What are the top southwestern US graphic design schools for 2026?
| Ranking | School | State | Ranking by State | National Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Texas at Austin | Texas | #1 in Texas | #11 |
| 2 | Arizona State University | Arizona | #1 in Arizona | #15 |
| 3 | Brigham Young University | Utah | #1 in Utah | #22 |
| 4 | University of North Texas | Texas | #2 in Texas | #23 |
| 5 | University of Utah | Utah | #2 in Utah | #41 |
| 6 | Texas State University | Texas | #3 in Texas | #50 |
| 7 | Texas A&M University | Texas | #4 in Texas | Unranked |
| 8 | University of Houston | Texas | #5 in Texas | Unranked |
| 9 | Baylor University | Texas | #6 in Texas | Unranked |
| 10 | Texas Tech University | Texas | #7 in Texas | Unranked |
| 11 | Oklahoma State University | Oklahoma | #1 in Oklahoma | Unranked |
| 12 | University of Arizona | Arizona | #2 in Arizona | Unranked |
| 13 | Colorado State University | Colorado | #1 in Colorado | Unranked |
| 14 | Texas Christian University | Texas | #8 in Texas | Unranked |
| 15 | University of Colorado Denver | Colorado | #2 in Colorado | Unranked |
| 16 | Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | Colorado | #3 in Colorado | Unranked |
| 17 | University of Texas at Arlington | Texas | #9 in Texas | Unranked |
| 18 | University of Nevada | Nevada | #1 in Nevada | Unranked |
| 19 | Utah State University | Utah | #3 in Utah | Unranked |
| 20 | Sam Houston State University | Texas | #10 in Texas | Unranked |
| 21 | New Mexico State University | New Mexico | #1 in New Mexico | Unranked |
| 22 | Northern Arizona University | Arizona | #3 in Arizona | Unranked |
| 23 | St. Edward’s University | Texas | Unranked | Unranked |
| 24 | University of Northern Colorado | Colorado | #4 in Colorado | Unranked |
| 25 | University of Central Oklahoma | Oklahoma | #2 in Oklahoma | Unranked |
Our 2026 ranking of the Top 25 Graphic Design School Programs in the Southwest. We considered over 70 colleges in the Southwest with graphic design programs for this year's rankings. For an explanation of our ranking criteria, click here.
For ranking purposes, we define the Southwest as Texas, Oklahoma, Colorado, Utah, New Mexico, Nevada, and Arizona.
1. University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas (Top 2% of schools considered)
The School of Design and Creative Technologies at the University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include BA, BFA, and MFA degrees in Design. A 12-week online Graphic Design certificate program is also available through UT Austin’s Center for Professional Education (CPE). Across programs, industry professionals lead all project-based courses and activities. Degree-seeking students also benefit from partnerships with Netflix, IBM, and Gensler, among others; dedicated studio spaces; and access to The Foundry Makerspace, print and fabrication labs, the Riso Room, and Moody Digital Media Computer Lab. Design alumni can be found at places such as Disney, Apple, Gensler, The New York Times, Whole Foods, Deloitte, YETI, Razorfish, Dell, and Frog Design.
2. Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona (Top 3% of schools considered)
Arizona State University (ASU) provides multiple paths to study graphic design. Options include the Graphic Design BS (BSD); the Graphic Information Technology BS (GITBS) and MS (GITMS); and the Design MSD (Visual Communication Design). The GITMS can be completed on campus or online. Across programs, students benefit from project-based curriculums; access to state-of-the-art equipment in the Digital Creative Studio, Fab Lab, and MIX Center; professional internships; and 300+ global study options. ASU Design and GIT alumni have established careers at places such as Amazon, Gensler, IDEO, Apple, Google, American Airlines, Intel, YETI, GoDaddy, FASTSIGNS International, PetSmart, and UNICEF.
3. Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah (Top 5% of schools considered)
Brigham Young University (BYU) provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include the limited enrollment Graphic Design BFA; an interdisciplinary Design BA with blended options such as Graphic Design and Illustration, Product/UX Design, or Photo/Lens-Based Design; and a Graphic Design Fundamentals (GDF) certificate provided through BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Degree-seeking students will complete an internship and capstone project to graduate. BYU design alumni can be found at places such as Disney, Nike, Apple, Microsoft, New York Magazine, Google, Amazon, Lucid, Vivint, and J. Crew.
4. University of North Texas, Denton, Texas (Top 6% of schools considered)
The College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) at the University of North Texas (UNT) houses a Communication Design BFA with concentrations in Graphic Design and User Experience Design (UX Design). Highlights across programs include the option to add a minor such as New Media Art, Photography, or Printmaking; a 3.5-year sequence of studio coursework; professional internships; and a final competitive portfolio. UNT design graduates have landed positions at places such as Disney, Apple, Nike, IDEO, Capital One, Microsoft, BBDO, PepsiCo, IBM, Starbucks, BMW, Neiman Marcus, and Fossil.
5. University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah (Top 8% of schools considered)
The College of Fine Arts at the University of Utah (The U) houses the Department of Art and Art History. Within the department are a Graphic Design BFA and a Studio Art MFA that allows students to develop a plan of study with a supervisory committee. Across programs, students benefit from workshops led by guest lecturers; access to labs and studios such as the Digital Matters Lab, Book Arts Studio, and the Make Space at Lassonde Studios; and immersive studio electives such as Packaging Design, Graphic Design Internship, and UX Web Design. Graduates have secured roles at places such as Adobe, Vivint, PBS, Sundance Institute, 1-800 Contacts, Utah Jazz & Delta Center, and Deseret Book.
6. Texas State University, San Marcos, Texas (Top 9% of schools considered)
The Communication Design (ComDes) BFA and MFA programs at Texas State University (Texas State) have a unique component that allows students to earn publishing credits in trade journals such as PRINT and Communication Arts. Housed in the School of Art and Design, the programs provide access to the Multidisciplinary Innovation Lab (The MiL) and the ComDes Fabrication Lab and Print Facility. Other program highlights include immersive workshops; the visiting artists series; and paid graduate assistantships for MFA students. Across programs, graduates have established careers at places such as Amazon, Disney, Google, DDB, Microsoft, Leo Burnett, Dell, BBDO, Apple, Deloitte, Adidas, and VML.
7. Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas (Top 11% of schools considered)
The College of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA) at Texas A&M University (Texas A&M) has a Visualization (Viz) program with BS (BS-Viz), MS (MS-Viz), and MFA (MFA-Vis) pathways. A Graphic Design minor is available for BS-Viz students and the MS-Vis has eight emphasis areas. Examples include User Experience (UX) Design, Computer Graphics, and Interactive Design. The MFA-Viz is one of the few programs of its kind in the U.S. and the only program of its kind in Texas. Students in this program have access to the same emphases that are available to MS-Viz students. All students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities, and opportunities to participate project-based studios and design competitions. Graduates can be found at places such as Lockheed Martin, Electronic Arts (EA), NASA, Disney, Amazon, Deloitte, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Boeing, DreamWorks, IBM, Netflix, and ESPN.
8. University of Houston, Houston, Texas (Top 12% of schools considered)
University of Houston (UH) is home to the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts (KGMCA), which houses the School of Art. Within the school is a competitive Graphic Design BFA program that requires students to pass a portfolio review—known as the Block Review—to advance to upper-level graphic design courses. In addition to the BFA, the School of Art has a Graphic Design MFA program with 24/7 access to dedicated studios, collaborative spaces, and labs. Other highlights across programs include visiting professionals; interdisciplinary collaborative and site-specific projects; and internships at places such as Savage Brands, Norton Creative, and Loves’ Travel Shops. In addition to Savage Brands and Norton Creative, graduates have secured positions at places such as Gensler, HP, the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), Stantec, CORE Design Studio, Kirksey Architecture, and Herring Design.
9. Baylor University, Waco, Texas (Top 14% of schools considered)
The Department of Art and Art History at Baylor University (Baylor) houses a Studio Art program with a concentration in Graphic Design. Students have two options within the program: the flexible, liberal arts-focused BA or the studio-intensive, professional BFA. Program highlights include internship opportunities; access to state-of-the-art computer labs, production studios, and smart classrooms; the senior portfolio capstone for BA students; and participation in the BFA Senior Exhibition for BFA students. Graduates are often recruited by companies such as Dell, Amazon, Disney, The New York Times, Deloitte, and ESPN.
10. Texas Tech University, Lubbock, Texas (Top 15% of schools considered)
The School of Art at Texas Tech University houses an Art BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design. This pre-professional degree highlights immersive workshops; intensive studios and workshops; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; collaborative projects; the guest artist series; internships and study abroad opportunities across 50 destinations; and portfolio development. Graduates have established careers at places such as Lockheed Martin, Apple, Pentagram, The New York Times, IBM, Gensler, PepsiCo, Perkins&Will, Nike, Wired, Condé Nast Traveler, Southwest Airlines, and Old Navy.
11. Oklahoma State University, Stillwater, Oklahoma (Top 17% of schools considered)
The College of Arts and Sciences at Oklahoma State University (OSU) houses the Department of Art, Graphic Design and Art History, which has several paths to study graphic design. Options include an Art BFA with a Graphic Design (GD) option, a GD minor for students in other majors, and a GD MFA. The MFA is Oklahoma’s only GD program to specialize in interaction design, visual communications, and motion design. The Institute of Technology at OSU (OSUIT) also houses a Graphic Design Technology AAS for students seeking a shorter degree path. Students in all programs benefit from 24/7 access to two design studios and three computer labs; professional internships at places such as Dillard’s and Love’s Travel Shops; collaborative projects; study abroad experiences in Paris, Milan, and Prague; and collaborative projects. Graduates have been hired at places such as Lockheed Martin, Amazon, IBM, ESPN, Halliburton, the Philbrook Museum of Art, Apple, Cisco Systems, Dell, Walmart, and Red Bull.
12. University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona (Top 18% of schools considered)
University of Arizona (U of A or Arizona) provides several distinctive paths to study graphic design. Housed in the College of Fine Arts, the School of Arts has a Studio Art BFA with an Illustration, Design and Animation (IDA) emphasis; the transdisciplinary Design Arts and Practices BA (DAP BA) with an emphasis in Object, Spatial or Visual Design; and a Studio Art MFA that allows students to combine graphic design, animation, environmental science, and creative writing. The DAP BA is provided in partnership with the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA), and the School of Information. All students benefit from professional internships; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; and study abroad experiences in places such as London and Rome. Graduates can be found at places such as Warner Bros, Target, Pixar, Amazon, Netflix, Disney, Deloitte, Intel, and Gen Digital Inc.
13. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado (Top 20% of schools considered)
One of the largest academic departments at Colorado State University (CSU) is Art and Art History. Housed in the College of Liberal Arts, the department has a Graphic Design concentration for Art BFA students; a flexible Integrated Visual Studio concentration for Art BA students; and a Graphic Design specialization for Art MFA students. Across programs, students have access to the state-of-the-art Digital Fabrication Lab and dedicated studios. Other program highlights include opportunities to participate in the Colorado International Invitational Poster Exhibition (CIIPE) and present works at national venues; studio tours; and internships at places such as Stantec and X-Golf. Graduates have secured roles at places such as IBM, Leo Burnett, The New York Times, Lockheed Martin, Disney, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Nike, Deloitte, Condé Nast, Crispin, OtterBox, UCHealth, and 5280 Magazine.
14. Texas Christian University, Fort Worth, Texas (Top 21% of schools considered)
The College of Fine Arts at Texas Christian University (TCU) provides two paths to study graphic design. The Graphic Design BFA features a liberal arts core, a required 10-week summer internship, and participation in design competitions. BFA students have interned at places such as Altar’d State, TBH Creative, and White. The Design Studies BS has a Graphic Design concentration that includes courses such as Package Design, Typography, and Advertising. The internship for this program is optional. Design students have completed internships in places such as New York, London, Chicago, Los Angeles, Peru, and Miami. Many of these internships lead to job offers before graduation. Graduates can be found at places such as Disney, Amazon, Pentagram, Microsoft, NBCUniversal, Lockheed Martin, CBS, Nike, IBM, Topgolf, Fossil, Deloitte Digital, American Airlines, Louis Vuitton, Dell, Jimmy Choo, Oracle, and Elle.
15. University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado (Top 23% of schools considered)
The College of Arts and Media (CAM) at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) provides two paths to study graphic design. Options include a Visual Arts BFA with a Digital Design emphasis and a Digital Design minor. Operating as a design lab led by industry professionals, the BFA features hands-on collaborative projects; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; professional internships at places such as the Denver Art Museum (DAM) and Meow Wolf Denver; and study abroad experiences in Denmark, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, and Iceland. Graduates have landed positions at places such as NASA, Lucasfilm, Sony, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Pixar, HP, and Charles Schwab.
16. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, Denver, Colorado (Top 24% of schools considered)
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) houses a Graphic Design BFA program that can be completed on campus or online, and a hybrid Illustrative Design BFA that combines illustration and graphic design. The Graphic Design BFA has User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) and Advertising Design. Across programs, students benefit from internships at places such as Disney, Meow Wolf, and 40 West Arts District; immersive workshops; hands-on projects for real-world clients; and access to state-of-the-art production facilities. RMCAD graduates have been hired at places such as Blizzard Entertainment, Deloitte Digital, Marvel, DreamWorks IBM, Pixar, Dell, Ideum, and NOA Brands.
17. University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas (Top 25% of schools considered)
The Art and Art History Department (AAHD) at the University of Texas at Arlington (UTA) houses an Art program with BA, BFA, and MFA pathways. Visual Communication Design is an emphasis area for the BA and BFA programs, and a focus area for the MFA. UTA’s Division of Enterprise Development provides standalone or add-on options such as the Graphic Design with Photoshop and Illustrator program and certificates in UI/UX Design, Digital Arts, and Web Design. Degree-seeking students have internship opportunities at places such as NBC, Sony, and Dallas Contemporary. Graduates have secured roles at places such as American Airlines, Lockheed Martin, Reel FX, Textron, Arlington Museum of Art, Toyota, Fidelity, the American Heart Association (AHA), Exxon, and The National Medal of Honor Museum.
18. University of Nevada, Las Vegas, Las Vegas, Nevada (Top 27% of schools considered)
The University of Nevada, Las Vegas (UNLV) provides two paths to study graphic design. Housed in the Department of Art, option one is a Graphic Design and Media BS that offers a learning environment with opportunities to participate in workshops, a visiting artist series, overseas studies in places such as Japan, Italy, and the UK, and the internship program. The second option is a Graphic Design certificate program housed in the UNLV Lifelong Learning Division. All students will complete a market-ready design portfolio. Graduates can be found at places such as NASA, Gensler, Sphere, MGM Resorts, the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority (LVCVA), LegalZoom, Audacy, and Caesars Entertainment.
19. Utah State University, Logan, Utah (Top 28% of schools considered)
Utah State University (USU) provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include an Art BFA with a Graphic Design emphasis; a Motion Design MA that blends graphic design and digital media; an Art MFA with a Graphic Design specialization; the Digital Design Technical Certificate program; and an AS and certificate in Digital Modeling and Visualization. Degree-seeking students have the opportunity to complete a professional internship, participate in the USU co-op program, and study abroad in places such as Korea, Switzerland, and Germany. The weekly Hashimoto Communication Arts Seminar, which attracts local and regional designers, is open to all students as well. Graduates have secured positions at places such as the Utah Division of Arts & Museums (UA&M), Northrop Grumman, Boeing, Qualtrics, The Salt Lake Tribune, Deseret News, R&R Partners, Space Dynamics Laboratory (SDL), and AlphaGraphics.
20. Sam Houston State University, Huntsville, Texas (Top 30% of schools considered)
Sam Houston State University (SHSU) provides several paths to study graphic design in the College of Arts and Media. Options include BFA degrees in Graphic Design and Graphic Design with Teaching Certification; a Digital Media Production MFA where students can specialize in graphic elements, interactive design, and digital interfaces; and a flexible Graphic Design minor for non-art majors. Programs feature possible internship placements with places such as Texas Instruments and Mission CISD Public Relations; The New York Art Trip; workshops; and faculty-led study abroad experiences in places such as Ireland, Chile, and Hungary. Graduates have been hired at places such as NASA, Disney, The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFAH), Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE), and Savage Brands.
21. New Mexico State University, Las Cruces, New Mexico (Top 31% of schools considered)
The Department of Art at New Mexico State University (NMSU) provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include the Studio Art BA with a Graphic Design concentration and the Studio Art BFA and MFA with a Graphic Design emphasis for both. All programs provide access to the NMSU Graphic Design and Media Arts Lab; paid co-op experiences and internships at places such as Disney, ESPN, and the Sundance Institute; and participation in the Accademia Italiana program in Florence, Italy. Graduates have secured positions at places such as Netflix, Santa Fe Film Studios, Universal, Film Las Cruces, Sandia National Laboratories, FASTSIGNS, NMCO Studio, and the New Mexico Museum of Space History.
22. Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona (Top 33% of schools considered)
Northern Arizona University (NAU) has several program options for aspiring graphic designers: a Visual Communication BFA (VCD BFA) with a Graphic Design emphasis; a VCD BFA with an Animation and Motion Design emphasis that combines graphic design with visual effects (VFX), 2D/3D animation, and video production; and a VCD minor. Across programs, students benefit from a collaborative learning environment with immersive studios; opportunities to work on real-world projects with the student-led VisualDESIGNlab (VDL) and the Advanced Media Lab (AML); internships with places such as the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and HealthCorps; and study abroad experiences in the Czech Republic, Spain, and Italy. Graduates have landed positions at places such as Google, Nike, Amazon, Deloitte, GoDaddy, IBM, Yahoo!, Gore, L'Oréal, Abercrombie & Fitch, Gen Digital, Teva, Gap, Citigroup, and Motorola.
23. St. Edward’s University, Austin, Texas (Top 34% of schools considered)
The Department of Visual Studies at St. Edward’s University (St. Edward’s) provides two paths to study graphic design, including the Graphic Design BA and minor in Graphic Design. Students in both programs have opportunities to work with campus publications such as Arete, Hilltop Views, and Sorin Oak Review. Other program highlights include access to the Fine Arts Center production lab, the Fine Arts Gallery, and collaboration areas; hands-on experiences in interdisciplinary labs and studios; internships at places such as Google, South by Southwest (SXSW), and Cisco; and study abroad experiences in France, Italy, and the UK. Graduates can be found at places such as The New York Times, Visa, Frog Design, USAA, the Texas Senate, Mood Media, FODA, Houston First Corporation, Barbarian, and Houndstooth Studio.
24. University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado (Top 36% of schools considered)
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) provides two paths to study graphic design in the School of Art and Design. Options include a Graphic Design BA and a flexible Art and Design MA (hybrid). BA students can add the Arts Entrepreneurship certificate to enhance the degree. Across programs, students have opportunities to intern at places such as Adidas, Disney, and HP, and they may participate in the Southard Art Awards Competition. Students also have the option to take part in faculty-led trips to the Czech Republic and extended design studios in Italy. Graduates have established careers at places such as Lockheed Martin, the Colorado Symphony, OtterBox, Forney Industries, and Lael Designers.
25. University of Central Oklahoma, Edmond, Oklahoma (Top 37% of schools considered)
The School of Design at the University of Central Oklahoma (UCO) houses the Graphic Design BFA and minor programs. The BFA has a mandatory internship component with opportunities to work with Allied Arts OKC, Love’s Travel Shops, High Five Media, and the Oklahoma City Thunder. Students also have the opportunity to work on campus in the student-run studios Ink Tank and Clock Tower Studio. Other program highlights include advanced portfolio development courses and the Study Tour in Design elective; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and study abroad experiences in Europe and Asia. In addition to the Oklahoma City Thunder, graduates have secured roles at places such as Skyline Media Group, Hobby Lobby, and the Oklahoman/Oklahoma Publishing Company division (OPUBCO).