Top Graphic Design Programs in Iowa

If you’re wondering if there’s a difference between a “top” school and a “best” school, you’ll be happy to know that the differences are mostly in the way each type of school earns “top” or “best” status. Organizations such as U.S. News & World Report, Forbes, and Princeton Review publish most “best” lists. They assess factors such as program offerings, faculty resources, graduation and retention rates, financial resources, and student selectivity. Students, alums, bloggers, and other small smaller groups typically compile “top” lists. They may consider issues such as cost, convenience, types of clubs and organizations, recreation, student population, job placement services, and access to cultural activities.

Many people mistakenly believe that the nation’s top schools are located primarily in places with large populations such as New York, California, and Illinois. The truth is, top schools and best schools can be found all over the U.S. and a number of top schools are located in the state of Iowa. Fortunately, many of these schools offer top-tier programs for aspiring graphic designers.

Continue reading to find out which Iowa graphic design schools made the list of top schools and what each has to offer. Please note that the top schools listed below are in order by student population from largest to smallest.

Top Graphic Design School Programs Iowa Major Cities

Des Moines
Drake University
Student Population: 3,300
Backdrop: Urban, 150-acre campus, 10-minute drive to downtown Des Moines
Degrees Offered: B.A. in Studio Art, B.A. in Graphic Design, B. F. A. in Studio Art,     B. F. A. in Graphic Design. These programs require successful completion of 2D and 3D design, drawing, digital production, and other similar courses for animators. 

Dubuque
Loras College
Student Population: 1,530
Backdrop: Urban, 60-acre campus, easy access to East Dubuque, IL, Galena, IL
Degrees Offered: B. A. Integrated Visual Arts with Animation Studies, B.A. Integrated Visual Arts. The Integrated Visual Arts (IVA) program at Loras College is an intra-disciplinary major that combines art and design (including Graphic Design).

Top Graphic Design School Programs Iowa Other Cities and Towns

Cedar Falls
University of Northern Iowa
Student Population: 11,391
Backdrop: Small town, 916-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A. Art Studio with Graphic Design Emphasis, Graphic Communications, Graphic Technologies; B. F. A. Art Studio with Graphic Design Emphasis

Clinton
Ashford University 
Student Population: 9,866
Backdrop: Small town, 24-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B.A. Computer Graphic Design with Animation Track, Web Design Track

Sources

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