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What are the top Virginia graphic design schools for 2026?
| Ranking | School | City | Ranking by Region | National Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Virginia Commonwealth University | Richmond | #9 on East Coast | #24 |
| 2 | George Mason University | Fairfax | #22 on East Coast | Unranked |
| 3 | Virginia State University | Petersburg | Unranked | Unranked |
| 4 | James Madison University | Harrisonburg | Unranked | Unranked |
| 5 | Liberty University | Lynchburg | Unranked | Unranked |
Our 2026 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
The School of the Arts at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) houses the Department of Graphic Design (GD). Within the department are the Graphic Design BFA (GD BFA) and a Design MFA program. The NASAD-accredited MFA has a Visual Communications concentration. Across programs, students have access to the campus-based Creative Print Bureau (CPB) and Middle of Broad (mOb studio). Both provide opportunities to participate in community and government ventures, workshops, and print production projects. Graduates work at places such as Google, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), Apple, Disney, BBDO, Amazon, Pentagram, The New York Times, Spotify, Nike, and Wieden + Kennedy.
2. George Mason University, Fairfax, Virginia
The School of Art within George Mason University’s (GMU) College of Visual and Performing Arts provides several pathways to study graphic design. Options include an Art and Visual Technology (AVT) BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design (GD); a Graphic Design minor or undergraduate certificate; and a Visual and Performing Arts MFA (GD concentration), which includes a mandatory teaching seminar and practicum. Across programs, students benefit from gallery visits in New York; lectures at local venues; presentations by visiting artists; and formal critiques with faculty and fellow students. GMU School of Art alumni have landed roles at places such as The Washington Post, Amazon, Deloitte Digital, Booz Allen Hamilton, Microsoft, Google, the Smithsonian, Mastercard, Publicis Groupe, and Capital One.
3. Virginia State University, Petersburg, Virginia
The Department of Art and Design at Virginia State University (VSU) houses an Art and Design BFA program with a concentration in Graphic Design and an 18-credit-hour Graphic Design minor. Degree-seeking students have opportunities to gain real-world experience through VSU’s official in-house corporate design studio—the VSU Office of Communications and the Virginia State Center for Art & Design (VCAD LAB). BFA students also have access to dedicated studios and exhibition spaces for production work; opportunities to intern at museums and design studios in New York and DC; and the chance to study abroad in Ghana, Italy, Costa Rica, and Greece. Graduates can be found at places such as Lockheed Martin, Google, Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, USA Today, Amazon, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), Capital One, Virginia Museum of Fine Arts (VMFA), and IBM.
4. James Madison University, Harrisonburg, Virginia
The School of Art, Design, and Art History (SADAH) at James Madison University (JMU) houses an Art BFA with a Graphic Design major and an Art MFA with a customizable studio focus. To enhance the degree, Art BFA students can minor in Book Arts, Illustration, Art History or other approved offerings. Across programs, students benefit from guest speaker events; internships with federal agencies, museums, creative agencies, and galleries; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; field trips to design studios; the Dutch Art, Design, and the Humanities in the Netherlands and Semester in Florence or London study abroad programs; and participation in shows at JMU galleries. Program alumni have been hired at places such as The New York Times, Booz Allen Hamilton, Google, PBS Digital Studios, Apple, IBM, Microsoft, the Smithsonian Institution, Wired, The Martin Agency, Dropbox, and Pinterest.
5. Liberty University, Lynchburg, Virginia
The School of Communication and the Arts (SCA) at Liberty University (Liberty U) is home to the Department of Studio and Digital Arts (SADA). Within the department are many paths to study graphic design. Options include BS degrees in Digital Design and Studio and Digital Arts, both with a Graphic Design concentration; a Graphic Design BFA and MFA, both with online and on-campus options; an online Visual Communication Design MA; a Graphic Design minor; and an online Digital Arts Certificate. Degree-seeking students have opportunities to intern at places such as Condé Nast, Disney, and Sony; the chance to study abroad in Paris, Ireland, and the UK; and the option to participate in portfolio development workshops. Graduates have secured positions at places such as Hallmark, Capital One, the Motion Picture Association (MPA), Disney, National Geographic, Target, Pottery Barn, and ESPN.