Top 50 Graphic Design Schools and Colleges in the U.S. – 2026 Rankings

The Graphic Design Department at ArtCenter College of Design houses a studio-rich Graphic Design (Gx) BFA that provides access to specialized facilities such as the Hoffmitz Milken Center for Typography (HMCT) and dedicated exhibition spaces such as the Graphic Design Gallery. A Gx MFA (MGx) with two- and three-year tracks is also available. The two-year track has internship and independent study options, and the three-year track features foundational design prep. All students have opportunities to study abroad at ArtCenter Berlin and work on campus at The Agency for real clients such as Netflix and Nike. 

Graduates can be found at places such as Sony Pictures, Microsoft, Google, Walt Disney Imagineering, Amazon, Riot Games, Nike, DreamWorks, Marvel Studios, The New Yorker, Dell, Netflix, and IDEO.

The School of Art at California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) houses a Graphic Design program with BFA and MFA options. BFA students can minor in Digital Arts, Critical Studies, or Arts Education. The MFA is an experimental degree with a two-year track for established graphic designers and a three-year track (PMFA) for students from other creative backgrounds. All students have access to faculty mentors beginning on day one; opportunities to complete an internship with a major design studio; study abroad experiences in places such as London and Paris; and unlimited 24/7 access to state-of-the-art facilities and labs. CalArts alumni have been recruited by places such as Walt Disney Imagineering, Google, Riot Games, Pixar, Apple, Blizzard Entertainment, DreamWorks, and Sony Interactive Entertainment (SIE). 

The School of Design (SoD) at Pratt Institute (Pratt) provides multiple paths to study graphic design. Options include a Communications Design BFA with an emphasis in Graphic Design or Illustration; a Communication Design MFA; a STEM-designated Packaging, Identities and Systems Design MS; a Graphic Design AOS; and a Graphic Design/Illustration AAS. The School of Continuing and Professional Studies also offers Graphic Design and Digital Design certificates. Degree-seeking students have opportunities to complete an internship and study abroad in places such as Milan, Tokyo, and London. Students also have access to immersive makerspaces, production labs, and the Design Studio. SoD graduates have secured roles at places such as Nickelodeon, HBO, PepsiCo, DreamWorks, Rockstar Games, Dior, Hasbro, Google, Penguin Random House, Amazon, The New Yorker, Sony, Gensler, Apple, Coach, and West Elm. 

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has a Graphic Design program with BA, BFA, and minor options at the undergraduate level, and Graphic Design and Visual Experience MA and MFA options at the graduate level. Across programs, students have opportunities to collaborate on designs for partners such as Amazon, Netflix, and Porsche through the school’s in-house design studio SCADpro. In addition, students can study in France at SCAD Lacoste or other locations such as Berlin, Tokyo, and Naples. Graduates go on to secure positions at places such as NBC, Microsoft, Disney, Riot Games, eBay, Apple, Google, Nike, Warner Bros., Gensler, Deloitte Digital, Mattel, Target, Calvin Klein, and Ogilvy.

North Carolina State University (NC State) houses the College of Design, home to the Graphic and Experience Design program. Degrees include the Bachelor of Graphic and Experience Design (BGXD) and Master of Graphic and Experience Design (MGXD). Recognized by the AIGA and considered one of the nation’s top NASAD-accredited programs, the BGXD focuses on typography, user research, digital prototyping, and service design. The MGXD is one of the few STEM-designated graphic design graduate programs in the U.S. Across programs, students have opportunities to complete an internship and study abroad in places such as Greece and Prague. Graduates have secured positions at places such as IDEO, Red Hat, IBM, Pentagram, Lenovo, R/GA, GlaxoSmithKline (GSK), and Adobe. 

Carnegie Mellon University’s (CMU) School of Design provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include a BDes with a Communication Design track; the BXA intercollege degree program with Bachelor of Computer Science and Arts (BCSA), Bachelor of Humanities and Arts (BHA), and Bachelor of Science and Arts (BSA) pathways; and the Design MA, MDES, and undergraduate minor. Across programs, students have access to dedicated studio spaces and state-of-the-art production facilities. Students may complete a professional internship and study abroad in places such as Paris and London. CMU Design graduates are routinely hired at places such as Microsoft, Deloitte Digital, Capital One, Amazon, Hulu, Google, The New York Times, Apple, IDEO, Netflix, R/GA, Volkswagen, and GoDaddy.

The School of Art and Art History at the University of Florida (UF) houses the Graphic Design BFA, Design and Visual Communications MFA (MxD), and Graphic Design minor programs. Program features include access to state-of-the-art studios and labs, including the MxD lab; opportunities to work on projects with major companies; professional internships; and study abroad experiences in places such as Spain, Italy, and the UK. In addition to launching their own studios, UF Design graduates have secured positions with the Miami Heat and at places such as Electronic Arts (EA), Microsoft, Disney, Apple, IBM, IDEO, Google, R/GA, Interbrand (a division of Omnicom Group), Viacom, Gensler, Kate Spade, and Verizon. 

The School of Art and Design at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) provides two paths to study graphic design. Options include an interdisciplinary Graphic Design BFA (GD BFA) and a Design for Responsible Innovation MFA. The GD BFA program explores areas such as user experience (UX), image making, and typography. The Design for Responsible Innovation MFA (formerly Graphic Design) focuses on visual analytics, interaction, systems and service design, narrative, and graphic design. UIUC Design graduates have been hired at places such as Lockheed Martin, Disney, Boeing, Nike, Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Intel, Google, Ford, Pfizer, Walmart, Capgemini, Target, and Argonne National Laboratory. 

The School of Art + Art History + Design at the University of Washington (UW) houses the Division of Design. Within the division is a Visual Communication Design (VCD) BDes that focuses on areas such as interface design, advanced typography, motion design, branding, visual storytelling, information design, and publication design. The competitive BDes program admits just 60 students annually across the VCD, Interaction Design (IxD), and Industrial Design (ID) majors. Graduates go on to pursue the MDes at UW or establish careers at places such as Microsoft, Boeing, Deloitte Digital, Amazon, Nike, Google, Apple, Whitney Museum of American Art (the Whitney), REI, TikTok, Alaska Airlines, Starbucks, and T-Mobile.

The Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis (WashU) houses a Communication Design BFA and a Design BA with a Communication concentration. Highlights across programs include opportunities to work on projects with Interbrand (a division of Omnicom Group) and Digitas; internships at places such as Disney and New York Magazine; and participation in the Sam Fox School Florence Semester Program. In addition to Disney and New York Magazine, graduates have been hired at places such as IDEO, Boeing, Amazon, Saatchi & Saatchi, Netflix, HBO, Microsoft, Pentagram, IBM, Google, Nickelodeon, Levi Strauss & Co., the Guggenheim Museum, and the American Museum of Natural History.

Brigham Young University (BYU) provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include the limited enrollment Graphic Design BFA; an interdisciplinary Design BA with blended options such as Graphic Design and Illustration, Product/UX Design, or Photo/Lens-Based Design; and a Graphic Design Fundamentals (GDF) certificate provided through BYU-Pathway Worldwide. Degree-seeking students will complete an internship and capstone project to graduate. BYU design alumni can be found at places such as Disney, Nike, Apple, Microsoft, New York Magazine, Google, Amazon, Lucid, Vivint, and J. Crew. 

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. 

The School of Design at the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) provides several paths to study graphic design. Undergraduate options include a Graphic Design BDes; the flexible Design Studies BA; a BS in Computer Science and Design; and a Graphic Design MDes. Programs are studio-based with access to electives across other schools and departments. MDes students can participate in the Basel School of Design Summer Workshops at the FHNW HGK Basel Visual Communication Institute in Münchenstein, Switzerland. Graphic Design graduates have secured positions at places such as Amazon, Nike, Google, Apple, Deloitte Digital, Barnes & Noble, URBN, FCB, Northwestern Medicine, Accenture, and PwC. 

The Graphic Design Program at Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) provides opportunities to work on client projects at DesignWorks—MCAD's in-house studio. Hands-on studio electives allow students to gain additional experience in different areas of graphic design. Degree options include a Graphic Design BFA; the Graphic and Web Design MA; and a Visual Studies MFA that includes graphic design, digital media, animation, illustration, and more. Across programs, students benefit from optional internships; opportunities to participate in activities at local galleries, art centers, and design nonprofits; and study abroad experiences in places such as the UK and Japan. MCAD art and design alumni can be found at places such as the Science Museum of Minnesota, Amazon, Walker Art Center, Disney, Netflix, 3M, The New York Times, Target, Starbucks, Best Buy, General Mills, Medtronic, and DesignWorks.

The Graphic Design Program at Otis College of Art and Design (Otis) consists of STEM-designated BFA and MFA options and a certificate. Curriculums for all programs may be enhanced through experiential learning and specialized electives. Other program highlights include opportunities to work at Otis Design Lab—the school's in-house design agency; the option to add a minor such as Digital Media, Creative Writing, or Motion Design; collaborative studio projects; sponsored mentor projects; and visiting artist workshops. Otis Graphic Design graduates have secured positions at places such as DreamWorks, Ogilvy, Apple, Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), IDEO, Microsoft, Condé Nast, Hallmark, Disney, R/GA, Cartoon Network, Google, HBO, Nike, Warner Bros., Mattel, Amazon, Nickelodeon, and GUESS.

The School of Art and Design at San Diego State University (SDSU) provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include a BA in Interactive Media and Graphic Design; a BA in Integrated Design; an Art MFA with a Graphic Design emphasis; and certificates in Graphic Design and Digital Arts. SDSU and ed2go have partnered to provide additional certificates in Graphic Design with Photoshop and Illustrator, and Multimedia Arts. All degree-seeking students benefit from the visiting lecture series; AIGA membership; access to digital imaging, video, and interactive media labs; and studios for book arts, letterpress, printmaking, and more. SDSU Design graduates can be found at places such as Google, Sony Interactive Entertainment, Amazon, Disney, Microsoft, Apple, Qualcomm, IBM, Intuit, and FASTSIGNS International. 

The Jordan Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design at Portland State University (PSU) recently launched a new 100,000-square-foot facility designed by LEVER Architecture. The facility houses the Graphic Design BFA and minor programs; dedicated galleries, production labs, and technology-enabled teaching spaces; and a dedicated studio space for residencies. Students have the opportunity to work with real clients through the Advertising Minor for Graphic Design Majors program; the Creative Strategy and Advertising Campaigns courses; and the on-campus advertising agency Student Work @ PSU. Graduates work at places such as Nike, Google, Columbia Sportswear, Microsoft, Adidas, IDEO, Nordstrom, Wieden+Kennedy, Apple, R/GA, Interbrand (a division of Omnicom Group), and Frito-Lay.

The Communication Department at Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) has three paths to study graphic design. Options include the Communication Design BFA (CD BFA); a CD certificate that can be completed 100% online; and the Dynamic Media Institute (DMI) MFA. Across programs, students benefit from industry partnerships with companies and brands such as PUMA, Sony, and DraftKings; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and the option to participate in Partnership WORKS—a year-long, paid position with a local, mission-driven organization. Graduates have established careers at places such as Penguin Random House, Disney, Amazon, Bose, Museum of Fine Arts Boston, Apple, IBM, Microsoft, Google, Adobe, The TJX Companies, Converse, Pinterest, Wayfair, and Chronicle Books. 

The Graphic Design BFA at San Jose State University (SJSU) is the only program of its kind at a public university in Silicon Valley. Established in 1969 and housed in the Department of Design, the program includes a mandatory internship and opportunities to work on community engagement projects. In addition, the BFA can be completed entirely online. Another option for aspiring graphic designers is the Design Studies BA with a Graphic Design specialization. Across programs, students benefit from collaborations with students in other majors, and lectures and workshops led by industry professionals. SJSU Graphic Design graduates have been hired at places such as NASA, Samsung, Microsoft, IDEO, Google, Disney, Amazon, Cisco, Apple, Lockheed Martin, Nike, NVIDIA, Adobe, and Chase. 

Purdue University (Purdue) provides two paths to study graphic design. Options include a Visual Communication Design (VCD) BFA and the Visual and Performing Arts MFA with a VCD concentration. Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW) also houses a Graphic Design BFA program. Highlights across programs include internships at local design studios or Purdue’s in-house marketing and advertising agency—Purdue Brand Studio; access to electives such as Geometric Modeling For Visualization And Communication, Physical Computing, and Interaction Design Evaluation; collaborative projects; and interdisciplinary seminars. Graduates have secured positions at places such as Google, Leo Burnett, DDB, The New York Times, Microsoft, Disney, Apple, Publicis Groupe, National Geographic, and PepsiCo.

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 Papermaking (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.

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB or Cal State Long Beach) houses the School of Art (SoA). Within the school is an impacted limited-enrollment Graphic Design major that follows an immersive studio, four-semester assigned cohort structure. Students in other BFA programs can apply to the Graphic Design minor program. At the graduate level, CSULB houses an Art MFA with a concentration in Studio Art. Students in this program have the option to focus their thesis studio and research on graphic design. Other program highlights include study abroad workshops in places such as London and Paris; the guest artist series; and customizable galleries for student exhibits. Graduates have been recruited by places such as HarperCollins Publishers, Mattel, Disney, the LA Times, Landor, and Getty Publications.

The Art and Design Department at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly) has a Graphic Design concentration that highlights portfolio reviews by design professionals. Leading to an Art and Design BFA, the program explores UX/UI, packaging design, illustration, typography, identity design, and publication design. Cal Poly’s Graphic Communications Department offers a BS in Graphic Communication (GrC BS) with a Design Reproduction Technology concentration. The program focuses on the technical aspects of packaging, printing, and publishing. A GrC minor is also available. Across programs, graduates have been hired at places such as Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), NASA, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Amazon, Mattel, Nike, Disney, Adidas, Patagonia, 3M, and the Los Angeles Dodgers.

The Communication Design BFA program at Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design (MIAD) is a 120-credit-hour, multidisciplinary program with an option that allows students to minor in Book Arts, Copywriting, Advertising, Media Production, and more. Students can also enhance the degree through specialized electives and experiential learning opportunities such as internships at Nike, Harley-Davidson, and the Milwaukee Brewers, and study abroad experiences in Spain, Italy, and Thailand. Examples of companies that frequently hire MIAD graduates include NASA, Google, Nike, Ford, GM, Harley-Davidson, Lands’ End, Milwaukee Tool, Kohler, High Sierra, Cramer-Krasselt, and Delta Faucet. 

The Communication Design (ComDes) BFA and MFA programs at Texas State University (Texas State) have a unique component that allows students to earn publishing credits in trade journals such as PRINT and Communication Arts. Housed in the School of Art and Design, the programs provide access to the Multidisciplinary Innovation Lab (The MiL) and the ComDes Fabrication Lab and Print Facility. Other program highlights include immersive workshops; the visiting artists series; and paid graduate assistantships for MFA students. Across programs, graduates have established careers at places such as Amazon, Disney, Google, DDB, Microsoft, Leo Burnett, Dell, BBDO, Apple, Deloitte, Adidas, and VML.