Top Graphic Design Programs in Virginia

Virginia is home to 129 Title IV degree-granting institutions. Many of the state’s Title IVs make the list of top schools each year. Just a few top-tier Virginia schools include Norfolk State University, Virginia Tech, George Mason University in Fairfax, and Virginia Intermont College.

A Title IV school has met five requirements established by the U.S. Department of Education. They (1) have signed a participation agreement with the U.S. Department of Education, (2) have accreditation recognized by the Department, (3) offer a program of at least 300 clock hours in length, (4) have been in business for at least 2 years, and (5) grant an associate's degree or higher. Once a school has Title IV status, it becomes eligible for a variety of federal financial aid programs. This makes them more accessible to students with financial need.

Having Title IV status is just one indicator of a top school. Top schools are often considered competitive, they have excellent job placement services, and they offer a wide variety of academic programs, social clubs, and other organizations. A top school will likely have comfortable class sizes, a convenient campus, and resident tuition is usually low.

Continue reading to find out which Virginia graphic design schools are tops and what they have to offer. Please note that the top graphic design schools listed below are in order by largest to smallest student population.

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Top Graphic Design School Programs Virginia - Major Cities

Richmond
Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU)
Student Population: 23,754
Backdrop: Urban, 143-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Communication Arts, Graphic Design, Kinetic Imaging; M. F. A. Design with Specialization in Visual Communications, Kinetic Imaging

Norfolk
Old Dominion University
Student Population: 19,367
Backdrop: Urban, 251-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Art with Concentration in Graphic Design

Norfolk State University
Student Population: 6,131
Backdrop: Urban, 134-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A. Fine Arts with a Graphic Design Track

Hampton
Hampton University
Student Population: 5,135
Backdrop: Urban, 255-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A. Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design

Arlington
Marymount University
Student Population: 2,289
Backdrop: Urban, 21-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A. Graphic Design, B. S. Information Technology with Specialization in Interactive Media

Top Graphic Design School Programs Virginia - Other Cities and Towns

Blacksburg
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech)
Student Population: 23,700
Backdrop: Town, 2,600-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Studio Arts with Concentration in Digital Art, B. F. A. Visual Communication Design; M. F. A. Creative Technologies. NOTE: Virginia Tech’s Graphic Design program is referred to as Art History; Studio Art; and Visual Communication & Graphic Design.

Fairfax
George Mason University
Student Population: 20,782
Backdrop: Small City, 806-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A. Art and Visual Technology with Concentration in Graphic Design, New Media; B. F. A. Computer Game Design; M. F. A. Art and Visual Technology with Emphasis in New Media; M. A. Graphic Design

Harrisonburg
James Madison University
Student Population: 17,900
Backdrop: Small Town, 721-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design

Lynchburg
Liberty University
Student Population: 11,553
Backdrop: Small Town, 4,400-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. S. Studio and Digital Arts: Graphic Design

Lynchburg College
Student Population: 2,279
Backdrop: Small City, 214-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A. Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design

Radford
Radford University
Student Population: 8,350
Backdrop: Village, 191-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Graphic Design

Petersburg
Virginia State University
Student Population: 5,301
Backdrop: Small Town, 246-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. F. A. Visual Arts with Concentration in Animation, Graphic Design

Staunton
Mary Baldwin College
Student Population: 1,528
Backdrop: Village, 54-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A. Studio Art with Emphasis in Graphic Design

Emory
Emory & Henry College
Student Population: 939
Backdrop: Rural, 331-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A. Graphic Design

Bristol
Virginia Intermont College
Student Population: 916
Backdrop: Town, 27-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A., B. F. A. Art with Concentration in Graphic Design

Bluefield
Bluefield College
Student Population: 776
Backdrop: Rural, 82-acre campus
Degrees Offered: B. A. Graphic Communications

More Programs to Consider: