Graphic Design Schools in New York

New York needs no introduction. The Empire State is the financial, fashion, art, and publishing center of the world. It has more publishing firms, advertising agencies, graphic design studios, web design firms, and multimedia companies than just about every other city in the nation and although it’s the third largest state in the country, it sets the trends for all others—and then some. Just a few facts about New York are:

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• New York was the first state to require license plates on cars

• Peter Minuit established the first public brewery in America at the Market (Marckvelt) field in lower Manhattan

• At 641 miles, the Governor Thomas E. Dewey Thruway is the longest toll road in the United States

• Niagara Reservation became the first state park in the United States

• The Fashion Institute of Technology in Manhattan is the only school in the world offering a Bachelor of Science Degree with a Major in Cosmetics and Fragrance Marketing

New York is also home to some of top art and design schools in the world. Most are located in the country’s largest city—New York City (Pop. 8,175,133). Just a few major art and design schools include Parsons The New School for Design, Pratt  Institute, and the School of Visual Arts.

New York Graphic Design Schools

New York is home to 304+ accredited colleges and universities. That’s nearly four times the average number of schools per state nationwide. Many  of these schools offer graphic design degrees at all levels. Scroll through the list below to review New York’s top graphic design schools and what they have to offer. 
 
Albany
Sage College of Albany - B. F. A. Graphic and Media Design

New Paltz
State University of New York at New Paltz - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design

New York
Fashion Institute of Technology - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design, Computer Animation and Interactive Media, Illustration; M. F. A. Illustration; A. A. S. Communication Design, Fine Arts, Illustration

The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design

Oswego
State University of New York at Oswego - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design, Studio Art with Concentration in Digital Media, Illustration

Purchase
Purchase College, State University of New York - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design, B. A. New Media

Queens
St. John’s University - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design, Illustration

Rochester
Rochester Institute of Technology - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design, 3D Digital Graphics, Film and Animation, Illustration, New Media Design and Imaging; B. S. Game Design and Development, Media Arts and Technology, New Media Interactive Development; M. F. A. Computer Graphics Design, Film and Animation, Graphic Design; M. S. Game Design and Development

Syracuse
Syracuse University - Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design, Communications Design, Computer Art and Animation, Illustration; M. F. A. Computer Art, Illustration

More Graphic Design related programs to consider:  

Employment and Salary Trends for New York Graphic Designers

New York graphic designers may work all over the state, but their numbers are highest in New York and other principal cities such as Buffalo, Rochester, Yonkers, and Syracuse. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the state was home to a staggering 18,660 salaried graphic designers in 2006. By 2010, the talent pool had increased to 18,970. This means, New York has the second largest population of graphic designers in the U.S. California is number one. Nationwide, the population of salaried graphic designers increased significantly between 2005 and 2010. In 2005, the nation was home to 178,530 graphic designers. In 2010, the population was 192,240. 

Salaries increased as well. In 2006, New York graphic designers averaged $53,780. In 2010, they averaged $57,510. The mean annual wage for graphic designers nationwide was $48,140 in 2010. The lowest paid graphic designers earned less than $26,110 (median), and the highest 10 percent earned more than $74,660 (median). The middle 50 percent earned between $32,600 and $56,620 (median). Salaries for veteran graphic designers, freelancers, and partners vary, earnings for these individuals are usually higher than earnings for other salaried designers.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, “senior designers, who may supervise junior staff or have some decision-making authority that reflects their knowledge of graphic design,” earn a median salary of $60,000. “Solo designers who freelanced or worked under contract reported median earnings of $57,000. Design directors, the creative heads of design firms or in-house corporate design departments,” earn $95,000. “Graphic designers with ownership or partnership interests in a firm or who are principals of the firm in some other capacity” average $95,000 per year.