within six months of graduation. Creighton University will help you find internships, freelance opportunities, or get you helping out with on-campus publications.
46. Texas Christian University
Department: Department of Graphic Design
Website: http://graphicdesign.tcu.edu/
Degrees:
- BA in Design Studies
- Minor in Design Studies
- BFA in Graphic Design
About:
TCU’s long-term placement record for BFA in Graphic Design graduates is 95%, and they claim that the last few years has seen an increase to 100% placement rate. That placement rate, in addition to the required internship for BFA students, makes the BFA program at TCU a worthwhile option to consider.
47. State University of New York at New Paltz
Department: School of Fine and Performing Arts
Website: https://www.newpaltz.edu/graphicdesign/about.html
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
About:
SUNY New Paltz believes that the best way to serve you as an aspiring graphic designer is to give you a broad education. Everything from anthropology to psychology is covered in the BFA program. The focus on graphic design as it applies to many other disciplines will give you a strong base for your visual communication pursuits. (The top New York graphic design colleges)
48. The University of Texas at El Paso
Department: Department of Art
Website: http://academics.utep.edu/Default.aspx?tabid=73755
Degrees:
- BFA in Studio Art with Graphic Design Concentration
About:
UTEP takes a formal approach to Graphic Design. This involves intense studies of typography early on, with the shift to expressive techniques occurring later in your academic career. (See more graphic design schools in Texas)
49. SUNY at Fredonia
Department: Department of Visual Arts and New Media
Website: http://home.fredonia.edu/art/graphic-design
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
About:
SUNY at Fredonia encourages their students to pull in concepts outside of graphic design. This is a university that recognizes the inextricable link between graphic design and other disciplines, and encourages students to foster that early on in the academic process.
Updated Macs and fresh software make SUNY at Fredonia a good option. It runs about $20,800 for in-state residents, and about $31,000 for out-of-state residents.
50. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
Department: Art + Design
Website: http://www.illinoisgd.org/
Degrees:
- BFA in Graphic Design
- MFA in Graphic Design
About:
Laser-cutters, 3D printers, 24-hour access to computer labs, and much more. The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign provides you with plenty of the state-of-the-art tools you need to not only succeed but to thrive.
Entrance into the BFA program hinges upon spring semester portfolio submissions crafted in the fall semester of your Foundation Year.
