What are the top Arizona graphic design schools for 2026?
| Ranking | School | City | Ranking by Region | National Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arizona State University | Tempe | #2 in Southwest | #15 |
| 2 | University of Arizona | Tucson | #12 in Southwest | Unranked |
| 3 | Northern Arizona University | Flagstaff | #22 in Southwest | Unranked |
Our 2026 ranking of the top graphic design school programs in Arizona. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. Arizona State University, Tempe, Arizona
Arizona State University (ASU) provides multiple paths to study graphic design. Options include the Graphic Design BS (BSD); the Graphic Information Technology BS (GITBS) and MS (GITMS); and the Design MSD (Visual Communication Design). The GITMS can be completed on campus or online. Across programs, students benefit from project-based curriculums; access to state-of-the-art equipment in the Digital Creative Studio, Fab Lab, and MIX Center; professional internships; and 300+ global study options. ASU Design and GIT alumni have established careers at places such as Amazon, Gensler, IDEO, Apple, Google, American Airlines, Intel, YETI, GoDaddy, FASTSIGNS International, PetSmart, and UNICEF.
2. University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona
University of Arizona (U of A or Arizona) provides several distinctive paths to study graphic design. Housed in the College of Fine Arts, the School of Arts has a Studio Art BFA with an Illustration, Design and Animation (IDA) emphasis; the transdisciplinary Design Arts and Practices BA (DAP BA) with an emphasis in Object, Spatial or Visual Design; and a Studio Art MFA that allows students to combine graphic design, animation, environmental science, and creative writing. The DAP BA is provided in partnership with the College of Architecture, Planning and Landscape Architecture (CAPLA), and the School of Information. All students benefit from professional internships; access to state-of-the-art labs and studios; and study abroad experiences in places such as London and Rome. Graduates can be found at places such as Warner Bros, Target, Pixar, Amazon, Netflix, Disney, Deloitte, Intel, and Gen Digital Inc.
3. Northern Arizona University, Flagstaff, Arizona
Northern Arizona University (NAU) has several program options for aspiring graphic designers: a Visual Communication BFA (VCD BFA) with a Graphic Design emphasis; a VCD BFA with an Animation and Motion Design emphasis that combines graphic design with visual effects (VFX), 2D/3D animation, and video production; and a VCD minor. Across programs, students benefit from a collaborative learning environment with immersive studios; opportunities to work on real-world projects with the student-led Visual DESIGN lab (VDL) and the Advanced Media Lab (AML); internships with places such as the Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Health Corps; and study abroad experiences in the Czech Republic, Spain, and Italy. Graduates have landed positions at places such as Google, Nike, Amazon, Deloitte, GoDaddy, IBM, Yahoo!, Gore, L'Oréal, Abercrombie & Fitch, Gen Digital, Teva, Gap, Citigroup, and Motorola.