What are the top South Carolina graphic design schools for 2025?
| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of South Carolina | Columbia |
| 2 | Clemson University | Clemson |
Our 2025 ranking of the top graphic design school programs in South Carolina. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. University of South Carolina, Columbia, South Carolina
The School of Visual Art and Design (SVAD) at University of South Carolina (USC) is the largest art school in the state. Accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the school houses a Studio Art Program leading to a BA or BFA. Students may concentrate in one of seven areas. This includes Graphic Design and Illustration (GD+I). Other program features include access to 85,000 square feet of production space; industry internships; study abroad experiences in places such as Italy, Spain, and the UK; and workshops, guest speakers, and special design events through the South Carolina Chapter of the AIGA. Graduates have gone on to land positions at places such as Boeing, Google, Nike, IBM, Humana, Miami Marlins, Anthropologie, Lyft, Bank of America, Reebok, and Duke Energy.
2. Clemson University, Clemson, South Carolina
The Departments of Art and Graphic Communications at Clemson University (Clemson) provide several paths to study graphic design. Options include BS and MS degrees in Graphic Communications (GC); the Visual Art BFA with a Graphic Design emphasis; and an Art BA with an emphasis in Digital Art and Media (animation, graphic design, and media). Graphic Communications students have access to the Sonoco Institute, which hosts seminars, classes, and workshops. BFA students have opportunities to exhibit works in Clemson’s Lee Art Gallery, as well as local galleries in the Pendleton and Greenville arts districts. Accredited by the National Association for Schools of Art and Design (NASAD), the Art BA features field trips to New York City and a four-week summer school experience in Orvieto, Italy. Clemson alumni have been hired at places such as Lockheed Martin, Google, EY, Apple, Deloitte, Wells Fargo, Adobe, Michelin North America, Duke Energy, Newell Brands, Accenture, Capital One, and FUEL.