Did you know? The University of Colorado Denver Digital Design program is a screen and mobile graphic design program integrating aesthetic, creative, and critical thinking with expertise in UX/UI, brand, product, and motion design. Learn More.
What are the top Colorado graphic design schools for 2026?
| Ranking | School | City | Ranking by Region | National Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Colorado State University | Fort Collins | #13 in Southwest | Unranked |
| 2 | University of Colorado Denver | Denver | #15 in Southwest | Unranked |
| 3 | Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design | Denver | #16 in Southwest | Unranked |
| 4 | University of Northern Colorado | Greeley | #24 in Southwest | Unranked |
Our 2026 ranking of the top graphic design school programs in Colorado. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, Colorado
One of the largest academic departments at Colorado State University (CSU) is Art and Art History. Housed in the College of Liberal Arts, the department has a Graphic Design concentration for Art BFA students; a flexible Integrated Visual Studio concentration for Art BA students; and a Graphic Design specialization for Art MFA students. Across programs, students have access to the state-of-the-art Digital Fabrication Lab and dedicated studios. Other program highlights include opportunities to participate in the Colorado International Invitational Poster Exhibition (CIIPE) and present works at national venues; studio tours; and internships at places such as Stantec and X-Golf. Graduates have secured roles at places such as IBM, Leo Burnett, The New York Times, Lockheed Martin, Disney, Google, Microsoft, Amazon, Nike, Deloitte, Condé Nast, Crispin, OtterBox, UCHealth, and 5280 Magazine.
2. University of Colorado Denver, Denver, Colorado
The College of Arts and Media (CAM) at the University of Colorado Denver (CU Denver) provides two paths to study graphic design. Options include a Visual Arts BFA with a Digital Design emphasis and a Digital Design minor. Operating as a design lab led by industry professionals, the BFA features hands-on collaborative projects; access to state-of-the-art production facilities; professional internships at places such as the Denver Art Museum (DAM) and Meow Wolf Denver; and study abroad experiences in Denmark, Italy, Germany, Ireland, Mexico, and Iceland. Graduates have landed positions at places such as NASA, Lucasfilm, Sony, IBM, Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Pixar, HP, and Charles Schwab.
3. Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design, Denver, Colorado
Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design (RMCAD) houses a Graphic Design BFA program that can be completed on campus or online, and a hybrid Illustrative Design BFA that combines illustration and graphic design. The Graphic Design BFA has User Experience/User Interface (UX/UI) and Advertising Design concentrations. Across programs, students benefit from internships at places such as Disney, Meow Wolf, and 40 West Arts District; immersive workshops; hands-on projects for real-world clients; and access to state-of-the-art production facilities. RMCAD graduates have been hired at places such as Blizzard Entertainment, Deloitte Digital, Marvel, DreamWorks IBM, Pixar, Dell, Ideum, and NOA Brands.
4. University of Northern Colorado, Greeley, Colorado
The University of Northern Colorado (UNC) provides two paths to study graphic design in the School of Art and Design. Options include a Graphic Design BA and a flexible Art and Design MA (hybrid). BA students can add the Arts Entrepreneurship certificate to enhance the degree. Across programs, students have opportunities to intern at places such as Adidas, Disney, and HP, and they may participate in the Southard Art Awards Competition. Students also have the option to take part in faculty-led trips to the Czech Republic and extended design studios in Italy. Graduates have established careers at places such as Lockheed Martin, the Colorado Symphony, OtterBox, Forney Industries, and Lael Designers.