| Ranking | School | City |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Brigham Young University | Provo |
| 2 | University of Utah | Salt Lake City |
| 3 | Southern Utah University | Cedar City |
| 4 | Utah Valley University | Orem |
Our 2025 ranking of the top illustration schools in Utah. For an explanation of the ranking criteria, click here.
The College of Fine Arts and Communications (CFAC) at Brigham Young University (BYU) houses the Department of Design. Within the Department is a Limited Enrollment (LEP) Illustration BFA program that accepts just 40 students per academic year. With courses such as 3D Digital Illustration, Sketchbook, and Narrative Illustration, this 120 credit hour program culminates with the BFA Illustration Capstone Project. Graduates go on to secure roles in advertising, publishing, medical and scientific illustration, entertainment, exhibition design, architecture, fashion design, and mural production. Some program alumni have also gone on to launch their own creative studios or freelance businesses.
The Department of Art and Art History at University of Utah (The U) houses an Art BFA program with an emphasis in Illustration. All students benefit from the ArtsForce program—a workshop and events-based initiative that connects students to mentors, peers, and faculty members for professional development and networking. Other program features include hands-on courses and projects, and summer study abroad programs with a focus on drawing and printmaking. The culminating experience for the program is the Illustration Capstone. Graduates are prepared to pursue careers in areas such as book publishing, digital media, advertising, animation, game design, comics, and graphic design.
Southern Utah University (SUU) is home to the College of Performing and Visual Arts (CVPA), which houses the Department of Filmmaking, Art and Design. Within the department is a Studio Art BFA with an Illustration emphasis, and an Illustration minor. Across programs, students benefit from immersive workshops and seminars; opportunities to exhibit works; participation in critiques and discussions; and internships and study abroad experiences. The program culminates with the BFA Exhibition and Portfolio event. Graduates are prepared to pursue creative roles in areas such as traditional book publishing, graphic design, animation, newspaper and magazine publishing, film, game art and design, children’s book publishing, fine art, toy design, architecture, comic books, advertising, and education.
The School of the Arts (SOA) at Utah Valley University (UVU) is one of the largest art schools in the state. Within the school is the Department of Art and Design, which has two paths to study Illustration: the Art and Design AAS with a Design/Illustration emphasis; and the Art and Design BFA with an Illustration emphasis. This program provides opportunities to focus in an area of interest through electives such as Children’s Book Illustration; 2D Animation for Illustration; Sequential Illustration; and Environment Design. Other SOA benefits include internship opportunities at places such as Paramount and The Met, and international internship in places such as the Italy and the UK. The BFA program culminates with a
