Top Graphic Design Programs in Michigan

So, what’s the difference between a “best” graphic design school and a “top” graphic design school? For starters, the publishers of each list handle the evaluation process differently. For example, several factors that “best” lists might not consider are cost and student population. The publishers of top schools lists may make cost and student body priority. Other factors used to determine which schools belong on “top” lists may include convenience, career placement services, quality of facilities and equipment, number recreational opportunities, and variety of social clubs.

To determine which schools belong on most “best” lists, considerations include types of program offerings, graduation and retention rates, peer assessment, faculty resources (student-teacher ratio), financial resources, and student selectivity. Based on the factors considered for each type of list, it should come as no surprise that organizations such as Princeton Review, U.S. News & World Report, and Forbes typically compile the “best schools” lists, while alumni, students, bloggers, and other “unofficial” groups publish most top schools lists.

While the factors used to determine which schools belong on either list are quite different, in most cases, many of the same schools make both lists. Continue reading to find out which Michigan graphic design schools are on most top schools lists and what they have to offer. Please note that the top schools listed below are in order by student population from largest to smallest.

Top Graphic Design School Programs Michigan Major Cities

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Detroit
College for Creative Studies
Student Population: 1,307
Backdrop: Urban, 11-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Entertainment Arts/Animation, Graphic Design, Illustration; M. F. A. Design

Grand Rapids
Kendall College of Art and Design of Ferris State University
Student Population: 1,141
Backdrop: Urban, 2-acre campus
B. F. A. Digital Media, Graphic Design, Illustration

Top Graphic Design School Programs Michigan Other Cities and Towns

Allendale
Grand Valley State University
Student Population: 24,500
Backdrop: Suburban, 1,304-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A., B. A. Art and Design with Emphasis in Graphic Design, Illustration; B. A., B. S. Communications: Film and Video Production with Animation/New Media Emphasis

Mount Pleasant
Central Michigan University
Student Population: 21,698
Backdrop: Small town, 854-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A. or B. F. A. Art with Graphic Design Concentration; M. A. Broadcast and Cinematic Arts: Electronic Media Management or Electronic Media Production

Kalamazoo
Western Michigan University
Student Population: 20,054
Backdrop: Small town, 1,200-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design, Photography, and Intermedia

Southfield
Lawrence Technological University
Student Population: 4,000
Backdrop: Small town, 102-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Game Art, Graphic Design, Imaging – Digital Arts

Adrian
Siena Heights University
Student Population: 2,307
Backdrop: Small town, 140-acre campus, easy access to Detroit
Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A. Art with Concentration in Graphic Design

Bloomfield Hills
Cranbrook Academy of Art
Student Population: 150+
Backdrop: Suburban, 315-acre campus, easy access to Detroit
Degrees Offered: M. F. A. 2D Design (Graphic Design)

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