| Ranking | School | City | Ranking by Region | National Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Ohio State University | Columbus | #6 in Midwest | #29 |
| 2 | University of Cincinnati | Cincinnati | #7 in Midwest | #31 |
| 3 | Kent State University | Kent | #12 in Midwest | Unranked |
| 4 | Bowling Green State University | Bowling Green | #20 in Midwest | Unranked |
| 5 | Columbus College of Art and Design | Columbus | Unranked | Unranked |
Our 2026 ranking of the top 5 graphic design school programs in Ohio. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The Department of Design at The Ohio State University (OSU) has a Visual Communication Design (VCD) BDes program that accepts small cohorts of just 18—20 students per year. A Design Thinking minor (DSGNTHK-MN) is also available as well as a Design MFA with interdisciplinary tracks in Design Research and Development (DRD) and Digital Animation and Interactive Media (DAIM). A Visual Arts MFA with an Art and Technology concentration is offered through the Department of Arts. Graduate students enjoy 24/7 access to private and semi-private studios. All students benefit from internship opportunities; portfolio development courses; and participation in Design Week in Milan, Italy. OSU Design and Visual Arts graduates have landed positions at places such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, P&G, Apple, Deloitte, NBCUniversal, American Greetings, IBM iX, Abercrombie & Fitch, Nationwide, and Scotts Miracle-Gro.
Ullman School of Design at the University of Cincinnati (UC) houses the Communication Design BS and a STEM-designated MDes. The BS consists of five paid, semester-long professional co-op experiences, allowing students to enter the market with nearly two years of real-world industry experience. The interdisciplinary, collaborative MDes requires a summer-long teaching or co-op experience. Possible co-op employers include Disney, IBM, Nike, Toyota, and Macy's. Graduates have established careers at places such as NASA, SpaceX, GE Aerospace, Disney, Apple, Boston Scientific, Toyota, and Macy's.
The School of Visual Communication Design (VCD) at Kent State University (KSU or Kent State) provides multiple paths to study graphic design. Options include VCD BA, BFA, MA, and MFA programs. A major component of the BA and BFA programs is a required internship. Many of these work experiences are paid, and take place at creative agencies and organizations in places such as New York, Chicago, and San Francisco. Graduate programs focus on research, individual investigations, a thesis or terminal project, and optional internships. Other VCD highlights include access to the Creative Lab and state-of-the-art production studios; portfolio development; and study abroad experiences. Graduates have landed positions with NASA, the Cleveland Cavaliers, Google, American Greetings, Microsoft, and Apple.
The School of Art at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) is the largest state art school at a public Ohio university. Within the school is a Graphic Design BFA program that features required internships with possible placements at Disney and American Greetings; an accelerated option that takes just three years to complete; and a dedicated study abroad program in Florence, Italy. Students also have access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the Digital Arts Classroom and Center for Advanced Visualization and Education (CAVE) Lab. In addition to American Greetings and Disney, graduates can be found at places such as Nike, Microsoft, DreamWorks, The New York Times, Blizzard Entertainment, Riot Games, BBDO, Hearst, Gerber, Condé Nast, YouTube, Leo Burnett, The Wall Street Journal, and Progressive Insurance.
The Graphic Design BFA program at Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) highlights courses such as UX Strategy and Interaction, Advanced Branding Concepts, Conceptual Copywriting and AD, and Typographic Communication. All students have the opportunity to participate in “The Pitch,” sponsored by the American Advertising Federation; work on projects with companies like Airstream; minor in Animation, Copywriting, Illustration, or Photography, among others; and complete an internship at places such as American Greetings and P&G. Graduates have been hired at places such as Apple, P&G, JPMorgan Chase, IBM iX, Orlando Museum of Art, and Huntington Bank.
