| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Purdue University | West Lafayette |
| 2 | University of Notre Dame | Notre Dame |
| 3 | Indiana University Bloomington | Bloomington |
| 4 | Ball State University | Muncie |
| 5 | Indiana University Indianapolis | Indianapolis |
Our 2025 ranking of the top 5 graphic design school programs in Indiana. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The Department of Art and Design at Purdue University (Purdue) houses a Visual Communications Design (VCD) program with BFA and MFA options. The Art and Design Department at Purdue’s Fort Wayne campus also provides a Graphic Design BFA. All programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Other program highlights include internships at local or regional art and design studios; collaborative and individual projects; immersive studios; electives that allow students to specialize in other additional design; and interdisciplinary seminars. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced creative roles across industries. They can be found at places such as Universal Studios, Microsoft, Apple, The Walt Disney Company, IBM, Google, Adobe, and SeaWorld.
The Department of Art, Art History, and Design (AAHD) at University of Notre Dame (Notre Dame) is home to the Division of Design, which provides Design BA, BFA, and MFA degrees. The graduate program is fully-funded and culminates with a professional exhibition of student work. The Design BA and BFA programs allow students to concentrate in Visual Communication Design (VCD). All students have opportunities to participate in design competitions; the AIGA student chapter; collaborative projects; field trips to design studios; and professional internships. Notre Dame AAHD graduates have gone on to land positions at places such as Microsoft, Booz Allen Hamilton, Google, DreamWorks Animation, The New York Times, HarperCollins, Southwest Airlines, Disney, IBM, Mattel, Ogilvy, The Denver Broncos, and Accenture.
The Eskenazi School of Art, Architecture + Design (SOAAD) at Indiana University Bloomington (IU Bloomington) has a Studio Art Program with BA, BFA, and MFA options. All students may concentrate in Graphic Design. Program highlights include access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Student Technology Centers (STCs), Letterpress Studio, and Digital Printing Labs; workshops, critiques, and gallery talks led by award-winning artists; internships at places such as Amazon, Macy’s, and Universal Studios; and study abroad experiences in places such as Japan and Italy. Recent graduates have been hired at places such as NBC, The Washington Post, Disney, Scripps, PwC, Starcom Worldwide, and ESPN.
The School of Art at Ball State University (BSU) provides several paths to study graphic design. Degree-seeking students can earn a BFA in Graphic Design or a Graphic Design Studies BS. Minor options for students in most creative majors include Graphic Arts Technology; Digital Media; and Studio Art with a customizable specialization. Programs take place in a collaborative studio environment with opportunities to work in the student design firm Studio 165+. Programs culminate with a final project. Graduates have been hired at places such as NASA, Google, Seattle Seahawks, Walt Disney World, American Eagle, UPS, VMware, LPK, High Alpha, Optum, Inc., Hirons, The Star Tribune, and Hook.
Herron School of Art + Design at Indiana University Indianapolis (IU Indianapolis) houses a Visual Communication Design (VCD) BFA program; a Communication Design MDes; and a Graphic Design minor. VCD BFA students may add another minor such as Book Arts; Studio Art and Technology; or Art History. All degree options provide internship opportunities; dedicated workstations for upper division students; seminars; and access to eight design studios, the Think It Make It Lab, and Herron Art Library. Graduates can be found at place such as Google, Pixar, Meta, Apple, UPS, Barclays, Adidas, and Eli Lilly.
