2025 Best Colleges for Graphic Design

February 25, 2025

best colleges for graphic design

Graphic design is a field of study that takes artistically gifted, creative students and helps to mold them into highly-marketable candidates for employment in a number of careers including: public relations, advertising, publishing, or working for a large design firm or as a self-employed contractor. The best programs in graphic design give students a solid academic foundation in art history, design, drawing, typography, animation, and photography. Practical skills are honed through studio courses, co-ops, internships, and senior projects. Our top graphic design programs list includes colleges that are exclusively dedicated to the arts/design such as the Rhode Island School of Design and Savannah College of Art and Design as well as many traditional universities that house design programs on campus.

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Click here to read our methodology for the Best Colleges for Graphic Design Majors.

Best Colleges for Graphic Design Majors

Here鈥檚 a quick preview of the first ten graphic design institutions that made our list. Detailed profiles and stats for these and other programs can be found when you scroll below.

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All of the schools profiled below have stellar reputations in the field of graphic design and commit substantial resources to undergraduate education. For each of the best colleges for graphic design, 国产第一福利影院草草 will provide you with鈥攚hen available鈥攅ach school鈥檚:

  • Enrollment
  • Cost of Attendance
  • Acceptance Rate
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  • Retention Rate
  • Graduation Rate

We will also include a longer write-up of each college鈥檚:

  • Academic Highlights 鈥 Includes facts like student-to-faculty ratio, average class size, number of majors offered, and most popular majors.
  • Professional Outcomes 鈥 Includes info on the rate of positive outcomes, companies employing alumni, and graduate school acceptances.

After reviewing our list of best Graphic Design programs (below), you may also be interested in our rankings for other disciplines within the fine arts:

 

#1 Best College for Graphic Design
Rhode Island School of Design

Rhode Island School of Design

  • Providence, RI

Academic Highlights: RISD offers an exceptionally intimate learning environment with an 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and average class size of just 15 students, ensuring deep mentorship from working artist-educators. The global student body represents 57 countries across 44 degree programs. All first-years engage in the innovative Experimental and Foundation Studies (EFS) curriculum鈥攁 full-day weekly studio experience that builds creative fundamentals through rigorous faculty collaboration. For those seeking an international perspective, the First Year in Florence Program extends this transformative foundational experience to Italy, maintaining RISD’s signature hands-on approach.

Professional Outcomes: RISD’s career outcomes are extraordinary: 95% of the Class of 2023 achieved success, with 74% securing positions directly aligned to their studies. The entrepreneurial spirit thrives鈥53% of alumni own or plan to start businesses. Graduates shape industries at major employers like Nike, Google, and Netflix, while the school’s creative impact is further evidenced by 114 Fulbright scholars and 11 MacArthur “Genius” Fellows. Early career financial success is strong, with 44% earning above $40,000鈥攁 notable achievement in creative fields, demonstrating RISD’s ability to launch sustainable artistic careers.

  • Enrollment: 2,092
  • Cost of Attendance: $81,810
  • Median SAT: 1490
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 14%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 88%

#2 Best College for Graphic Design
Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute

  • Brooklyn, NY

Academic Highlights: Pratt Institute delivers an exceptionally personalized arts education through its 26 majors and 48 academic programs, all supported by 1,200 dedicated faculty members. The institute maintains an intimate 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, creating an environment where mentorship and individualized attention thrive. This focused approach allows students to develop their creative practice while engaging deeply with faculty who are working professionals in their fields.

Professional Outcomes: Pratt鈥檚 career outcomes speak volumes, with 91% of recent graduates employed or in graduate school within six months of graduation. Alumni are highly sought after by industry leaders across creative sectors, including Apple, Google, Meta, and cultural institutions like The Met. The institute鈥檚 strong industry connections yield excellent financial returns, with graduates earning median salaries of $67,000 early in their careers, nearly doubling to $130,600 by mid-career. These results demonstrate Pratt鈥檚 unparalleled ability to launch sustainable, successful careers.

  • Enrollment: 3,814
  • Cost of Attendance: $80,993
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 53%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%

#3 Best College for Graphic Design
Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah College of Art and Design

  • Savannah, GA

Academic Highlights:聽Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) stands as America’s most comprehensive arts university, offering over 40 programs across 11 specialized schools鈥攎ore degree options than any peer institution. While maintaining an accessible 20:1 student-to-faculty ratio, SCAD ensures quality through its accomplished faculty (76% holding terminal degrees) and intimate class sizes (56% under 20 students). This global creative community brings together students from all 50 states and 120+ countries, united under SCAD’s mission as “The University for Creative Careers.”

Professional Outcomes: SCAD’s career outcomes are nothing short of extraordinary: 98% of graduates secure employment or continue education within ten months, with 90% working in their field of study. Alumni lead creative innovation at industry giants like Disney Imagineering, Epic Games, and Microsoft, while entrepreneurial graduates build successful independent practices. The financial returns validate SCAD’s professional outcomes鈥攅arly median earnings of $61,000 launch careers and grow to $103,400 at mid-career, proving that creative careers can yield both professional fulfillment and financial success.

  • Enrollment: 14,657
  • Cost of Attendance: $64,337
  • Median SAT: 1170
  • Median ACT: 24
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%

#4 Best College for Graphic Design
Boston University

Boston University

  • Boston, MA

Academic Highlights: In total, the university offers more than 300 programs of study, 100+ of which are distinct undergraduate degrees spread across 12 schools/colleges. Many classes at BU are reasonably small鈥59% contain fewer than twenty students; only 20% contain more than forty. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1. The Research Opportunities Program (UROP) funds 650 students per year, and many additional students participate in BU鈥檚 research for credit, volunteer, work-study, and other independent opportunities.

Professional Outcomes: Six months after graduation, 94% of recent BU grads have found their way into the world of employment or full-time graduate study. Across all graduating years, companies employing more than 350 BU alums include Google, Oracle, Accenture, IBM, and Amazon Web Services. Of the one-third of grads who move directly into graduate school, many are welcomed onto the campuses of elite graduate programs, such as those at MIT, Carnegie Mellon, John Hopkins, and Columbia.

  • Enrollment: 18,656
  • Cost of Attendance: $86,363
  • Median SAT: 1470
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 11%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 90%

#5 Best College for Graphic Design
Carnegie Mellon University

Carnegie Mellon University

  • Pittsburgh, PA

Academic Highlights: Impressively, particularly for a school with more graduate students than undergrads, CMU boasts a 6:1 student-to-faculty ratio and small class sizes, with roughly one-third containing single digits and 68% having an enrollment of nineteen or fewer. In a given school year, 800+ undergraduates conduct research through the University Research Office, and many others participated through various outside arrangements. Between 500-600 students study abroad for a semester each year in such countries as Japan, China, and Germany.

Professional Outcomes: By the end of the calendar year in which they received their diplomas, 74% of recent grads were employed, and 17% were continuing to graduate school. The companies that have routinely scooped up CMU grads include Google, Meta, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, TikTok, and NVIDIA. With an average starting salary of $124,107, CMU grads outpace the average starting salary for a college grad nationally.

  • Enrollment: 7,289
  • Cost of Attendance: $83,697
  • Median SAT: 1540
  • Median ACT: 35
  • Acceptance Rate: 11%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 93%

#6 Best College for Graphic Design
Yale University

Yale University

  • New Haven, CT

Academic Highlights: Yale offers 80+ majors, most of which require a one- to two-semester senior capstone experience. Undergraduate research is a staple, and over 70% of classes鈥攐f which there are over 2,000 to choose from鈥攈ave an enrollment of fewer than 20 students, making Yale a perfect environment for teaching and learning. Undergraduate research is a staple of the Yale academic experience; university-wide, undergraduate research fellowships are awarded to over 100 freshmen each year. The number of Bulldogs electing to study abroad is typically around 70%.

Professional Outcomes: Shortly after graduating, 58% of the Yale Class of 2023 had entered the world of employment and 19% matriculated into graduate programs. Hundreds of Yale alums can be found at each of the world鈥檚 top companies including Google, McKinsey & Co., Goldman Sachs, Meta, and Microsoft. The mean starting salary for last year鈥檚 grads was $89,622 ($141k for CS majors). The University of Oxford, Yale, and Stanford were the top three graduate school destinations for the Class of 2023.

  • Enrollment: 6,818
  • Cost of Attendance: $88,300
  • Median SAT: 1540
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 5%
  • Retention Rate: 99%
  • Graduation Rate: 96%

#7 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Southern California

University of Southern California

  • Los Angeles, CA

Academic Highlights: Aided by a favorable 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio, the school does an excellent job facilitating undergraduate research opportunities. Each school/college has a course entitled Directed Research 490 in which students work closely with a faculty supervisor and earn between two and eight credits, countless other opportunities exist to get one鈥檚 hands dirty in academic research. Each department has its own slate of study abroad offerings and Maymester programs, which are short-term intensive courses held stateside and abroad.

Professional Outcomes: 93% of undergrads experience positive postgraduation outcomes within six months of earning their degree. The median salary across all majors is an astounding $85k. Presently, between 500 and 2,500 alumni are employed at each of Google, Amazon, Apple, Microsoft, Meta, NVIDIA, and Oracle. Graduate/professional schools enrolling the greatest number of 2023 USC grads include Columbia, UCLA, Pepperdine, and Harvard, with most remaining at USC for their advanced studies.

  • Enrollment: 21,023
  • Cost of Attendance: $90,453
  • Median SAT: 1510
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 10%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 92%

#8 Best College for Graphic Design
Washington University in St. Louis

Washington University in St. Louis

  • St. Louis, MO

Academic Highlights: WashU admits students into four schools, many of which offer nationally recognized programs.The university has a 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 66% of classes have fewer than 20 students; over one-quarter have single-digit enrollments. The Office of Undergraduate Research helps students land opportunities to research alongside faculty, primarily in the summers. A solid 60% of undergraduates report participating in a research endeavor and one-third study abroad.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2023 sent 65% of grads into the workforce and 23% into graduate and professional schools. Companies employing the highest number of WashU grads feature sought-after employers such as Boeing, Google, Amazon, Microsoft, Mastercard, Capital One, and Bayer. Of the employed members of the Class of 2023 who reported their starting salaries, the median salary was $85k. The universities welcoming the largest number of Bears included the prestigious institutions of Columbia, Carnegie Mellon, UPenn, University of Michigan, Vanderbilt, and Yale.

  • Enrollment: 8,267
  • Cost of Attendance: $88,488
  • Median SAT: 1540
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 12%
  • Retention Rate: 96%
  • Graduation Rate: 94%

#9 Best College for Graphic Design
Northeastern University

Northeastern University

  • Boston, MA

Academic Highlights: Northeastern offers 130 majors and 199 combined majors within nine colleges and programs. Nearly two-thirds of Husky classrooms contain nineteen or fewer students, and 13% have single-digit enrollments. Large lecture hall courses crammed with undergrads are rare at this school鈥攐nly 7% of sections sport a student enrollment of fifty or more. Since 2006, Northeastern has added an incredible 650+ tenured and tenure-track faculty members. Undergraduate research opportunities exist in all departments, and experiential learning of some type is had by virtually all graduates, thanks to the school鈥檚 illustrious and robust co-op program.聽In a given year, 3,700+ students have a global experience in one of 65+ countries, and 250+ students participate in a co-op program overseas.

Professional Outcomes: Nine months after leaving Northeastern, 97% of students have landed at their next employment or graduate school destination. Huskies entering the job market are quickly rounded up by the likes of Amazon, Fidelity Investments, Google, Microsoft, and Apple, all of whom employ 500+ Northeastern alums. Between 200 and 500 employees at Meta, CVS Health, Goldman Sachs, and Tesla have an NU lineage. Starting salaries are above average (70% make more than $70k), in part due to the stellar co-op program.

  • Enrollment: 15,891
  • Cost of Attendance: $84,731
  • Median SAT: 1500
  • Median ACT: 34
  • Acceptance Rate: 6%
  • Retention Rate: 98%
  • Graduation Rate: 90%

#10 Best College for Graphic Design
University of California, Los Angeles

University of California, Los Angeles

  • Los Angeles, CA

Academic Highlights: Close to half of classrooms contain fewer than twenty Bruins, but those taking introductory courses will find themselves in a fair number of lecture halls with a hundred or more students. Professors are given impressively high marks for a research university of UCLA鈥檚 size. 93% of College of Letters and Science seniors rate their professors as being intellectually challenging. By the time they graduate, 45% of undergraduates have participated in a research experience. Every year, roughly one-quarter of the undergraduate population elects to study abroad, a sharp increase from only a few years ago. UCLA has 115 partner universities in 40+ countries around the globe.

Professional Outcomes: Thousands of alumni can be found working at Google, Amazon, and Apple. Companies that employ over 100 Bruins each include Meta, Microsoft, Netflix, TikTok, NVIDIA, and LinkedIn.聽Ultimately, one-third of UCLA grads go on to enroll in graduate/professional school, with many choosing to stay at their alma mater. Otherwise, the most attended grad schools are primarily other excellent California-based institutions including Stanford, USC, and Berkeley. For graduates early in their careers, the median salary is $78,600, with mid-career median earnings reaching over $149k. Many alumni remain in the Los Angeles Metropolitan area after graduating; other popular destinations include the San Francisco Bay area and New York City.

  • Enrollment: 33,040
  • Cost of Attendance: $38,031 (In-State); $68,808 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: Test Blind
  • Median ACT: Test Blind
  • Acceptance Rate: 9%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 93%

#11 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

  • Champaign-Urbana, IL

Academic Highlights: Eight of UIUC’s fifteen schools cater to undergraduate students. Illinois鈥 student-to-faculty ratio of 20:1 is high even for a public institution, but the school still manages to keep 39% of sections capped at 19 students. Further, 40% of undergraduates participate in research; over 800 students each year present at the annual Undergraduate Research Symposium. Unique opportunities for experiential learning abound at Research Park, an on-campus technology hub and business incubator that hosts more than 120 major corporations and 800 student interns.

Professional Outcomes: 91% of recent UIUC grads landed at their next destination within six months of graduation, with 35% matriculating directly into an advanced degree program. 56% were employed full-time. Corporations landing the most recent Illinois grads were Amazon, Deloitte, Epic, KPMG, and PwC. The average salary across all majors was an extremely solid $76,000. Two-thirds of graduates remained in the Land of Lincoln; California and New York commandeer the next greatest percentages of migrating alumni.

  • Enrollment: 35,564
  • Cost of Attendance: $33,642 (In-State); $52,139 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1410
  • Median ACT: 32
  • Acceptance Rate: 44%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

#12 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Minnesota鈥揟win Cities

University of Minnesota鈥揟win Cities

  • Minneapolis, MN

Academic Highlights: There are 150 majors available across eight freshman-admitting undergraduate colleges. A 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio is deployed effectively so that 65% of sections enroll 29 or fewer students. No matter your field of study, you can utilize UM鈥檚 well-maintained database of upcoming faculty research projects as a way to connect directly with the professor of your choice; more than 2,000 undergraduates participate in a research or creative project every year. An outstanding 30% of UMTC students study abroad during their academic career with the most popular destinations being Spain, Italy, France, the United Kingdom, and Ireland.

Professional Outcomes: Over 1000 alumni work at Target, Medtronic, 3M, and U.S. Bank; Amazon, Google, Cargill, and Microsoft employ 500+ UMN graduates each. The average starting salary across all majors is approximately 60k and recent employers include Boeing, Honeywell, Northrop Grumman, Abbott, IBM, EcoLab, Boston Scientific, Wells Fargo, Google, Apple, and Microsoft and Epic. With 130 graduate programs, the University of Minnesota retains many of its graduates as they pursue their next degrees.

  • Enrollment: 39,556
  • Cost of Attendance: $32,866 (In-State); $52,780 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

#13 Best College for Graphic Design
Ringling College of Art and Design

Ringling College of Art and Design

  • Sarasota, FL

Academic Highlights: As Florida鈥檚 only institution dedicated exclusively to art and design education, Ringling College offers an intensely focused creative education through its 13 specialized degree programs. With an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a student body representing 54 countries and 44 states, the college fosters a vibrant, globally-minded artistic community. The innovative First Year Program immerses students in their chosen disciplines immediately, with a curriculum tailored to each major鈥攅nsuring no time is wasted on generic foundation courses and allowing for deep, specialized skill development from day one.

Professional Outcomes: Ringling graduates thrive in both entrepreneurial and corporate creative roles, with many building successful freelance practices while others lead at industry powerhouses like Pixar, Disney, DreamWorks, and Meta. The college鈥檚 groundbreaking INDEX program bridges academia and industry by partnering students with major companies to solve real-world creative challenges. These professional opportunities yield strong career outcomes, with alumni shaping visual culture everywhere from animation studios to game developers to iconic brands, demonstrating the exceptional market readiness of a Ringling education.

  • Enrollment: 1,722
  • Cost of Attendance: $81,209
  • Median SAT: N/A
  • Median ACT: N/A
  • Acceptance Rate: 65%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 75%

#14 Best College for Graphic Design
The New School

The New School

  • New York, NY

Academic Highlights:聽The New School delivers an exceptionally personalized education through its 45 undergraduate majors across five distinguished colleges, all supported by an outstanding 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio. This intimate learning environment fosters close mentorship and intellectual collaboration, amplified by 34 specialized research centers that connect academia with real-world challenges. The university’s academic excellence is further demonstrated by an impressive 30-year streak of Fulbright Awards, showcasing its commitment to producing globally engaged scholars and creative thinkers.

Professional Outcomes: New School graduates achieve remarkable career momentum, with 81% securing employment or entering graduate programs within their first post-graduation year. While many leverage their education into successful freelance careers, others launch at premier organizations, including the United Nations, NBC Universal, and JP Morgan Chase. The university’s emphasis on critical thinking and innovation yields strong financial returns 鈥 alumni earn median salaries of $70,400 early in their careers, nearly doubling to $134,500 at mid-career. These outcomes reflect The New School’s unique ability to prepare graduates for leadership across creative industries, global organizations, and the knowledge economy.

  • Enrollment: 6,841
  • Cost of Attendance: $90,400
  • Median SAT: Test Blind
  • Median ACT: Test Blind
  • Acceptance Rate: 63%
  • Retention Rate: 81%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%

#15 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Florida

University of Florida

  • Gainesville, FL

Academic Highlights: With 16 colleges and 100 undergraduate majors to choose from, educational experiences are exceptionally diverse. UF impressively offers 50% of sections with an enrollment of fewer than 20 students. The Center for Undergraduate Research offers a University Research Scholars program as well as summer opportunities, hosts its own Undergraduate Research Symposium, and publishes its own UF Journal of Undergraduate Research. Forty percent of all undergrads have such an experience. The school has connections to 1,100 study abroad programs that are taken advantage of by more than 2,900 undergrads each year.

Professional Outcomes: The University of Florida demonstrates exceptional career preparation, with 83% of the Class of 2024 securing employment by graduation day. Gator alumni have established a strong presence at leading tech giants, with 200+ graduates currently working at Amazon, Microsoft, Google, Apple, Meta, and Oracle. The class achieved an impressive average starting salary of $68,000. For those continuing their education, popular graduate destinations include the University of South Florida, Nova Southeastern University, and Georgia Tech, showcasing UF’s strong pipeline to both immediate employment and advanced academic opportunities.

  • Enrollment: 34,924
  • Cost of Attendance: $22,601 (In-State); $44,879 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1390
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 24%
  • Retention Rate: 97%
  • Graduation Rate: 91%

#16 Best College for Graphic Design
California Institute of the Arts

California Institute of the Arts

  • Santa Clarita

Academic Highlights: CalArts offers an intensely personalized arts education with an exceptional 7:1 student-to-faculty ratio, ensuring every student receives individual mentorship and guidance. The curriculum across its six schools combines rigorous studio practice with critical theory, fostering both technical mastery and conceptual depth. This unique environment encourages experimental art-making where students develop distinctive creative voices under the guidance of working artist faculty.

Professional Outcomes: CalArts graduates shape global arts and entertainment, with alumni leading at Apple, Netflix, Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks. While many artists pursue successful freelance careers, the institute’s industry connections place graduates at the heart of creative innovation. The financial returns are impressive鈥攅arly median earnings of $71,600 grow to $113,200 at mid-career, demonstrating that artistic excellence translates to sustainable success.

  • Enrollment: 918
  • Cost of Attendance: $77,308
  • Median SAT: Test Blind
  • Median ACT: Test Blind
  • Acceptance Rate: 26%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%

#17 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Michigan

University of Michigan

  • Ann Arbor, MI

Academic Highlights: There are 280+ undergraduate degree programs across fourteen schools and colleges. Michigan sports a 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, and 18% of classes contain 50 or more students, but a solid 53% of classes offer a more intimate experience with fewer than 20 students. The Undergraduate Research Opportunity Program draws in 1,300 participants each year who partner with 800+ research mentors. For students in all academic programs at Michigan, study abroad opportunities are taken advantage of at high rates. In fact, the university is second in the nation in the number of students it sends to study in foreign lands.

Professional Outcomes: Within three months of graduating, 89% of LSA grads are employed full-time or in graduate school. The median salary across all majors is approximately 70k. Top employers include PwC, EY, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, Citi, Bank of America, and Capital One.聽 Within six months, 93% of engineering grads are employed (average salary of $99k) or in grad school. General Motors, Ford, Google, Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft employ the greatest number of alumni.

  • Enrollment: 33,730
  • Cost of Attendance: $34,782 (In-State); $75,626 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1470
  • Median ACT: 33
  • Acceptance Rate: 18%
  • Retention Rate: 98%
  • Graduation Rate: 93%

#18 Best College for Graphic Design
Temple University

Temple University

  • Philadelphia, PA

Academic Highlights: Temple offers 160+ undergraduate programs. Forty-four percent of classes have an enrollment of 19 or fewer students, and 72% of courses contain no more than 29 undergraduates. Undergraduate research positions are available across all 12 undergraduate schools and colleges, including a seven-month-long funded research experience called the Diamond Research Scholars program. The school offers plenty of study abroad opportunities, including its own programs in Spain, Japan, and Italy. A touch over 10% of undergrads take a semester in a foreign country.

Professional Outcomes: Fifty-one percent of recent grads quickly secured employment and another 18% were enrolled in graduate school. Top employers included the School District of Philadelphia, Vanguard, SEI, Amazon, and Lockheed Martin. Hundreds of Owl alumni can be found at Merck, Comcast, GlaxoSmithKline, Johnson & Johnson, JPMorgan Chase, and Bristol Myers Squibb. The highest percentage of grads reside in Philadelphia, with New York City and Washington, DC, next in popularity.

  • Enrollment: 21,720
  • Cost of Attendance: $44,756 (In-State); $60,136 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1260
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 83%
  • Retention Rate: 83%
  • Graduation Rate: 75%

#19 Best College for Graphic Design
Drexel University

Drexel University

  • Philadelphia, PA

Academic Highlights: There are over 100 undergraduate majors to choose from at Drexel.聽 The university offers a reasonable 9:1 student-to-faculty ratio with commensurately reasonable class sizes. Fifty-one percent of sections contain 19 or fewer students, and just 9% of sections contain 50 or more. Drexel students are encouraged to begin seeking undergraduate research opportunities 鈥渁s early as the freshman year.鈥 An array of research-oriented co-ops exist at local hospitals, museums, and pharmaceutical companies as well. With the emphasis on co-op education, it can be difficult to carve out time to study abroad while at Drexel. In a typical year, roughly 900 students manage to study internationally at one of 60 locations. Co-ops in foreign countries are another way to access the benefits of this type of experience.

Professional Outcomes: One year after graduating, 97% of Dragons have arrived at their next destination; 94% of full-time graduates were satisfied with their position and 87% were working in professions related to their field of study. The largest employers of Drexel alumni are Children’s Hospital of Philadephia, Penn Medicine, Comcast, Lockheed Martin, and Vanguard. The average salary for Drexel grads with a full-time job was $68,650.

  • Enrollment: 13,589
  • Cost of Attendance: $81,413
  • Median SAT: 1330
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 78%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 77%

#20 Best College for Graphic Design
Rochester Institute of Technology

Rochester Institute of Technology

  • Rochester, NY

Academic Highlights: There are eleven undergraduate colleges and schools at RIT, and the co-op program is the fourth oldest in the country; most students complete a one- or two-semester paid learning experience. RIT鈥檚 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio and a genuine commitment to undergraduate teaching lead to a respectable 46% of sections enrolling fewer than 20 students, and only 5% of courses contain more than 50 students. Additionally, RIT provides an array of undergraduate research opportunities including the the 10-week Research Experience for Undergraduates program, and聽the Undergraduate Research Symposium that sees 150+ students give presentations in a given academic year. 600+ opportunities exist to study, work, or research abroad, and RIT has four campuses in China, Croatia, Dubai, and Kosovo.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduation, 93% of grads had found employment or a full-time graduate program. Major companies presently employing more than 500 RIT alums include Microsoft and Paychex. Between 200 and 500 employees of Amazon, Apple, Google, IBM, and Intel were educated at RIT. The average starting salary was $75,600, which is $12,ooo more than the national average. Class of 2023 grads pursued further education at universities including Columbia, Cornell, Harvard, Stanford, and Yale.

  • Enrollment: 14,076
  • Cost of Attendance: $75,332
  • Median SAT: 1370
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%

#21 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Illinois at Chicago

University of Illinois at Chicago

  • Chicago, IL

Academic Highlights: Undergrads pursue one of 94 bachelor鈥檚 programs offered through the 11 (of 16) colleges that grant undergraduate degrees. While 19% of classes at UIC do, indeed, enroll more than 50 students, two-thirds enroll fewer than 29. Ten percent of courses are taught by teaching assistants, but 90% of full-time faculty here have a PhD. Opportunities to engage in undergraduate research will not be handed to you, as at some liberal arts colleges, but the Undergraduate Research Experience, a university-wide program, does connect motivated students with 400+ faculty researchers in dozens of departments. Those interested in studying abroad have access to 175+ programs in 48 countries.

Professional Outcomes: The Class of 2023 had a 98% success rate six months after graduation, with 20% enrolling directly in graduate school. By volume, the largest employer of UIC grads is Chicago Public Schools. More than 100 alumni can also be found employed by Amazon, JPMorgan Chase, Microsoft, Google, Discover, Apple, and McDonald’s. The average salary for a 2023 grad was a solid $69k. Over 90% of recent grads began their careers within the state of Illinois; locations in California, Wisconsin, and Texas were next on the list.

 

  • Enrollment: 22,107
  • Cost of Attendance: $36,364 (In-State); $51,386 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1230
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 79%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 60%

#22 Best College for Graphic Design
Maryland Institute College of Art

Maryland Institute College of Art

  • Baltimore, MD

Academic Highlights:聽Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA) holds distinction as America’s first degree-granting art college, offering 17 undergraduate majors and 23 minors within an intensely focused creative environment. With an exceptional 8:1 student-to-faculty ratio and students hailing from 45 states and 56 countries, MICA cultivates a dynamic global community of artists and designers. This intimate learning model ensures personalized mentorship from working creative professionals while exposing students to diverse artistic perspectives.

Professional Outcomes: MICA graduates shape visual culture across industries, with many contributing to Baltimore’s creative ecosystem through positions at Johns Hopkins, Baltimore County Public Schools, and MICA itself. Others excel at global innovators like Google and Deloitte, while a significant number build successful independent practices. Strong alumni networks thrive in the Washington-Baltimore corridor and New York City, demonstrating MICA’s dual impact as both a regional arts anchor and pipeline to international creative careers.

  • Enrollment: 1,324
  • Cost of Attendance: $78,224
  • Median SAT: 1130
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 71%

#23 Best College for Graphic Design
Iowa State University

Iowa State University

  • Ames, IA

Academic Highlights:聽With more than 100 majors available across six undergraduate colleges, Iowa State has no shortage of academic pathways to explore. The student-to-faculty ratio is 18:1, yet courses are a mix of large and small. 31% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students and 23% enroll more than 50. 鈥Iowa State University offers extensive undergraduate research opportunities across all disciplines, coordinated by the Office of Undergraduate Research and Creative Expression. For example, students can participate in programs such as the Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA), which provides paid positions for juniors and seniors to engage in faculty-mentored research projects.

Professional Outcomes: Ninety-four percent of the Class of 2023 enjoyed positive career outcomes, with 79% employed and 15% continuing their education. Popular employers include John Deere, Principal Financial Group, Amazon, Collins Aerospace, Corteva Agriscience, Bayer, Cargill, and Microsoft. Most remain in Iowa after graduation but many also move to Minnesota, Chicago, California, or Texas. The average starting salary for the most recent engineering cohort was $77,260.

  • Enrollment: 25,332
  • Cost of Attendance: $24,204 (In-State); $41,390 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1240
  • Median ACT: 24
  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 75%

#24 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Utah

University of Utah

  • Salt Lake City, UT

Academic Highlights: The university鈥檚 18 colleges and schools house 100+ undergraduate programs. Forty-four percent of courses enroll 19 students or fewer, while 19% are on the larger side, enrolling 50 or more students. Those seeking more personalized mentorship can pursue opportunities through the Office of Undergraduate Research, which connects with over 3,600 students in person and another 4,200+ via its virtual Education Series. Those who wish to study abroad can access over 50 programs in 26 countries.

Professional Outcomes: Within six months of graduating, 71% of recent grads planned to enter full-time employment, while 25% jumped directly into an advanced degree program. Employers hiring the greatest number of Utes include Intermountain Healthcare, Goldman Sachs, Amazon, Adobe, Microsoft, Google, and Lucid Software. The average starting salary is $55,714, and the median is $52,000.

  • Enrollment: 26,827
  • Cost of Attendance: $30,613 (In-State); $51,135 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1280
  • Median ACT: 25
  • Acceptance Rate: 87%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 64%

#25 Best College for Graphic Design
Arizona State University

Arizona State University

  • Tempe, AZ

Academic Highlights: All students must complete a minimum of twenty-nine credits in General Studies courses.聽 They must also meet requirements in three 鈥渁wareness areas鈥: Cultural Diversity in the United States, Global Awareness, and Historical Awareness. There are plenty of opportunities for experiential learning as close to half of undergrads engage in research, land an internship, or have a practicum experience as part of their academic program.

Professional Outcomes: A healthy 89% percent of ASU graduates looking for work are employed within six months of earning their degrees. The median salary for an ASU grad is roughly $55,000. Among the school鈥檚 top fifty employers are Starbucks, the U.S. Air Force, Amazon, and the Intel Corporation. Most graduates settle in the Greater Phoenix area, with Tempe, Phoenix, and Los Angeles rounding out the list of the top three cities where recent alumni can be found.

  • Enrollment: 65,174
  • Cost of Attendance: $33,270 (in-state); $53,412 (out-of-state)
  • Average SAT: 1248
  • Average ACT: 24
  • Acceptance Rate: 90%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%

#26 Best College for Graphic Design
The Ohio State University 鈥 Columbus

The Ohio State University 鈥 Columbus

  • Columbus, OH

Academic Highlights: There are 250+ undergraduate majors and 18 schools and colleges housed within OSU. A 17-to-1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to fairly large classes as only 40% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students, so expect a fair number of courses in a large lecture hall setting. Still, aggressive students can find opportunities to work closely with faculty. The Office of Undergraduate Research & Inquiry helps approximately 600 students per year participate in undergraduate research forums. All told, approximately 20% of students gain research experience. Last year, nearly 1,800 undergraduates elected to study abroad in one of 350+ short- and long-term programs spread across 70 countries; OSU has the third-highest study abroad enrollment numbers in the Big 10.

Professional Outcomes: Upon receiving their diplomas, 64% of Class of 2023 graduates entered the world of employment while 14% were already accepted into graduate or professional school.聽 Hordes of Buckeyes can be found at many of the nation鈥檚 leading companies. More than 2,000 alumni work for JPMorgan Chase, and more than 500 work for Amazon, Google, and Microsoft. Of the grads who directly matriculate into graduate or professional school, many continue in one of OSU鈥檚 own programs.

  • Enrollment: 45,728
  • Cost of Attendance: $31,231 (In-State); $56,737 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1400
  • Median ACT: 31
  • Acceptance Rate: 51%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 88%

#27 Best College for Graphic Design
Chapman University

Chapman University

  • Orange, CA

Academic Highlights:聽Chapman offers 50+ majors in STEM, humanities, communication, the arts, and business. Overall, 43% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students and the student-to-faculty ratio is 12:1. Students can engage in faculty-mentored projects, apply for funding via programs like the Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF), and present their work at the annual Student Scholar Symposium. The school regularly receives acclaim for its innovation and the quality of undergraduate teaching.

Professional Outcomes: The Walt Disney Company, Amazon, Deloitte, Microsoft, NBCUniversal, Netflix, and Circle Advertising are the most common employers of Chapman graduates. In 2023. 62% of that cohort had already secured employment by graduation day. Most graduates remain in the state of California, with Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, and Irvine attracting particularly high numbers of alumni.

  • Enrollment: 7,874
  • Cost of Attendance: $85,080
  • Median SAT: 1300
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 56%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 80%

#28 Best College for Graphic Design
North Carolina State University

North Carolina State University

  • Raleigh, NC

Academic Highlights: NC State offers more than 100 majors and 120 minors. Thanks to a reasonable 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio, you won鈥檛 exclusively have classes in enormous lecture halls. Rather, NC State offers its undergraduates a mix of experiences with 63% of sections enrolling 29 or fewer students and 18% enrolling 50 or more. The Office of Undergraduate Research works diligently to connect star students to faculty research projects, which leads to nearly 500 student presentations at the spring poster sessions alone. In 2024, 28 students received invitations to present at the National Conference on Undergraduate Research.

Professional Outcomes: Forty-four percent of students graduating in 2023 had already accepted full-time jobs before exiting; 30% were heading to graduate/professional school. Members of that class reported an average starting salary of $65,589 (with a slightly higher median). Including all graduating years, the companies employing the largest number of alumni are Cisco, SAS, Amazon, Microsoft, Google, IBM, Lenovo, Apple, Meta, and NVIDIA. Many recent grads also work for the university itself.

  • Enrollment: 27,323
  • Cost of Attendance: $26,604 (In-State); $49,476 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1380
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 40%
  • Retention Rate: 93%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

#29 Best College for Graphic Design
Cal Poly – Pomona

Cal Poly – Pomona

  • Pomona, CA

Academic Highlights: Cal Poly Pomona stands as one of California’s premier polytechnic universities, serving nearly 25,000 undergraduate students across 107 majors and 90 minors. While its 23:1 student-to-faculty ratio reflects its substantial size, students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities鈥攊ncluding faculty-mentored research projects, competitive grants, and presentation platforms like the CPP CARS symposium and Student RSCA Conference. The university maintains a strong commitment to accessible, quality education, with 24% of classes keeping enrollment under 20 students for more personalized instruction.

Professional Outcomes: Broncos excel in the workforce, with alumni filling key roles at top-tier employers including Northrop Grumman, Boeing, NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, and The Walt Disney Company. The university’s learn-by-doing approach yields impressive career returns: graduates report early-career earnings averaging $73,700, growing to $137,200 at mid-career鈥攁 testament to the lasting value of Cal Poly Pomona’s career-focused education.

  • Enrollment: 24,455
  • Cost of Attendance: $28,805 (In-State); $40,685 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: Test Blind
  • Median ACT: Test Blind
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 67%

#30 Best College for Graphic Design
Texas Christian University

Texas Christian University

  • Forth Worth, TX

Academic Highlights: TCU offers 117 undergraduate majors. With a 14:1 student-to-faculty ratio, classes at TCU are not all tiny, but the school manages to keep enrollment below 20 students in 41% of its class sections, and only 5% of courses seat more than 50. Of equal importance, 98% of faculty members teach undergraduate students, so you will have access to the best and brightest professors the school has to offer. The study abroad program makes international study readily accessible, and two-fifths of undergrads enjoy a semester overseas.

Professional Outcomes: Upon graduating, 81% of recent diploma-earners were employed or had their graduate school placement lined up. Deloitte, American Airlines, JPMorgan Chase, and Goldman Sachs employ the greatest number of alumni. Other companies hiring recent TCU grads include Microsoft, IBM, Fidelity Investments, Bank of America, Cerner, PWC, and AT&T. The most recent median starting salary was $65,000.

  • Enrollment: 10,937
  • Cost of Attendance: $77,060
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 43%
  • Retention Rate: 94%
  • Graduation Rate: 85%

#31 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Denver

University of Denver

  • Denver, CO

Academic Highlights: There are over 100 undergraduate majors, minors, and concentrations offered at the University of Denver, with small class sizes being the norm as 54% of sections contain no more than 19 students, and 79% enroll a maximum of 29 individuals. The Undergraduate Research Center helps facilitate connections between intellectually curious undergrads and faculty mentors, and 85% of students participate in research or complete an internship during their time at the university. You won鈥檛 find many schools more committed to encouraging their undergraduates to study abroad. An astonishing 70% of DU students spend a semester or summer in a foreign country.

Professional Outcomes: 91% of Pioneer grads successfully entered the world of employment or graduate school within six months of earning their bachelor鈥檚 degree. 72% were employed full-time with a mean starting salary of $62k. Top employers included Deloitte, KPMG, The Walt Disney Company, Comcast, Children’s Hospital Colorado, and RMHS. Other corporations employing 50 or more DU alums include Amazon, EY, Google, Microsoft, and Salesforce. 14% of recent graduates elected to continue their education in a graduate program.

  • Enrollment: 6,415
  • Cost of Attendance: $80,536
  • Median SAT: 1320
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 71%
  • Retention Rate: 88%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%

#32 Best College for Graphic Design
Michigan State University

Michigan State University

  • East Lansing, MI

Academic Highlights: This highly regarded state institution boasts over 400 areas of study鈥攗ndergraduate, graduate, and professional鈥攁cross 17 degree-granting colleges. A 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio rates in the average range for public universities of MSU鈥檚 size and scope. Class sizes are a genuine mix of small seminars and giant lecture halls. In one recent year, 55% percent of undergraduate course sections contain fewer than 30 students; just 23% enrolled more than 50. Undergraduate research opportunities do exist for those bold enough to pursue them; 36% of recent grads completed one such experience. Around 25% of undergrads study abroad at one of 260 programs located in 60+ countries.

Professional Outcomes: Within months of strutting across the graduation stage, 63% of Class of 2023 members had landed full-time employment, 25% were pursuing advanced degrees, and 4% were still looking for a job. The top employers of this group included big names like the State of Michigan, General Motors, the US Federal Government, Ford Motor Company, and PepsiCo. The median starting salary earned was $64,149. Among the grad schools favored by recent alumni are the University of Michigan, New York University, Columbia University, and Northwestern University.

  • Enrollment: 40,483
  • Cost of Attendance: $32,668 (In-State); $60,052 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 84%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%

#33 Best College for Graphic Design
Purchase College (SUNY)

Purchase College (SUNY)

  • Purchase, NY

Academic Highlights:聽SUNY Purchase delivers a distinctive public liberal arts education, offering 48 majors and 38 minors within an intentionally intimate learning environment. True to its liberal arts mission, 72% of classes enroll fewer than 20 students, supported by an 11:1 student-to-faculty ratio and an average class size of 18. While 81% of students hail from New York, the campus community represents 41 states and 35 countries, creating dynamic exchanges between local perspectives and global viewpoints.

Professional Outcomes: Purchase graduates thrive in diverse fields, with 90% achieving success through employment (87%) or graduate study (12%). The college’s emphasis on experiential learning proves transformative, with 92% of students completing hands-on opportunities, preparing them for impactful careers. Alumni contribute significantly to the New York economy with organizations like the NYC Department of Education, while others excel at global innovators like Apple and Amazon. Many build rewarding independent practices, demonstrating the versatility of a Purchase education in today’s evolving professional landscape.

  • Enrollment: 3,145
  • Cost of Attendance: $29,043 (In-State); $38,953 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 73%
  • Retention Rate: 79%
  • Graduation Rate: 62%

#34 Best College for Graphic Design
DePaul University

DePaul University

  • Chicago, IL

Academic Highlights:聽There are more than 130 undergraduate majors at the nation’s largest Catholic research university. The student-to-faculty ratio is 17:1 and 38% of courses enroll fewer than 20 students. Special study abroad initiatives like FY@broad cater to first-year students, while Identities Abroad programs focus on diversity and inclusion, providing scholarships to support underrepresented students. The university rates well in the areas of overall value and facilitating social mobility.

Professional Outcomes:聽90% of recent graduates found their next positive step in life within six months of being awarded their diploma. 78% were employed earning a modest median salary of $45,000. Sample employers included JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, Discover, AbbVie, Amazon, and United Airways, as well as a number of nonprofit entities. Less than 10% of DePaul graduates directly enter graduate or professional school right after completing their undergraduate education.

  • Enrollment: 14,374
  • Cost of Attendance: $66,798
  • Median SAT: 1230
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 74%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%

#35 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Georgia

University of Georgia

  • Athens, GA

Academic Highlights: UGA boasts seventeen distinct colleges and schools that offer 125+ majors. 49% of sections enroll fewer than 20 students compared with 12% of sections that enroll 50 or more. No matter your major, UGA encourages you to conduct research with a member of the school鈥檚 faculty. The Center for Undergraduate Research Opportunities (CURO) awards grants to 500 students per year, and in 2024, a robust 620+ students presented at the CURO Symposium. Meanwhile, the Office of Global Engagement helps 3,000 students annually find which of the 100+ study abroad programs (many of which are led by UGA faculty) is right for them

Professional Outcomes: 95% of the Class of 2023 was employed or continuing their education six months after graduation. Popular employers include Accenture, the CDC, Deloitte, KPMG, Lockheed Martin, PwC, and Bank of America. Salaries vary between colleges; however, the median hovers around 60k. In 2023, 23% of graduates enrolled directly into a graduate/professional degree program, with the most commonly attended schools including Duke, Emory, Georgetown, UNC Chapel Hill, and Vanderbilt.

  • Enrollment: 31,514
  • Cost of Attendance: $28,106 (In-State); $47,146 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1270
  • Median ACT: 29
  • Acceptance Rate: 37%
  • Retention Rate: 95%
  • Graduation Rate: 87%

#36 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Kansas

University of Kansas

  • Lawrence, KS

Academic Highlights: The University of Kansas offers students exceptional academic breadth with 190+ undergraduate majors across 14 schools, combining large, research university resources with surprising accessibility. KU’s 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports a learning environment where 41% of classes maintain fewer than 20 students, far outpacing the 16% that exceed 50. Undergraduate research thrives through the Center for Undergraduate Research, while global engagement shines with students participating in 165+ study abroad programs across 70 countries.

Professional Outcomes: KU graduates achieve strong career momentum, with 54% employed full-time and 33% pursuing advanced degrees within six months of graduation. The university serves as both Kansas’s premier educator and top employer, with many graduates contributing to KU Medical Center, Hallmark Cards, and other regional leaders, earning an average salary of $60,000. While hundreds build careers in the Lawrence/Kansas City area, alumni networks flourish in major hubs like Chicago, Denver, and Dallas, demonstrating KU’s dual impact as both a state anchor and national talent source.

  • Enrollment: 20,696
  • Cost of Attendance: $27,132 (In-State); $44,844 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1160
  • Median ACT: 24
  • Acceptance Rate: 88%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%

#37 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Massachusetts Lowell

University of Massachusetts Lowell

  • Lowell, MA

Academic Highlights:聽UMass Lowell offers students an expansive academic experience with 120+ undergraduate majors across five colleges, serving a diverse community representing all 50 states and 118 countries. The university maintains an ideal balance of resources and personal attention through its 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio, with 46% of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students. Global perspectives flourish through 300+ study abroad programs, preparing graduates to thrive in an interconnected world.

Professional Outcomes: UMass Lowell delivers exceptional career preparation, guaranteeing every undergraduate at least one paid career-connected experience. Graduates build successful careers with industry leaders, including Raytheon, Pfizer, and Microsoft, while many contribute to the university itself as faculty and staff. Most alumni establish roots in the Greater Boston area, with median earnings of $65,000 after ten years, demonstrating the strong return on investment of a UMass Lowell education in New England’s innovation economy.

  • Enrollment: 12,128
  • Cost of Attendance: $34,564 (In-State); $53,390 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 85%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 70%

#38 Best College for Graphic Design
Miami University – Oxford

Miami University – Oxford

  • Oxford, OH

Academic Highlights: A freshman retention rate of 90% is excellent for a public university, and the strength of undergraduate teaching gets high marks. In part, this is made possible by a reasonable 15:1 student-to-faculty ratio. Each year, more than 2,800 undergrads work with professors on research, and some become coauthors of academic papers and/or find themselves presenting at academic conferences. The school also ranks in the top five among public institutions for the percent of students who elect to study abroad; a phenomenal 55% of undergrads elect to study away from Oxford.

Professional Outcomes: The overall success rate for the Class of 2023 was 99%, roughly the same as for the previous two cohorts. Fifty-five percent of recent Miami grads were employed and by mid-career, alumni enjoy a median salary of $132k. Staying in Ohio is a common postgraduate choice with 46% of grads doing so, but Chicago; New York City; Washington, DC; and Denver are also popular landing spots. The companies attracting the greatest number of RedHawk alumni are Procter & Gamble, EY, Fifth Third Bank, JPMorgan Chase, Deloitte, PNC, PwC, and Amazon.

  • Enrollment: 16,478
  • Cost of Attendance: $38,757 (In-State); $60,973 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1290
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 82%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 82%

#39 Best College for Graphic Design
Thomas Jefferson University

Thomas Jefferson University

  • Philadelphia, PA

Academic Highlights: Thomas Jefferson University provides a career-focused education through its 10 colleges and 3 schools, supported by an excellent 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio that ensures 55% of classes maintain fewer than 20 students. With access to 32 hospital campuses and multiple research centers, students gain unparalleled hands-on experience in various fields. Global perspectives are cultivated through 45+ study abroad programs across 35 countries, preparing graduates to lead in an interconnected professional landscape.

Professional Outcomes: Jefferson’s Class of 2024 achieved impressive early outcomes, with 52% securing employment and 43% continuing to graduate programs immediately after commencement. Alumni launch careers at premier healthcare institutions, including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia and Jefferson Health, while others contribute to leading architecture/engineering firms like HDR and CRB Group. Those pursuing advanced degrees frequently choose top-tier institutions, including Northwestern University and Villanova, with many returning to Jefferson’s own renowned graduate programs, demonstrating the strong foundation provided by the university’s integrated undergraduate experience.

  • Enrollment: 3,731
  • Cost of Attendance: $68,557
  • Median SAT: 1250
  • Median ACT: 30
  • Acceptance Rate: 86%
  • Retention Rate: 82%
  • Graduation Rate: 68%

#40 Best College for Graphic Design
Appalachian State University

Appalachian State University

  • Boone, NC

Academic Highlights: Students can select from 150+ bachelor’s degrees at App State. A reasonable 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio leads to 39% of all course sections having fewer than 20 students and just 8% enrolling 50 or more. Students can engage in faculty-mentored projects through programs like the Undergraduate Research Assistantship (URA), which provides paid positions to support faculty research. Additionally, students are encouraged to present their work at events such as the annual Celebration of Student Research and Creative Endeavors.

Professional Outcomes: Within one year of graduating, 86% of those surveyed have arrived at their next destination. Alumni go on to work in large numbers for Wells Fargo, Lowe’s, Bank of America, Atrium Health, Novant Health, and Duke Energy Corporation. For the 28% of grads pursuing further education, alumni enrolled in programs at UNC-Chapel Hill, North Carolina State University, and East Carolina University.

  • Enrollment: 19,405
  • Cost of Attendance: $23,324 (In-State); $40,320 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1180
  • Median ACT: 24
  • Acceptance Rate: 89%
  • Retention Rate: 85%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%

#41 Best College for Graphic Design
Virginia Commonwealth University

Virginia Commonwealth University

  • Richmond, VA

Academic Highlights:聽Virginia Commonwealth University combines the resources of a major public research institution (200+ academic programs) with surprising accessibility, maintaining a 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio that allows 35% of classes to cap at just 19 students. This balance of scale and personal attention serves a remarkably diverse community representing 46 states and 138 countries, creating dynamic learning environments where global perspectives thrive.

Professional Outcomes: VCU graduates find strong career success, with 41% securing employment and 22% entering graduate programs immediately after commencement. An impressive 87% express satisfaction with their outcomes, and 78% choose to build their careers within Virginia鈥攊ncluding 34% in Richmond itself. The university serves as a vital talent pipeline for the state’s leading institutions, with alumni making significant contributions to VCU Health, Capital One, Sentara Health, and Dominion Energy, earning median salaries of $50,000. These outcomes demonstrate VCU’s dual impact as both an economic engine for Virginia and a launchpad for professional achievement.

  • Enrollment: 21,205
  • Cost of Attendance: $39,967 (In-State); $62,551 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1160
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 93%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 65%

#42 Best College for Graphic Design
Fashion Institute of Technology

Fashion Institute of Technology

  • New York, NY

Academic Highlights:聽FIT stands as New York’s premier public fashion institution, offering 29 specialized undergraduate programs to students from all 50 states and 81 countries. With a focused 17:1 student-to-faculty ratio and the unique distinction of 100% classes enrolling fewer than 30 students, FIT ensures personalized training from industry professionals. The college’s global perspective is strengthened through 60+ international programs, preparing students to lead in the worldwide fashion industry.

Professional Outcomes: FIT’s 2023 bachelor’s graduates achieved strong industry placement, with 79% employed within six months鈥59% with companies and 27% building independent practices. Alumni shape fashion and beauty at top employers, including Ralph Lauren, L’Or茅al, and Est茅e Lauder, while nearly two-thirds work in fields directly related to their FIT degree. With 74% reporting annual earnings of $50,000+, these outcomes demonstrate FIT’s unparalleled ability to launch careers in the competitive fashion marketplace.

  • Enrollment: 7,843
  • Cost to Attend: $35,943 (In-State); $46,523 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: Test Blind
  • Median ACT: Test Blind
  • Acceptance Rate: 58%
  • Retention Rate: 89%
  • Graduation Rate: 83%

#43 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Houston

University of Houston

  • Houston, TX

Academic Highlights: The University of Houston provides students with expansive academic opportunities through nearly 117 degree programs across 16 colleges, serving a globally diverse community from 137 nations. While maintaining an accessible 21:1 student-to-faculty ratio, UH ensures personalized learning experiences with one-third of classes enrolling fewer than 20 students and 70% enrolling fewer than 40 students. The university’s research excellence is demonstrated through 12 national research centers, while global perspectives are cultivated via study abroad programs in 39 countries.

Professional Outcomes: UH graduates demonstrate impressive early career momentum, with 19% securing full-time positions and 9% entering graduate programs by commencement day. Alumni are transforming Houston’s professional landscape at leading employers, including Houston Methodist, Baylor College of Medicine, and Spring Branch ISD, while others launch careers with global firms like JPMorgan Chase. Those pursuing advanced degrees predominantly choose top Texas institutions, with the highest percentages continuing at UH itself, followed by Baylor College of Medicine, Rice, UT Austin, and Texas A&M – a testament to the strong reputation of a UH education within the state’s academic and professional networks.

  • Enrollment: 37,946
  • Cost of Attendance: $26,734 (In-State); $39,214 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1230
  • Median ACT: 25
  • Acceptance Rate: 70%
  • Retention Rate: 86%
  • Graduation Rate: 65%

#44 Best College for Graphic Design
University of South Florida

University of South Florida

  • Tampa, FL

Academic Highlights:聽The University of South Florida stands as an academic powerhouse with 240+ undergraduate programs spanning 14 colleges, offering unparalleled breadth from baccalaureate to doctoral levels. While the university maintains a 22:1 student-to-faculty ratio overall, it delivers surprising intimacy鈥45% of course sections enroll fewer than 20 students. High-achieving students gain access to the transformative Judy Genshaft Honors College, where exclusive small seminars and specialized campus experiences create an elite liberal arts environment within this major research university.

Professional Outcomes: USF serves as the talent engine for Florida’s booming economy, with graduates snapped up by premier employers including Moffitt Cancer Center, Raymond James, and tech giants like Microsoft and Google. The university’s strong regional roots show in outcomes鈥攎any alumni choose to build careers in Greater Tampa Bay, fueling local innovation while enjoying strong financial returns (median earnings of $64,200 in early career, rising to $113,700 at mid-career).

  • Enrollment: 37,269
  • Cost of Attendance: $25,625 (In-State); $36,539 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1230
  • Median ACT: 26
  • Acceptance Rate: 41%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 75%

#45 Best College for Graphic Design
SUNY New Paltz

SUNY New Paltz

  • New Paltz, NY

Academic Highlights: SUNY New Paltz offers students expansive academic opportunities with 100+ undergraduate degrees across six specialized schools. A 16:1 student-to-faculty ratio supports a learning environment where 79% of classes maintain fewer than 30 students, fostering meaningful engagement and mentorship. Global perspectives are cultivated through study abroad programs spanning six continents, preparing graduates to thrive in an interconnected world.

Professional Outcomes: SUNY New Paltz’s graduates achieve strong career outcomes, with 57% employed and 26% enrolled in graduate programs within six months of graduation. Alumni are building successful careers with leading employers, including the NYC Department of Education, IBM, Northwell Health, and JPMorgan Chase, with most contributing to the vibrant New York metropolitan area. These professional achievements, combined with median earnings of $58,000 after ten years, demonstrate the enduring value of the university’s career-focused education and global perspective.

  • Enrollment: 6,504
  • Cost of Attendance: $29,360 (In-State); $39,270 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1260
  • Median ACT: 27
  • Acceptance Rate: 59%
  • Retention Rate: 87%
  • Graduation Rate: 69%

#46 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Tennessee – Knoxville

University of Tennessee – Knoxville

  • Knoxville, TN

Academic Highlights:聽The University of Tennessee offers an expansive academic experience with 360+ undergraduate programs across 14 colleges and schools, supported by 1,900+ faculty members. While the university’s scale is impressive, its class sizes remain manageable鈥62% of courses enroll fewer than 30 students, including 28% with under 19 students, all supported by an 18:1 student-faculty ratio. Research opportunities abound through the Office of Undergraduate Research and Fellowships, while global engagement is strengthened by 500+ study abroad programs. UT’s academic excellence is further demonstrated by its consistent recognition as a top producer of Fulbright scholars.

Professional Outcomes:聽Within six months of graduation, 91% of Vols alumni achieve career success鈥61% entering employment and 30% continuing to graduate studies. Leading employers include UT Medical Center, Axle Logistics, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center, with graduates earning a strong median starting salary of $62,000. Those pursuing advanced degrees predominantly stay within Tennessee’s strong academic network, favoring institutions like UT’s own campuses, Lincoln Memorial University, and Belmont University.

  • Enrollment: 28,883
  • Cost of Attendance: $33,678 (In-State); $52,168 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1260
  • Median ACT: 28
  • Acceptance Rate: 46%
  • Retention Rate: 91%
  • Graduation Rate: 73%

#47 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Nebraska – Lincoln

University of Nebraska – Lincoln

  • Lincoln, NE

Academic Highlights: There are more than 100 majors at the University of Nebraska and students enjoy a mix of smaller classes (47% have fewer than 20 students) and larger ones (20% have more than 50). The University of Nebraska鈥揕incoln offers robust undergraduate research opportunities across all majors through programs like UCARE, which funds student-led projects under faculty mentorship, and FYRE, designed to introduce first-year students to research

Professional Outcomes: Businesses employing more than 100 graduates each include Mutual of Omaha, Kiewit, Fiserv, Union Pacific Railroad, Olsson, and Hudl. Median pay for graduates early in their career is $64,900 and most Cornhuskers remain in Nebraska post-graduation, settling in Lincoln and Omaha.

  • Enrollment: 19,338
  • Cost of Attendance: $28,656 (In-State); $46,296 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1200
  • Median ACT: 24
  • Acceptance Rate: 77%
  • Retention Rate: 84%
  • Graduation Rate: 66%

#48 Best College for Graphic Design
San Diego State University

San Diego State University

  • San Diego, CA

Academic Highlights: SDSU has nearly 160 undergraduate majors, minors, and pre-professional programs. Classes tend to be on the large side鈥27% of course sections enroll more than 40 students, and only 28% of sections contain fewer than 20 students. The Undergraduate Research Program pairs students with faculty mentors to work on research, scholarship, or creative projects. In total, 1,740 undergrads are involved in research every year. An incredible 700 study abroad programs can be accessed and the school ranks third in the country in terms of the sheer number of students taking a semester in a foreign country.

Professional Outcomes: At the time of receiving their degrees, roughly 75% of newly minted SDSU graduates already have their next phase of life planned. Thirty-four percent of recent grads had secured full-time employment, 21% were engaged in military service/volunteer work/part-time employment, and 17% were entering graduate or professional school. Recent employers of SDSU grads include Marriott, Vanguard, Google, Sherwin Williams, Disney, Deloitte, Chase, and the City of San Diego. San Diego keeps 65% of grads while Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Orange County also have fairly strong representation.

  • Enrollment: 34,050
  • Cost of Attendance: $34,072 (In-State); $45,952 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: Test Blind
  • Median ACT: Test Blind
  • Acceptance Rate: 34%
  • Retention Rate: 90%
  • Graduation Rate: 78%

#49 Best College for Graphic Design
University of Nevada Las Vegas

University of Nevada Las Vegas

  • Las Vegas, NV

Academic Highlights:聽UNLV offers students robust academic opportunities through 78 majors and 84 minors across 16 colleges and schools, all supported by an 18:1 student-to-faculty ratio. The university’s research enterprise thrives through 55+ specialized centers and institutes, providing undergraduates with exceptional hands-on learning experiences. This combination of academic breadth and research depth prepares students to excel in Las Vegas’ dynamic economy and beyond.

Professional Outcomes: UNLV graduates form the backbone of Southern Nevada’s professional workforce, with top employers including the Clark County School District, MGM Resorts International, and Caesars Entertainment. More than 60% of alumni choose to build their careers in Nevada, contributing significantly to the state’s key industries, while others make their mark at national leaders like Amazon. With median earnings of $55,000 after ten years, UNLV demonstrates its vital role as both an economic engine for Las Vegas and a launchpad for professional success.

  • Enrollment: 25,794
  • Cost of Attendance: $26,504 (In-State); $43,460 (Out-of-State)
  • Median SAT: 1100
  • Median ACT: 21
  • Acceptance Rate: 96%
  • Retention Rate: 78%
  • Graduation Rate: 50%

We hope you have found our list of the Best Colleges for Graphic Design to be useful and informative as you continue your college search process. We also invite you to check out some of our other resources and tools including: