| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Rhode Island School of Design | Rhode Island |
| 2 | Yale University | Connecticut |
| 3 | School of Visual Arts | New York |
| 4 | The New School | New York |
| 5 | Pratt Institute | New York |
| 6 | Maryland Institute College of Art | Maryland |
| 7 | Carnegie Mellon University | Pennsylvania |
| 8 | The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art | New York |
| 9 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Virginia |
| 10 | Boston University | Massachusetts |
| 11 | Rochester Institute of Technology | New York |
| 12 | Massachusetts College of Art and Design | Massachusetts |
| 13 | Fashion Institute of Technology | New York |
| 14 | Temple University | Pennsylvania |
| 15 | Syracuse University | New York |
| 16 | University of Pennsylvania | Pennsylvania |
| 17 | Drexel University | Pennsylvania |
| 18 | University of Maryland | Maryland |
| 19 | George Mason University | Virginia |
| 20 | Purchase College | New York |
| 21 | Maine College of Art & Design | Maine |
| 22 | University of Connecticut | Connecticut |
| 23 | Rutgers University-Camden | New Jersey |
| 24 | Liberty University | Virginia |
| 25 | George Washington University | DC |
Our 2025 rankings of the Top 25 Graphic Design School Programs in the East. We considered over 190 East colleges with graphic design programs for this year's rankings. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
For reference, we define the East Coast as New York, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, District of Columbia, Maryland, Virginia, Rhode Island, Delaware, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Maine.
Serving more than 150 students, Graphic Design is the largest department at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Across programs, students benefit from dedicated studios and facilities for screen printing, bookbinding, and papermaking. The four-year BFA program is project-based with shared, collaborative spaces, while the MFA features individual, private workspaces and two tracks that allow students to customize the curriculum. Graduates of the Graphic Design Department at RISD go on to land positions at places such as Google, Apple, Meta, Nike, CVS Health, The New York Times, and Pentagram.
The School of Art (SoA) at Yale University houses a competitive Graphic Design MFA program that accepts just 12 students per year. Up to six students are accepted into the preliminary-year program. The 60 credit hour MFA features immersive workshops and studios; designated workspaces; access to VR and motion capture tools at the Center for Collaborative Arts and Media; field trips to film festivals and conferences; and the option to take elective courses across professional schools at Yale. Some 2,000 courses are available each year. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles across industries. Alumni have been hired at places such as Google, Morgan Stanley, Amazon, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Apple, Meta, Bain & Company, Epic Systems, Deloitte, CBS, and Yale Center for British Art (YCBA).
The Design Department at School of Visual Arts (SVA) serves more than 700 BFA and MFA students, making it the school’s third largest program. Across programs, students benefit from opportunities to work with the student-run Visual Arts Press; participation in workshops and exhibitions; internships with major companies and studios; four undergraduate concentrations including Graphic Design, Motion Graphics, 3D Design, and Interaction Design; and private studios with 24-hour access for graduate students. At the end of every academic year, the Design Department also hosts an Industry Review Day for graduating seniors. SVA Design alumni go on to land positions at places such as Amazon, Google, Apple, Epic Games, Microsoft, IBM, Warner Bros., HBO, Disney, YouTube, IDEO, R/GA, and Walmart.
The Communication Design BFA at The New School is housed in Parsons School of Design (Parsons). The oldest program of its kind in the U.S., the BFA is STEM-designated with access to internship opportunities in New York and other major cities; study abroad experiences in places such as Paris, London, and Florence; and a state-of-the-art Making Center. Other Parsons program options include the Communication Design AAS; the STEM-designated Communication Design Master of Professional Studies (MPS); and a Graphic and Digital Design certificate. Graduates of the design programs at Parsons have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Adobe, Google, IDEO, Vogue, Samsung, Meta, and Oracle.
Established in 2014, the School of Design (SoD) at Pratt Institute (Pratt) houses the Communications Design BFA with an Emphasis in Graphic Design or Illustration; Communication Design MFA; STEM-designated Packaging, Identities and Systems Design MS; Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Graphic Design; and the Graphic Design/Illustration AAS. All SoD programs highlight internships; study abroad experiences in places such as London, Tokyo, and Milan; access to the Design Studio, immersive maker spaces, and production labs. Pratt SoD graduates have been hired at places such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, Microsoft, Apple, Google, DreamWorks Animation, Delta Airlines, IBM, Amazon, HBO, Adobe, Deloitte, Warner Music Group, Peacock, Hasbro, Dior, Ogilvy, Carhartt, Inc., R/GA, and Gensler.
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) provides several paths to study graphic design including BFA, MA, and MFA degrees. BFA students can customize an area of specialization and/or select a minor such as Illustration, Game Design, or Interactive Arts. Housed in a loft studio space with dedicated computers and workspaces, the graduate programs highlight seminars, internships, and the GDMA Workshop, which provides the opportunity to create and exhibit a self-directed design project and portfolio. MICA alumni go on to establish careers at places such as DreamWorks Animation, Google, Ogilvy, Apple, The New York Times, MoMA, DC Comics, Nike, Adobe, Netflix, LucasArts, NPR, and Under Armour.
The College of Fine Arts (CFA) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is home to the School of Design, which houses a Graphic Design BDes program; the BXA intercollege degree program; and a Design minor. The BDes has tracks in Communication Design; Products Design; and Environments Design for Environments. Across programs students have access to collaborative dedicated studio spaces, along with opportunities to complete an internship and/or study abroad in places such as London, Paris, and Milan. CMU Design graduates have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, IBM, Apple, Oracle, IDEO, Netflix, Meta, Adobe, R/GA, Volkswagen, Mayo Clinic, NVIDIA, and JPMorgan Chase.
The School of Art at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (Cooper Union) is home to an Art BFA program that allows students to focus in graphic design through electives and studio courses. Examples include Graphic Design I-II; Experimental Printmaking; Advanced Typography; and Animation. All students have the opportunity to complete an internship and/or study abroad experience. Cooper Union graduates go on to land positions at places such as Amazon, The Whitney Museum of American Art (The Whitney), NVIDIA, Microsoft, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Google, Apple, Oracle, Intel, Cisco Systems, Meta, Uber, Cognizant, Gensler, AECOM, and The Noguchi Museum.
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) houses the School of the Arts (VCUarts). Within the school is the Department of Graphic Design (GD), which provides a GD BFA and a Design MFA with a Visual Communications concentration. The graduate program is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Both programs provide opportunities to participate in workshops, print production projects, and community and government projects through the campus-based Creative Print Bureau (CPB) and middle Of broad (mOb). Graduates can be found at places such as Amazon, Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (HII), and The Estée Lauder Companies, Peraton, and Urban Outfitters.
Boston University’s (BU) School of Visual Arts has several paths to study graphic design including the Visual Arts minor, and the BFA, MFA, and certificate in Graphic Design. Accredited by National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the programs feature workshops and immersive studio experiences; partnerships with area design studios and businesses; design intensives in Amsterdam; Printmaking workshops at the Franz Masareel Centrum in Kasterlee, Belgium; and the Studio Arts Program at Boston University’s Venice (Italy) Center. Graduates of the BU Graphic Design programs have been hired at places such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, ESPN, Amazon, Deloitte, NBCUniversal, IBM, Meta, Liberty Mutual, CVS Health, Accenture, PwC, Dropbox, and Merck.
The School of Design at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) provides two paths to study graphic design: the Graphic Design BFA, and the cross-disciplinary, STEM-designated Visual Communication Design (VCD) MFA. Students in both programs have opportunities to gain industry experience through cooperative education, internships, and collaborative class projects with RIT partners such as Starbucks, Kraft, and Unilever. Students also benefit from workshops; state-of-the art production facilities and studio spaces; and networking through RIT’s Creative Industry Day. RIT graduates have gone on to establish careers at places such as Boeing, Nike, Apple, Intel, Microsoft, Google, Cisco, Hasbro, Disney, Warner Bros., ESPN, Oracle, Northrop Grumman, PepsiCo., Nickelodeon, and Smithsonian Institution.
Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) has two paths to study graphic design: the Communication Design BFA and a Communication Design certificate that can be completed entirely online. All students benefit from industry partnerships; access to state-of-the-art production facilities, labs, and studios; and internships at design studios, MassArt Art Museum (MAAM), galleries, and performance venues. The program culminates with the Senior Design Portfolio and Senior Degree Project courses. Graduates have gone on to land positions at places such as Microsoft, REI, Google, Penguin Random House, Apple, Yelp, IBM, Pinterest, Adobe, and Chronicle Books.
The School of Art at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) provides two paths to study graphic design including the Communication Design AAS and Graphic Design BFA (GD BFA). In addition to preparing students for entry-level positions in graphic design, the AAS provides a direct path to the BFAs in GD, Advertising and Digital Design, Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design, and Packaging Design. The GD BFA explores advanced level editorial design, branding, interactive web design, experiential design (exhibitions and wayfinding), typography, and motion graphics. Graduates of the design programs at FIT can be found at places such as DDB, Ogilvy, Nike, BBDO, Sony, PepsiCo, LEGO Group, Colgate-Palmolive Pentagram, R/GA, Hyperakt, Landor, Godiva, MoMA, ThinkBrands, Bath & Body Works, and Avon.
The Tyler School of Art and Architecture at Temple University (Temple) is home to the Department of Graphic and Interactive Design (GAID). Within the department are GAID BFA and MFA programs, and a GAID/Entrepreneurial Studies BFA provided in partnership with Temple’s Fox School of Business. Course examples across programs include Advanced Typography; Brand Identity; Art Direction; Packaging; Launch a New Venture in 100 Days; Visual Design Graduate Seminar; and Collaborative Design Workshop in Rome. GAID alumni go on to land positions at places such as the Philadelphia Museum of Art, Google, MTV, Simon & Schuster, Nickelodeon, The New York Times, and Hallmark.
The College of Visual and Performing Arts (VPA) at Syracuse University (SU) provides a Communications Design BFA that features a study abroad program at SU’s center in London. The Newhouse School of Public Communications is home to the Visual Communications BS (Vis BS), with a Graphic Design track. Across programs, students benefit from cross-disciplinary curriculums; internship opportunities; hands-on courses and projects; and individual and group collaborations. Final portfolios for the Communication Design BFA program will be displayed at SU’s annual two-day Senior Portfolio Show in New York City. VIS BS students will participate in the design workshop known as Pixels & Print, where they will design a website; promotional and social motion graphics; a logo and brand system; and a final printed book. Program alumni have landed positions at places such as Google, Amazon, and The Washington Post.
The College of Arts and Sciences at University of Pennsylvania (Penn) houses the Stuart Weitzman School of Design. Within the school is a Design BA that explores graphic design, animation, prototyping, emerging technologies, fabrication, design systems, and web design. Electives allow students to study additional areas of design. The program culminates with a year-long design project, public exhibition, and panel critique by leading artists and designers. Weitzman Design and Penn alumni can be found at places such as The Walt Disney Company, Riot Games, Unity Technologies, MSNBC, Adidas, United Way Miami, Nestle, Williams-Sonoma, LOFT, Target, Modern Luxury, Digitas Health, YMCA, and Mediabistro.
The Antoinette Westphal College of Media Arts and Design at Drexel University (Drexel) houses a collaborative project-based Graphic Design BS program with opportunities to work at places such as Lockheed Martin, Google, and Amazon through the school’s co-op program. A 24 credit hour minor is also available. Across programs, students benefit from the annual field excursion to New York City; access to state-of-the-art studios and labs; and overseas experiences in places such as Ghana, Hong Kong, and Greece. Westphal graduates go on to establish careers at places such as Google, Apple, Saatchi & Saatchi, Penguin Random House, ESPN, Marvel, Time Inc., Meta, Siemens, and Under Armour.
The College of Arts and Humanities at University of Maryland (UMD) houses the Department of Art. Within the department is a Studio Art BA with a concentration in Graphic Design. The program provides the opportunity to intern at places such as The Smithsonian, USA Today, and Discovery Channel. Other program benefits include the Visiting Artist Lecture Series; the opportunity to work on projects in the student-run Herman Maril Gallery; and study abroad experiences in places such as Sweden and the UK. UMD Department of Art graduates have gone on to land positions at places such as Northrop Grumman, The Washington Post, Google, National Geographic, AARP, Deloitte, EY, Capital One, PwC, Marriott International, KPMG, Inc. Magazine, HBO, Shakespeare Theater Company, VICE Media, and SiriusXM.
The College of Visual and Performing Arts at George Mason University (GMU) is home to the School of Art. Within the school are several paths to study graphic design. Options include the Art and Visual Technology BFA (AVT BFA) with a Graphic Design (GD) concentration; the Visual and Performing Arts MFA with a GD concentration; and Graphic Design minor and certificate programs. All students benefit from trips to New York galleries; lectures hosted by local venues; visiting artists; and formal critiques with faculty and peers. GMU School of Art graduates can be found at places such as Booz Allen Hamilton, the CIA, Bethesda, Virginia Serious Game Institute (VSGI), The Smithsonian, and PBS.
The Graphic Design BFA program at Purchase College takes place in a hands-on studio environment with access to studios, shops, and labs spanning 160,000 square feet. Housed in the School of Art and Design, the program also features semi-private studios for upper division students; a new Illustration concentration; the opportunity to exhibit work in the Richard and Dolly Maass Gallery; internship opportunities; and the option to select additional courses from the Printmaking BFA program. Graduates can be found at places such as The New York Times, Bristol Myers Squibb, Nike, Paramount Pictures, Google, The Whitney, Apple, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Disney, IBM, NBCUniversal, HBO, and Meta.
The Graphic Design BFA at Maine College of Art (MECA&D) is an interdisciplinary program that explores branding, information design, narrative, typography, motion, publication, and interactivity. Students in this program will work and learn in a professional studio environment with 24/7 access to state-of-the-art equipment. The program culminates the Senior Exhibition. Graduates of the art and design programs at MECA&D have been hired at places such as The Smithsonian, Disney, Wired, Hasbro, and L.L. Bean.
The School of Fine Arts at University of Connecticut (UConn) has several paths to study graphic design. Options include BFA degrees in Art and Studio Art, and a BA in Art. BFA students may participate in the study abroad program Graphic Design in London. Students in all programs may concentrate in Graphic Design. Other program benefits include; opportunities to work with real clients in UConn’s Design Center; workshops led by visiting artists; internships and co-ops; and access to state-of-the-art labs and studios. Program alumni have gone on to establish careers at places such as Lockheed Martin, IDEO, Electronic Arts (EA), Food & Wine, Google, NBCUniversal, Amazon, Wolf Olins, CVS, Ogilvy, and Crispin.
The Faculty of Arts and Sciences (FAS) at Rutgers University-Camden (Rutgers-Camden) is home to the Visual, Media, and Performing Arts (VMPA) Department. Within the department is a Visual Arts program leading to a BA or BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design. An interdisciplinary Graphic Design minor is also available. All students benefit from a collaborative studio-based curriculum; small class sizes; courses taught by professional artists and designers; access to state-of-the-art graphic design studios, animation labs, and post-production labs; and internship opportunities. Graduates can be found at places such as MTV, Amazon, NBCUniversal, Disney, Marvel Comics, Vogue, Lockheed Martin, and IBM.
The School of Communication and the Arts (SCA) at Liberty University (Liberty U) houses the Department of Studio and Digital Arts (SADA). Within the department are several paths to study Graphic Design. Options include the Graphic Design BFA; Digital Design - Graphic Design BS; Studio and Digital Arts - Graphic Design BS; and the Graphic Design MFA. Across programs, students benefit from flexible delivery options; internship opportunities at places such as Disney, Bloomingdale’s and ESPN; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; study abroad experiences in London and Paris; and extensive portfolio development workshops. Liberty U Graphic Design alumni can be found at places such as Disney, ESPN, Chicago Bulls, Hallmark, Ralph Lauren, Kansas City Chiefs, and the Motion Picture Association (MPA).
George Washington University (GW) is home to Corcoran School of the Arts and Design (Corcoran). Within the school is a Graphic Design minor program and BFA that features internships at places such as Condé Nast, Apple, and NBC. Other program highlights include study abroad experiences in places such as Japan, London, and Saudi Arabia; access to state-of-the-art studios and labs; experiential learning experiences in places such as San Francisco and New York; and participation in the World Studio’s Design Ignites Change and Corcoran’s NEXT Festival. Program alumni have been hired at places such as the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Booz Allen Hamilton, The Smithsonian, IBM, National Geographic, Amazon, Riot Games, Peace Corps, Apple, and Warner Bros. Discovery.
