| Ranking | School | City | Ranking by Region | National Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Maryland Institute College of Art | Baltimore | #6 on East Coast | #9 |
| 2 | University of Maryland, College Park | College Park | #18 on East Coast | Unranked |
| 3 | Towson University | Towson | Unranked | Unranked |
Our 2026 ranking of the top graphic design school programs in Maryland. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The Graphic Design program at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) leads to a BFA, MA, or MFA. The BFA highlights customizable specializations and the option to add a minor. Examples include Product Design, Sequential Art, and Printmaking. Graduate program highlights include dedicated lofted studio spaces; professional internships; seminars; and the GDMA Workshop, which allows students to create and exhibit a solo design project and portfolio. MICA graduates have been hired at places such as Nike, DreamWorks, Pentagram, National Geographic, the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Google, Netflix, Apple, The New York Times, Gensler, Disney, Ogilvy, Nickelodeon, Paramount, Sony, and Chobani.
The College of Arts and Humanities at the University of Maryland—College Park (UMD—College Park) houses the Department of Art. Within the department is a competitive Graphic Design concentration for high-achieving juniors and seniors. Leading to a Studio Art BA and accepting just 20 students per year, the program highlights opportunities to gain real-world experience through internships with Discovery Channel, The Washington Post, the American Film Institute, and the student-run Herman Maril Gallery. Students also collaborate on projects with the Humane Society, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, and the American Red Cross, among others. Graduates can be found at the organizations listed earlier, and at places such as Microsoft, Google, Amazon, HBO, M+C Saatchi Group, AARP, Deloitte, and Capital One.
The Department of Art + Design, Art History, Art Education (DADAA) at Towson University (TU) provides multiple paths to study graphic design. Options include a Graphic Design concentration in the Art and Design BFA and MFA programs; the Art and Design BFA with a Digital Art and Design concentration; Art and Design BA and BS degrees with a Design Studies track for each; and an Interactive Media Design graduate certificate. All students may participate in Towson University’s AIGA Chapter, which hosts field trips, workshops, and networking events. Other program features include professional internships; the opportunity to work at Towson University Design + Graphic Services; and study abroad programs in more than 50 countries. Graduates have been hired at places such as Booz Allen Hamilton, GEICO, PwC, Under Armour, Target, Sherwin-Williams, UPS, Authority Brands, Stanley Black & Decker, and Aerotek.
