What are the top Tennessee graphic design schools for 2026?
| Ranking | School | City | Ranking by Region | National Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Tennessee | Knoxville | #9 in South | #45 |
| 2 | University of Tennessee at Chattanooga | Chattanooga | #22 in South | Unranked |
| 3 | University of Memphis | Memphis | Unranked | Unranked |
| 4 | East Tennessee State University | Johnson City | Unranked | Unranked |
| 5 | Nossi College of Art | Nashville | Unranked | Unranked |
Our 2026 ranking of the top 5 graphic design school programs in Tennessee. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. University of Tennessee, Knoxville, Knoxville, Tennessee
The School of Design at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) provides two paths to study graphic design. Options include a Graphic Design BFA and a Graphic Design minor that’s ideal for Advertising and Journalism majors. The minor also has three tracks including The Idea of Design, The Art of Identity Design, and The Art of Presentation Design. All students benefit from 24/7 access to specialized facilities, including the School of Design Fab Lab and dedicated workspaces; small class sizes; and collaborative design studios. BFA students have opportunities to complete an internship at places such as Regal Entertainment Group and Fjällräven. All students will complete the Graphic Design Capstone for presentation at the Annual Senior Show. Graduates have been hired at places such as Google, Boeing, IDEO, Discovery, Coca-Cola, Accenture, and HGTV.
2. University of Tennessee at Chattanooga, Chattanooga, Tennessee
The Department of Art (UTC Art) at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC) houses an Art BFA program with a concentration in Graphic Design/Design Research and Practice. Students seeking a shorter program can enroll in the Digital Arts certificate program or the Graphic Design with Photoshop and Illustrator training track. Degree-seeking students benefit from studio visits; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; faculty mentorship; cooperative education assignments with partner companies; and professional internships with local creative agencies and museums. Graduates have secured roles at places such as Waterhouse Public Relations, Hunter Museum of American Art, Volkswagen Chattanooga, 6 Strong Media, Chattanooga Times Free Press, Astec Industries, and Southern Champion Tray.
3. University of Memphis, Memphis, Tennessee
The Department of Art and Design at the University of Memphis (UofM) houses the Art BFA and MFA degrees with a concentration in Graphic Design, a Graphic Design minor, an accelerated bachelor’s to master’s (ABM) track, and a Graphic Design certificate. Accomplished artists and designers lead courses for all programs, with projects that take place in state-of-the-art labs and studios. Degree-seeking students also have opportunities to intern with organizations such as Memphis Artists for Change and the City of Memphis Urban Fellows. In addition, students benefit from short-term faculty-led programs in Italy, Germany, Ireland, Japan, France, and Costa Rica. Graduates have been hired at places such as Nike, IBM, Coca-Cola, Williams-Sonoma, Colgate-Palmolive, NBC Sports, FedEx, Maybelline, Kellogg, and the YMCA.
4. East Tennessee State University, Johnson City, Tennessee
The Studio Art MFA at East Tennessee State University (ETSU) is the only program of its kind in the state. Housed in the Art and Design Department of ETSU, the program provides dedicated, individual studio spaces, graduate assistantships, and opportunities to exhibit work in ETSU’s Slocumb Galleries. Students may specialize in Graphic Design. At the undergraduate level, the department houses a Graphic Design BFA and a minor. All students have opportunities to participate in the Graphic Design Workshop, where they have the chance to work with real clients. Other program highlights include state-of-the-art production facilities, visiting artists, internships at local galleries, and the dedicated summer study abroad course in Athens, Greece, provided in partnership with the Art History program. Graduates of the art and design programs at ETSU have secured roles at places such as Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, Disney Books, Amazon, Discovery Channel, National Geographic, and Creative Energy.
5. Nossi College of Art, Nashville, Tennessee
Nossi College of Art (Nossi) houses an accelerated Bachelor of Graphic Arts (BGA) in Graphic and Interactive Design that can be completed in just three years and eight months. With small class sizes of roughly 10 students, the program features customized guidance and courses taught by designers for Visa, Amazon, and the NFL. Other program highlights include internships with organizations such as the National Convention and Visitors Corp (NCVC) and Cheekwood Estate and Gardens and immersive faculty-led study trips to Ireland, Greece, Italy, and France. In addition to Amazon and Visa, graduates can be found at places such as Trilith Studios, Black River Entertainment, Optum, and Kimley-Horn.