Top Graphic Design Programs in Ohio

Ohio is home to an impressive 215 Title IV degree-granting colleges and universities, placing it on the top ten list of states with the highest number of post-secondary schools. According to the U.S. Department of Education, an institution must meet five requirements to become a Title IV school. They must (1) have accreditation recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, (2) be in business for at least 2 years, (3) sign a participation agreement with the Department, (4) grant an associate's degree or higher, and (5) offer a program of at least 300 clock hours in length. Schools with Title IV status are eligible for federal financial aid programs, making them more accessible to students with financial need. In addition, based on factors that go beyond the Department of Education requirements, Title IV status is an excellent indicator of a top-tier school.

Many of the state’s top schools offer graphic design programs. What’s even better is, these top schools have excellent job placement services, they offer a variety of programs, clubs and organizations, and class sizes are comfortable. Students, alums, and other groups report that these schools are also affordable and convenient. These factors (and many others) help determine if a school deserves a spot on any given “top schools” list.

Continue reading to find out which Ohio graphic design schools are tops and what they have to offer. Please note that the top graphic design schools listed below are in order by student population from largest to smallest.

Top Graphic Design School Programs Ohio Major Cities

Akron
University of Akron
Student Population: 22,966
Backdrop: Urban, 223-acre campus, easy access to Cleveland
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design

Cincinnati
University of Cincinnati
Student Population: 22,893
Backdrop: Urban, 392-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art with Concentration in Electronic Art (Video and Computer Arts), B. S. Graphic Communications Design; M. F. A. Fine Art with Concentration in Electronic Art, Master of Design in Visualization

Cleveland
Cleveland State University
Student Population: 10,431
Backdrop: Urban, 82-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A. Art with Concentration in Computer Graphics (formerly Graphic Design)

Columbus
Ohio Dominican University
Student Population: 2,249
Backdrop: Urban, 75-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A. Graphic Design

Columbus College of Art & Design
Student Population: 1,359
Backdrop: Urban, 17-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Advertising and Graphic Design, Animation, Illustration and Media Studies; M. F. A. Visual Arts: New Projects

Top Graphic Design School Programs Ohio Other Cities and Towns

Kent
Kent State University
Student Population: 22,260
Backdrop: Suburban, 1,200-acre, easy access to Cleveland
Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A. Graphic Design – 2D, Graphic Design – 3D, Photo-Illustration, B. S. Computer Design, Animation and Game Design; M. A., M. F. A. Visual Communication Design

Anthens
Ohio University
Student Population: 21,655
Backdrop: Small town, 1,773-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design, B. S. C. Digital Media: Special Effects, Games and Animation; M. F. A. Graphic Design

Bowling Green
Bowling Green State University
Student Population: 15,064
Backdrop: Small town, 1,338-acre campus, easy access to Toledo
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art with Digital Arts or Graphic Design Concentration, M. F. A. Digital Arts

Oxford
Miami University
Student Population: 14,936
Backdrop: Small town, 2,000-acre campus, easy access to Cincinnati
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design, Co-major in Interactive Media Studies

Youngstown
Youngstown State University
Student Population: 13,358
Backdrop: Small city, 200-acre campus, easy access to Cleveland and Pittsburgh
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art and Technology, Graphic and Interface Design

Cedarville
Cedarville University
Student Population: 3,220
Backdrop: Rural, 400-acre campus, easy access to Columbus
Degrees Offered: B. A. Graphic Design

Wilberforce
Central State University
Student Population: 2,458
Backdrop: Small town, 60-acre campus, easy access to Dayton
Degrees Offered: B. A. Graphic Design

Delaware
Ohio Wesleyan University
Student Population: 1,829
Backdrop: Small town, 200-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A. Computer Imaging, Graphic Design

Sources

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