Top Graphic Design Programs in Florida

Which one do you think is a better choice: “a top graphic design school” or “ a best graphic design school?” Some might think that a best school is better than a top school, while others might think they are one in the same. The truth is, both types of schools are among the greatest, but whether or not a school makes it onto the list of “top schools” will depend on factors that differ from the factors used to identify a “best” school.

For starters, top school lists are typically created by students, alumni, and others (bloggers) that might look at affordability, convenience, number and types of clubs, recreation, and other similar factors to determine which schools deserve a spot on the list. Respected organizations such as the Princeton Review and U.S. News & World Report are usually behind most “best schools” lists. They consider a different set of factors such as graduation and retention rates, the number of program offerings, peer assessment, faculty resources (student-teacher ratio), financial resources, and student selectivity.

In the state of Florida, several schools often end up on both lists, and many of them offer some of the nation’s best graphic design programs. Continue reading to find out which Florida graphic design schools made the list of “top” schools, and what they have to offer. Please note that the schools are in order from largest to smallest student population.

Top Graphic Design School Programs Florida Major Cities

Tampa
University of South Florida
Student Population: 29,975
Backdrop: Urban, 1,561-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Studio Art with Concentration in Graphic Design or Electronic and Digital Media

Miami
New World School of the Arts
Student Population: 359
Backdrop: Urban, 5-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Visual Arts with Concentration in Electronic Intermedia or Graphic Design

Top Graphic Design School Programs Florida Other Cities and Towns

Gainsville
University of Florida
Student Population: 32,660
Backdrop: Suburban, 2,000-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Digital Media, Graphic Design; M. A. Digital Arts and Sciences, M. F. A. Studio Art with Concentration in Digital Media, Graphic Design

Boca Raton
Florida Atlantic University
Student Population: 24,281
Backdrop: Small city, 860-acre campus on the Florida Coast
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design; M. F. A. Visual Art: Graphic Design and Media, Technology and Entertainment

Winter Park
Full Sail University
Student Population: 4,628
Backdrop: Small city, 91-acre campus, easy access to Orlando
Degrees Offered:  A. S. Graphic Design; B. S. Computer Animation, Digital Arts and Design, Game Art, Game Design (online only), Game Development (traditional only), Graphic Design (online only), Web Design and Development; M. F. A. Media Design (online only); M. S. Game Design (traditional only)

Boca Raton
Digital Media Arts College
Student Population: 414
Backdrop: Urban, 33,000+ square foot facility
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Computer Animation (Game Art concentration available), Graphic Design (Advertising Design concentration available); M. F. A. Visual Effects Animation, Graphic Design

Sources

Peterson’s, www.petersons.com
Princeton Review, www.princetonreview.com
U.S. News & World Report College Rankings, www.usnews.com/rankings