What are the top Virginia graphic design schools for 2025?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond |
| 2 | George Mason University | Fairfax |
| 3 | Liberty University | Lynchburg |
| 4 | Virginia State University | Petersburg |
| 5 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg |
Our 2025 ranking of the top 5 graphic design school programs in Virginia. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia
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.
2. George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
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.
3. Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia
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).
4. Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia
The Art and Design Department at Virginia State University (VSU) is accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Within the department is an Art and Design BFA program with a concentration in Graphic Design. Students may also take the concentration as a minor. Course examples across programs include Graphic Design History; Typography I-II; and Graphic Design I-II. Degree seeking students also have access to courses such as Illustration; Print; 2D Design; and Publication Design. A professional internship and senior thesis project are also part of the program. VSU graduates can be found at places such as Amazon, ESPN, Google, IBM, Capital One, and Deloitte.
5. James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia
The School of Art at James Madison University (JMU) houses an Art BFA program with a major in Graphic Design. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), this intensive program allows students to add a minor such as Book Arts, Technical and Scientific Communication, Film, or Computer Information Systems. Other program benefits include field trips to design studios and guest speaker events; internship opportunities at JMU and outside companies; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; visiting designers; and participation in shows at JMU galleries. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Google, Microsoft, IBM, The New York Times, Booz Allen Hamilton, and Wired.