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What are the top Washington DC graphic design schools for 2026?
| Ranking | School | City | Ranking by Region | National Ranking |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | George Washington University | District of Columbia | #24 on East Coast | Unranked |
| 2 | American University | District of Columbia | Unranked | Unranked |
Our 2026 ranking of the top graphic design school programs in Washington DC. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
1. George Washington University, Washington, DC
George Washington University (GW) is home to Corcoran School of the Arts and Design (Corcoran), which provides three paths to study graphic design. Options include a Graphic Design BFA, a Design BA, and a Graphic Design minor. Across programs, students have access to state-of-the-art production facilities; opportunities to intern with places such as Apple, NBC, and Condé Nast; and experiential learning programs in places such as New York and San Francisco. Students also have the chance to participate in Corcoran’s NEXT Festival and Design Ignites Change, created in partnership with Adobe and World Studio. Graduates have landed positions at places such as the Smithsonian Institution, Apple, Microsoft, Booz Allen Hamilton, Google, Disney, Amazon, Deloitte, Warner Bros., PwC, and Gensler.
2. American University, Washington, DC
The College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) at American University (AU) houses an 18-credit-hour Graphic and Visual Communication Design minor and the Graphic and Visual Communication Design BA. Degree-seeking students have opportunities to complete up to nine internship and study abroad credit hours. Examples of participating study abroad institutions include Glasgow School of Art in London and Slade School of Fine Arts at University College of London. Other program highlights include site visits and exhibitions; participation in the AU Design Club; and access to dedicated computer labs and state-of-the-art production facilities. Graduates have secured positions at places such as Lockheed Martin, P&G, Disney, Amazon, Google, Deloitte, Microsoft, The Washington Post, NPR, Booz Allen Hamilton, Gensler, Oracle, Capital One, and the U.S. Department of State.