| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa State University | Ames |
| 2 | University of Iowa | Iowa City |
| 3 | Drake University | Des Moines |
Our 2025 ranking of the top graphic design school programs in Iowa. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The College of Design at Iowa State University (Iowa State) is home to the Department of Graphic Design (GD), which houses the only public Graphic Design BFA in the state of Iowa. Other program options include the Experiential Graphic Design MA (MAxGD) and MFA, and a dual GD MFA/Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) MS—provided in partnership with the VRAC Research Center. All options are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), with opportunities to gain real-world experience with clients such as the Habitat for Humanity and Special Olympics. Students may also participate in faculty-led short-term abroad experiences in places such as Ghana, Paris, and Greece, and the College of Design’s international program, with studio facilities at Palazzo Cenci-Bolognetti (the historic center of Rome). Design graduates enjoy a 100% success rate. They can be found at places such as Collins Aerospace, Epic, Deloitte, 3M, John Deere, Infosys, and CDW.
The School of Art, Art History, and Design (SAAHD) at University of Iowa (Iowa) houses the Art BA; Graphic Design BFA; and Graphic Design MFA programs. Art BA students may focus in Graphic Design Studio. Across pathways, students benefit from visiting artist events; courses from Tippie College of Business; access to state-of-the-art studios and labs; internships; study abroad experiences in places such as Rome, the UK, and Spain; and participation in the Donate Design Initiative. Iowa alumni have been hired by the U.S. Army and at places such as Microsoft, Amazon, Disney, Target, Starbucks, Epic, PepsiCo, Uline, Deloitte, P&G, Wells Fargo, GM, Tesla, John Deere, RTX, Nordstrom, UPS, and Walmart.
The Design Department at Drake University (Drake) is fully accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD). Within the department are the Graphic Design BA, BFA, and minor programs. All options are studio-based, with access to state-of-the-art production facilities; internship opportunities; immersive workshops; and the study abroad program. Programs culminate with a final project and portfolio. Graduates can be found at places such as Microsoft, Deloitte, Amazon, Capital One, Intel, EY, Cargill, IBM, Nationwide, Humana, The Girl Scouts of Greater Iowa, and Caterpillar.
