Top 50 Graphic Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S. – 2025 Rankings

The Graphic Design Department at ArtCenter College of Design provides the unique opportunity for all enrolled students to study abroad at the school’s satellite studio—ArtCenter Berlin. Organized like a creative agency, the studio features industry partnerships; sponsored studios and collaborations; department led initiative; and transdisciplinary projects. All students also have opportunities to intern or network with companies and studios such as Amazon, Disney, Blizzard Entertainment, IBM, Apple, Microsoft, and Google. Degrees within the department include the Graphic Design (Gx) BFA and MFA (MGx). A Gx minor is also available. Graduates have been hired at places such as Apple, Dell, Disney, Adobe, Hermes, Riot Games, and DreamWorks Animation. 

The School of Art at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) has a Graphic Design program with both BFA and MFA options. The BFA allows students to minor in Digital Arts, Critical Studies, or other options. The MFA has an Integrated Media (IM) concentration consisting of specialized coursework, elective courses, seminars, and critiques. Students in both programs benefit from unlimited access to state-of-the-art facilities and labs; opportunities to work with faculty mentors from day one; internships with major design studios; and study abroad opportunities in places such as London, Paris, and Scotland. CalArts alumni have been hired at places such as Google, Disney, The Whitney Museum of American Art (The Whitney), Apple, Pixar, Sacramento Kings, Marvel, Los Angeles Public Press, Sony, Meta, and Netflix. 

The Communication Design BFA at The New School is housed in Parsons School of Design (Parsons). The oldest program of its kind in the U.S., the BFA is STEM-designated with access to internship opportunities in New York and other major cities; study abroad experiences in places such as Paris, London, and Florence; and a state-of-the-art Making Center. Other Parsons program options include the Communication Design AAS; the STEM-designated Communication Design Master of Professional Studies (MPS); and a Graphic and Digital Design certificate. Graduates of the Design programs at Parsons have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Adobe, Google, IDEO, Vogue, Samsung, Meta, and Oracle.  

Established in 2014, the School of Design (SoD) at Pratt Institute (Pratt) houses the Communications Design BFA with an Emphasis in Graphic Design or Illustration; Communication Design MFA; STEM-designated Packaging, Identities and Systems Design MS; Associate of Occupational Studies (AOS) in Graphic Design; and the Graphic Design/Illustration AAS. All SoD programs highlight internships; study abroad experiences in places such as London, Tokyo, and Milan; access to the Design Studio, immersive maker spaces, and production labs. Pratt SoD graduates have been hired at places such as Memorial Sloan Kettering, Microsoft, Apple, Google, DreamWorks Animation, Delta Airlines, IBM, Amazon, HBO, Adobe, Deloitte, Warner Music Group, Peacock, Hasbro, Dior, Ogilvy, Carhartt, Inc., R/GA, and Gensler. 

The School of Design and Creative Technologies at University of Texas at Austin (UT Austin) houses the Design Department. Within the department is a Design Program with BA, BFA, and MFA options. A three-month, 100% online Graphic Design certificate program is available through UT Austins Center for Professional Education at UT Austin. All Design students benefit from project-based courses taught by industry professionals; dedicated studio spaces; fabrication labs; and partnerships with places such as IBM, McKinsey & Company, and Logitech. Design alumni have been hired at places such as Walt Disney Animation Studios, The New York Times, Apple, Meta, Gensler, Deloitte, Razorfish, and H-E-B Digital. 

The College of Fine Arts (CFA) at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU) is home to the School of Design, which houses a Graphic Design BDes program; the BXA intercollege degree program; and a Design minor. The BDes has tracks in Communication Design; Products Design; and Environments Design for Environments. Across programs students have access to collaborative dedicated studio spaces, along with opportunities to complete an internship and/or study abroad in places such as London, Paris, and Milan. CMU Design graduates have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Amazon, Google, IBM, Apple, Oracle, IDEO, Netflix, Meta, Adobe, R/GA, Volkswagen, Mayo Clinic, NVIDIA, and JPMorgan Chase. 

University of Florida (UF) is home to the School of Art and Art History. Within the school are several paths to study graphic design including the Graphic Design BFA; the Design and Visual Communications MFA (MxD); and Graphic Design minor programs. All students benefit from real-world projects with major companies; access to state-of-the-art studios and labs, including the MxD lab; internships; and study abroad experiences in places such as the UK, Italy, and Spain. Graduates have gone on to launch their own studios or land positions at places such as Walt Disney Imagineering, Microsoft, Google, Miami Heat, Apple, IBM, L’Oréal, Viacom, IDEO, Meta, Fossil, Verizon, and R/GA. 

California College of the Arts (CCA) has two paths to study graphic design including the Communication Design (CD) BFA and the Design MFA. The BFA highlights advanced studios that allow students to explore areas such as AR/VR, branding, motion design, and editorial publishing. The Design MFA focuses on graphic, industrial, and interaction design. Across programs, students also benefit from dedicated studio spaces, and access to facilities such as the Prototyping Studio and Hybrid Lab, and the Book Arts and Letterpress Studio. MFA students may participate in a yearly retreat at Headlands Center for the Arts. CCA design alumni have been hired at places such as Microsoft, Google, The New York Times, Apple, IBM, Adobe, Meta, San Francisco Museum of Modern Art (SFMOMA), and Pentagram. 

The School of Art at The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art (Cooper Union) is home to an Art BFA program that allows students to focus in graphic design through electives and studio courses. Examples include Graphic Design I-II; Experimental Printmaking; Advanced Typography; and Animation. All students have the opportunity to complete an internship and/or study abroad experience. Cooper Union graduates go on to land positions at places such as Amazon, The Whitney Museum of American Art (The Whitney), NVIDIA, Microsoft, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), Google, Apple, Oracle, Intel, Cisco Systems, Meta, Uber, Cognizant, Gensler, AECOM, and The Noguchi Museum. 

Established in 1980, the Graphic Design Program at Ringling College of Art and Design (RCAD) provides opportunities to work on real-world projects at the school’s in-house design studio Ringling College Design Center. Leading to a BFA, the program also highlights external internships with major companies and studios; visiting artists from places such as DreamWorks, and the opportunity to submit works to the ADDY Awards. Graduates go on to establish careers at places such as Microsoft, Leo Burnett, Intel, Amazon, Meta, DreamWorks, Saatchi & Saatchi X, Google, Apple, Ogilvy, Nickelodeon, and Hallmark.

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. 

The College of Visual Arts and Design (CVAD) at the University of North Texas (UNT) houses the Design Department, which provides a Communication Design BFA with Graphic Design and User-Experience Design (UX Design) tracks. Students in both tracks have the option to add a minor such as Printmaking; New Media Art; Photography; or Art History. The program culminates with a portfolio of the student’s best work. UNT design graduates can be found at places such as Microsoft, Nike, IBM, Disney, Apple, IDEO, Goldman Sachs, BBDO, Starbucks, Intuit, BMW, PepsiCo, Nieman Marcus, Fossil, and Capital One. 

The College of Design, Architecture, Art and Planning (DAAP) at the University of Cincinnati (UC) houses the Myron E. Ullman Jr. School of Design. Within the school are two programs for students seeking careers in graphic design. Options include the Communication Design BS and the STEM-designated MDes. The BS features five paid co-op experiences at places such as Nike, Disney, Macy’s, IBM, and Toyota. The MDes provides opportunities to earn a certificate in Marketing, Sustainability, or Entrepreneurship. DAAP design graduates go on to land positions at NASA and companies such as Apple, Toyota, BASF, Honeywell, GE Aerospace, J&J, Boston Scientific, P&G, Landor, HEAPY, and SpaceX. 

Boston University’s (BU) School of Visual Arts has several paths to study graphic design including the Visual Arts minor, and the BFA, MFA, and certificate in Graphic Design. Accredited by National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the programs feature workshops and immersive studio experiences; partnerships with area design studios and businesses; design intensives in Amsterdam; Printmaking workshops at the Franz Masareel Centrum in Kasterlee, Belgium; and the Studio Arts Program at Boston University’s Venice (Italy) Center. Graduates of the BU Graphic Design programs have been hired at places such as Google, Microsoft, Apple, ESPN, Amazon, Deloitte, NBCUniversal, IBM, Meta, Liberty Mutual, CVS Health, Accenture, PwC, Dropbox, and Merck.

The Graphic Design Program at Otis College of Art and Design (Otis) has BFA, MFA, and certificate options. For all programs, students have the opportunity to enhance the curriculums through electives and experiential learning experiences such as internships and studies abroad. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced roles across industries. Otis Graphic Design alumni can be found at places such as IDEO, Apple, Mattel, Google, Nike, Microsoft, Amazon, Universal Music Group, Condé Nast, Disney Experiences, Nike, DreamWorks, Lionsgate, GUESS, Nickelodeon, Hallmark, Ogilvy, WB Network, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), HBO, Warner Bros., Deutsch, Cartoon Network, and R/GA. 

The Graphic Design Program at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) has Graphic Design BFA, minor and certificate options; a Graphic and Web Design MA; and an interdisciplinary MFA. All students benefit from hands-on training through internships and collaborative client projects; study abroad experiences in places such the UK, Italy, and Japan; and participation the local creative community, consisting of art centers, galleries, and design nonprofits. MCAD art and design alumni can be found at places such as Amazon, Netflix, Disney, The New York Times, Starbucks, 3M, Target, and General Mills. 

The School of Design at Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) provides two paths to study graphic design: the Graphic Design BFA, and the cross-disciplinary, STEM-designated Visual Communication Design (VCD) MFA. Students in both programs have opportunities to gain industry experience through cooperative education, internships, and collaborative class projects with RIT partners such as Starbucks, Kraft, and Unilever. Students also benefit from workshops; state-of-the art production facilities and studio spaces; and networking through RIT’s Creative Industry Day. RIT graduates have gone on to establish careers at places such as Boeing, Nike, Apple, Intel, Microsoft, Google, Cisco, Hasbro, Disney, Warner Bros., ESPN, Oracle, Northrop Grumman, PepsiCo., Nickelodeon, and Smithsonian Institution. 

Founded in 1945, the School of Industrial and Graphic Design (SIGD) at Auburn University is the oldest NASAD accredited school in Alabama. SIGD students have access to several program options including a Graphic Design BFA and an Industrial and Graphic Design Processes minor. Both programs take place in a studio environment featuring hands-on design courses; cross-disciplinary collaborations; and study abroad experiences in places such as the UK, Ireland, and Hong Kong. Graduates can be found at places such as Google, Apple, Microsoft, Adobe, IBM, Yelp, Pinterest, Dropbox, Tennibot, and the Alabama Cooperative Extension System. 

The School of Art at Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) provides two paths to study graphic design including the Communication Design AAS and Graphic Design BFA (GD BFA). In addition to preparing students for entry-level positions in graphic design, the AAS provides a direct path to the BFAs in GD, Advertising and Digital Design, Visual Presentation and Exhibition Design, and Packaging Design. The GD BFA explores advanced level editorial design, branding, interactive web design, experiential design (exhibitions and wayfinding), typography, and motion graphics. Graduates of the design programs at FIT can be found at places such as DDB, Ogilvy, Nike, BBDO, Sony, PepsiCo, LEGO Group, Colgate-Palmolive Pentagram, R/GA, Hyperakt, Landor, Godiva, MoMA, ThinkBrands, Bath & Body Works, and Avon. 

The Lamar Dodd School of Art at University of Georgia (UGA) was established in 1937. Serving more than 1,000 students, the school houses five facilities for gallery spaces and instruction; the year-round Studies Abroad Program in Cortona, Italy; state-of-the-art studios; a visual resource center; galleries for student and public exhibitions; and an interdisciplinary Fine Arts BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design. In addition to all Dodd has to offer, the program features immersive workshops; seminars; visiting artists; and participation in the Annual Bachelor of Fine Arts Exit Show. Graduates have gone on to establish careers at places such as IBM, Amazon, Deloitte, Meta, Cox Communications, Apple, Delta Airlines, The Metropolitan Museum of Art (The Met), AT&T, Home Depot, Emory Health, Free People, and Gensler. 

The Department of Art and Design at Purdue University (Purdue) houses a Visual Communications Design (VCD) program with BFA and MFA options. The Art and Design Department at Purdue’s Fort Wayne campus also provides a Graphic Design BFA. All programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Other program highlights include internships at local or regional art and design studios; collaborative and individual projects; immersive studios; electives that allow students to specialize in other additional design; and interdisciplinary seminars. Graduates are prepared to pursue advanced creative roles across industries. They can be found at places such as Universal Studios, Microsoft, Apple, The Walt Disney Company, IBM, Google, Adobe, and SeaWorld. 

University of Utah’s (The U) College of Fine Arts houses the Department of Art and Art History. Within the department is a Graphic Design BFA that features workshops led by guest lecturers; advanced seminar courses; and studio electives that allow students to focus in other areas of design. All students will complete a portfolio and professional resume to graduate. Graduates are prepared to pursue positions at design studios, advertising agencies, publishing companies, marketing firms, web design studios, museums, and universities. The U alumni have been hired at places such as Google, Pixar, Microsoft, Goldman Sachs, Adobe, Mariott International, American Express, Oakley, Atari, and JetBlue. 

Texas State University (Texas State) has several paths to study graphic design including the Communication Design (ComDes) BFA and MFA, and the Art and Design minor. All programs take place in the Joann Cole Mitte Art and Design Building, which provides access to state-of-the-art labs and photography studios. Students also benefit from internship experiences in Texas and abroad; opportunities to earn publishing credits in trade journals such as Communication Arts, PRINT, and Logo Lounge; seminars; the visiting artists series; immersive workshops; and graduate assistantships. Texas State design graduates have been hired at places such as Disney, Cisco, Google, DDB, Amazon, Dell, Microsoft, Apple, USAA, IBM, Adidas, Deloitte, Verizon, Meta, H-E-B Digital, GSD&M, and Ascension.

The School of Performance, Visualization and Fine Arts (PVFA) at Texas A&M University (Texas A&M) houses a Visualization (Viz) program that provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include the Visualization BS (BS-Viz), which highlights a mandatory semester abroad in places such as Italy or the UK; a Graphic Design minor; the MS-Viz, with thesis and non-thesis options; and one of the few programs of its kind in the U.S. and the only program of its kind in Texas—the MFA-Viz. All students benefit from collaborative, project-based studios; participation in design competitions; and access to state-of-the-art production facilities and labs. Graduates can be found at places such as NASA, Pixar, Amazon, IBM, Disney, ESPN, Boeing, AT&T, Lockheed Martin, Oracle, Dell, Axiom, and H-E-B Digital.

The College of Fine Arts at Florida State University (FSU) is home to the Department of Art. Within the department are the Studio Art BA, BFA, and MFA degree programs. An interdisciplinary Graphic Design graduate certificate is also available to graduate students in all departments. BA students must choose one concentration, BFA students must select two, and MFA students may focus through electives or an established concentration. Examples include Electronic Arts (MFA); Printmaking; Book Arts; Installation (MFA); Digital Media; Photography; Moving Image; Drawing; and Paper-making (MFA). The MFA is a fully funded program, with additional scholarship/fellowship opportunities. FSU alumni go on to establish careers at places such as Disney, Lockheed Martin, Amazon, IMAX, Deloitte, L3Harris, Publix, and PwC.