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

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 Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts at Arizona State University (ASU) provides multiple paths to study graphic design. Options include the Design BS (BSD) in Graphic Design; the Graphic Information Technology BS (GITBS) and MS (GITMS); and the Design MS (Visual Communication Design). Across programs, students benefit from projects that focus on areas such as interaction design, motion graphics, branding, animation, and publication design; access to state-of-the-art equipment in the Digital Creative Studio, MIX Center, and Fab Lab, among others; internships with major companies and studios; and more than 300 global study options. ASU Design and GIT alumni have gone on to establish careers at places such as Amazon, Google, Intel, Apple, GoDaddy, UNICEF, Banner Health, and American Airlines.

The School of Art and Design at University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) houses an interdisciplinary Graphic Design BFA, and the Design for Responsible Innovation (formerly Graphic Design) MFA. The BFA program explores typography, image making, user experience (UX), and research methods. The MFA focuses on areas such as graphic design, systems and service design, interaction, narrative, and visual analytics. UIUC Design graduates have been hired at places such as Boeing, Apple, Nike, Google, Pfizer, Disney, Microsoft, Walmart, Lockheed Martin, Intel, Ford, Meta, Target, and IBM. 

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 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. 

The College of Arts and Sciences at The Ohio State University (OSU) houses the Department of Design. Within the department are the Visual Communication Design BS program; a Design Thinking minor; the interdisciplinary Visual Arts MFA; and a Design MFA with a Design Research and Development (DRD) track. All students benefit from research opportunities; portfolio development; and participation in Design Week in Milan, Italy. Graduate students also enjoy 24/7 access to private and semi-private studios. OSU Design and Visual Arts graduates go on to establish careers at places such as Apple, NBCUniversal, American Greetings, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, IBM, P&G, Meta, and Deloitte. 

The College of the Arts at Portland State University (PSU) is the largest art school in the Pacific Northwest. Within the college is the Schnitzer School of Art + Art History + Design, which houses the Graphic Design BFA and minor programs. BFA students have the opportunity to work on projects for real clients through the Schnitzer School’s in-house studio A + D Projects. PSU's Business School has an Advertising minor for Graphic Design majors that provides additional opportunities for students to work with real clients through the Creative Strategy and Advertising Campaigns courses, and the on-campus advertising agency FIR. Graduates have gone on to land positions at places such as IBM, Wieden+Kennedy, Microsoft, Nike, Google, IDEO, Apple, R/GA, Adidas, Target, Snapchat, Columbia, Frito-Lay, and Interbrand.

Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) has two paths to study graphic design: the Communication Design BFA and a Communication Design certificate that can be completed entirely online. All students benefit from industry partnerships; access to state-of-the-art production facilities, labs, and studios; and internships at design studios, MassArt Art Museum (MAAM), galleries, and performance venues. The program culminates with the Senior Design Portfolio and Senior Degree Project courses. Graduates have gone on to land positions at places such as Microsoft, REI, Google, Penguin Random House, Apple, Yelp, IBM, Pinterest, Adobe, and Chronicle Books.

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 School of Art at Louisiana State University (LSU) provides two paths to study graphic design: the Studio Art BFA and MFA. Students in both programs can concentrate in graphic design. Other program benefits include participation in the Arts, Visualization, Advanced Technologies and Research (AVATAR) Initiative; workshops and lectures by visiting artists; access to the IDEA Hub, studio spaces, the Fabrication Factory, teaching labs, and the Design Shop; and the opportunity to join the Digital Art and Design Association (DADA) or the Graphic Design Student Organization (GDSA). Graduates can be found at places such as Sony, Lucasfilm, IBM, Pixar, Baltimore Museum of Art, The Washington Post, Conagra Brands, DreamWorks, Travel + Leisure, Disney, Halliburton, KPMG, and Nissan North America. 

The School of Design at University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UT) houses an interdisciplinary Graphic Design BFA program that takes place in a studio environment. Students in other majors outside of the School of Design can enroll in the Graphic Design Studies minor. Across programs, students benefit from small class sizes; 24/7 access to state-of-the-art production facilities; and collaborative design studios. BFA students may also participate in the internship and study abroad programs. All students will complete the Graphic Design Capstone for presentation at the Annual Senior Show. Graduates have been hired at places such as Boeing, Google, Meta, IDEO, Coca-Cola, HGTV, Accenture, and Discovery.  

University of Houston (UH) is home to the Kathrine G. McGovern College of the Arts (KGMCA). Within the college is the School of Art, which houses the Graphic Design BFA and MFA programs. Across programs, students benefit from interdisciplinary collaboration; site-specific projects; dedicated facilities; 24/7 access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; internship opportunities; and participation in the BLOCK Program, which allows students to interact with professional artists and designers. The BFA culminates with a final project and portfolio to be presented at the annual Graphic Design Senior Exhibit. The MFA culminates with a thesis exhibition at University of Houston’s Blaffer Art Museum. Uh Graphic Design graduates have been hired at places such as The Museum of Fine Arts, Houston (MFA H) Minuteman Press, Versa Creative, Page Southerland Page, FDI Creative Services, and NOV Inc.

Texas Tech University’s (TTU) School of Art houses an Art BFA with a concentration in Graphic Design. Areas explored include branding, emerging technologies, typography, interactive design, and publication. Program highlights include collaborative projects and workshops; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; internships and study abroad opportunities in 50 locations; and guest artists. Graduates have gone on to secure positions at places such as The New York Times, IBM, Nike, Apple, PepsiCo, Southwest Airlines, Condé Nast Traveler, Fossil, Old Navy, Wired, M.A.C. Cosmetics and Fidelity.

The Department of Art at University of Wisconsin-Madison (UW Madison) houses the Art BS, BFA, MA, and MFA programs. A Graphic Design named option is available for all students. For students in any other major, the Department has an interdisciplinary Graphic Design certificate. Across programs, students enjoy courses taught by leading artists and designers; collaborative projects; internship opportunities; and access to state-of-the-art labs and studios. In addition, all programs are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Graduates can be found at places such as Amazon, Industrial Light & Magic (ILM), Milwaukee Public Museum, Epic Systems, Lucasfilm, Microsoft, Google, Ford, Meta, Lands’ End, American Family Insurance, Target, and Promega Corporation.

The School of Visual Arts and Design (SVAD) at University of Florida (UCF) has several paths to study graphic design including an Emerging Media BFA with a Graphic Design track, and the Emerging Media MFA with a Studio Art and Design track. The BFA explores areas such as branding, user interface/user experience (UI/UX), identity systems, packaging design, publishing, interactive design, film, and web design. The MFA focuses on areas such as experimentation, traditional media, human interaction, and emerging media. Graduates can be found at NASA, Walt Disney Animation Studios, Microsoft, DreamWorks, Amazon, Sony, Adult Swim, Blizzard Entertainment, Apple, Universal Orlando, Meta, NBCUniversal, Rockstar Games, Lockheed Martin, Netflix, Electronic Arts (EA), and Warner Bros. 

The School of Design at San Francisco State University (San Francisco State or SFSU) has several paths to study graphic design. Options include the Visual Communication Design BS (VCD BS); a Design minor with a VCD pathway; and an interdisciplinary Design MA with a customizable specialization. Program highlights for all options include collaborations with industry partners and community organizations; internships; participation in letterpress printing, interactive media, bookbinding, and rapid prototyping projects; access to DESIGNSPACE; and study abroad experiences at partner institutions such as Brunel University of London, Swinburne University of Technology (Australia), and Dublin Institute of Technology (Ireland). Graduates have gone on to establish careers at places such as Google, the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, Cisco, Apple, Kaiser Permanente, Oracle, Autodesk, Dropbox, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. 

The College of Liberal Arts at California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (Cal Poly SLO) has several paths to study graphic design. Options include the Graphic Communication BS (GrC BS); the Art and Design BFA with a Graphic Design concentration; and the flexible GrC minor. Degree-seeking students have opportunities to complete an internship or co-op experience with companies such as Boeing, Disney, Amazon, Northrop Grumman, or Apple. Other program benefits include access to more than 25 centers and institutes; 500+ study abroad programs in 75 countries; and over 17,000 square feet of space dedicated to all types of creative work. Cal Poly SLO alumni have been hired at places such as NASA, Amazon, Northrop Grumman, Nike, Deloitte, Microsoft, PwC, Apple, Disney, E&Y, Google, Addidas, 3M, Patagonia, Adobe, Epson, Los Angeles Dodgers, HP, DuPont, Target, and Shutterfly. 

The School of Art at University of Arizona (U of A or Arizona) provides several paths to study graphic design. Options include the Design Arts and Practices (DAP) BA with an emphasis in Visual, Object or Spatial Design, and a Studio Art BFA and MFA with an Illustration, Design and Animation (IDA) emphasis. All students benefit from opportunities to complete an internship at places such as the Tucson Museum of Art or Center for Creative Photography; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; and study abroad experiences in places such as London, Rome, and Sydney. DAP and IDA graduates can be found at places such as Amazon, Disney, Fastsigns, Netflix, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Pixar, Target, and Warner Bros. 

The College of Arts and Sciences at Bowling Green State University (BGSU) houses one of Ohio’s largest and oldest art schools—the BGSU School of Art. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) since 1984, the school provides two paths to study design: the Graphic Design BFA and the Integrative Design MDes. All students enjoy access to state-of-the-art facilities such as the CAVE (Center for Advanced Visualization and Education) Lab and the Digital Arts Classroom, and opportunities to intern at places such as Disney, PBS, American Greetings, and Pixar. Graduates can be found at places such as American Greetings, Nike, YouTube, Levi Strauss & Co., Cleveland Institute of Art, and Gerber.  

The School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) at University of South Carolina (USC) is the largest art school in the state. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the school houses a Studio Art Program leading to a BA or BFA. Students may concentrate in one of seven areas. This includes Graphic Design and Illustration (GD+I). Other program features include access to 85,000 square feet of production space; industry internships; study abroad experiences in places such as Italy, Spain, and the UK; and workshops, guest speakers, and special design events through the South Carolina Chapter of the AIGA. Graduates have gone on to land positions at places such as Boeing, Google, Nike, IBM, Humana, Miami Marlins, Anthropologie, Lyft, Bank of America, Reebok, and Duke Energy.

California State University-Long Beach (CSULB or Cal State Long Beach) houses the School of Art (SoA). This is CSULB’s largest school. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) since 1970, the SoA has a Graphic Design BFA program that highlights summer study abroad workshops in places such as Berlin and Prague; internships at local and national companies; the guest artist series; and the opportunity to display works across seven customizable galleries. The program culminates with a final project and portfolio. Graduates can be found at places such as Mattel, Activision, Google, IDEO, Nike, Disney, Fox, Warner Bros. Discovery, Sony, Wolff Olins, Netfilx, and Vans.