| Ranking | School | State |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Michigan | Michigan |
| 2 | Purdue University | Indiana |
| 3 | DePaul University | Illinois |
| 4 | University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign | Illinois |
| 5 | Michigan State University | Michigan |
Our 2025 rankings of the Top 5 undergraduate UX/UI/HCI school programs in the Midwest. For reference, we define the Midwest as Ohio, Michigan, Indiana, Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa, Missouri, Kansas, Nebraska, South Dakota, and North Dakota. For an explanation of ranking criteria, click here.
The School of Information at University of Michigan (U-M) was the first iSchool in the world to launch an integrated BS in Information (BSI). The program is also one of the few to provide a UX Design concentration, which highlights courses such as Human-Computer Interaction; Building Data-Driven Applications; and Needs Assessment and Usability Evaluation. Other program features include dual degree options; study abroad in places such as the UK and Spain; and internships. Nearly all U-M BSI graduates work in their field of choice. Program alumni have been hired at places such as Google, IBM, Amazon, Microsoft, Epic Systems, NBCUniversal, Visa, Samsung, P&G, Nike, EY, PepsiCo, and BetMGM.
Purdue Polytechnic Institute at Purdue University (Purdue) houses a User Experience (UX) Design BS program that takes place in a studio environment. Learning Studios include user research, creating and assessing prototypes, and solving problems. In the Experience Studios, students will apply the skills acquired in the Learning Studios to projects for industry clients. Upon completion of the program, students will have 3.5 years of marketable experience. Graduates have been hired at places such as Amazon, Microsoft, Google, HP, Expedia, P&G, JPMorgan Chase, PepsiCo, United Airlines, and Citigroup.
DePaul University is home to Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, which houses the School of Design (SoD). Within the SoD is an interdisciplinary User Experience Design (UxD) BS program that emphasizes creativity and hands-on learning. Areas explored include artificial intelligence (AI), graphic design, data visualization, design research, information technology, and industrial design. SoD students can also earn a UxD minor or a combined BS/MS with dozens of eligible graduate programs. Graduates of the UxD degree programs at DePaul go on to land positions at places such as Google, Deloitte, CVS, Meta, PwC, United Airlines, EY, Hilton Worldwide, KPMG, JPMorgan Chase, AT&T, and Walgreens.
The School of Information Sciences at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) houses one of the oldest existing Library and Information Science (LIS) doctoral programs in the U.S. Known as the iSchool at Illinois, the school also houses a STEM-designated, interdisciplinary BS in Information Sciences (BSIS) with a Human Computer Interaction (HCI)/User Experience (UX) pathway. Students in this program have the option to enroll in courses, minors, certificates, or dual degrees from complementing disciplines such as Human Centered Design, Computer Science, or Graphic Design. Course examples for the pathway include Introduction to HCI; Topics in Human-Centered Design and Systems; and Design of Usable Interfaces. BSIS HCI/UX graduates go on to land positions at places such as Disney, Google, Boeing, NBCUniversal, Microsoft, Apple, Intel, Intuit, AbbVie, T-Mobile, Getty Images, and Nike.
Michigan State University’s (MSU) College of Communication Arts and Sciences (ComArtSci), which houses the Department of Media and Information (MI). Within the department are BA programs in Information Science, and Games and Interactive Media. Information Science students can specialize in Design of Human-Centered Technologies. Games and Interactive Media students have access to courses such as Building Innovative Interfaces; Game Interface Design; Methods for Understanding Users; and Games and Interactivity. Students also have the opportunity to take electives from Media and Information (MI) or any ComArtSci minor. MSU MI and Games graduates go on to land positions at places such as Blizzard Entertainment, Google, Electronic Arts, Dow Chemical Company, Ubisoft, Rockstar Games, Ford Motor Company, Bungie, Insomniac Games, Stryker, and Gray Media.
