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 schools that are worth exploring for at least one of the reasons listed above.
1. University of Pennsylvania
Department: Fine Arts Department
Website: https://www.design.upenn.edu/fine-arts/undergraduate/curriculum
Website: https://www.design.upenn.edu/fine-arts/undergraduate/curriculum
Degrees:
- Major in Fine Arts, specialize 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.
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/
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).
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/
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.
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
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).
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/
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.
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/
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.
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
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.
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:
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.
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
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.
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/
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.
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.
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/
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.
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
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.
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
Website: https://www.wsc.edu/directory_record/4931/graphic_design
Degrees:
- BA in Graphic Design
- BS in Graphic Design
About:
Wayne State College places 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.
Wayne State College places 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/
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.
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
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.
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/
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.
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.
17. Appalachian State University
Department: Department of Art
Website: http://art.appstate.edu/graphicdesign.php
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.
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/
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.
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/
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.
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
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.
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
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.
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.
22. Pennsylvania State University – Main Campus
Department: College of Arts and Architecture, Stuckeman School
Website: https://stuckeman.psu.edu/gd
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 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.
Despite its size as an overall university, Penn State’s graphic design 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
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.
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
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 business to earn some real-world experience.
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 business to earn some real-world experience.
25. American University
Department: Department of Art
Website: http://www.american.edu/cas/graphic-design/
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 the graphic design program. A portfolio submission prior to your senior year is required.
Like many universities on the list, American University requires students to complete core classes, with passing grades, before being officially admitted into the graphic design program. 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.
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