Best Colleges for Graphic Design in 2025–26

30 colleges with strong graphic design programs, ranked by size and selectivity.

De Anza College

Cupertino, CA

$1,571 in-state

Savannah College of Art and Design

Savannah, GA

83% acceptance$41,630 in-state

University of Maryland-Baltimore County

Baltimore, MD

72.4% acceptance$13,256 in-state

San Diego City College

San Diego, CA

$1,146 in-state

Central Washington University

Ellensburg, WA

90.6% acceptance$9,417 in-state

American InterContinental University System

Chandler, AZ

$12,397 in-state

State University of New York at New Paltz

New Paltz, NY

61.6% acceptance$8,572 in-state

County College of Morris

Randolph, NJ

$6,210 in-state

Paradise Valley Community College

Phoenix, AZ

$2,358 in-state

Passaic County Community College

Paterson, NJ

$6,300 in-state

University of Arkansas-Fort Smith

Fort Smith, AR

80.5% acceptance$7,334 in-state

Seattle Central College

Seattle, WA

$5,184 in-state

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI

88.4% acceptance$42,419 in-state

Academy of Art University

San Francisco, CA

$30,736 in-state

North Hennepin Community College

Brooklyn Park, MN

$5,061 in-state

School of Visual Arts

New York, NY

92.6% acceptance$51,400 in-state

Iowa Central Community College

Fort Dodge, IA

$5,496 in-state

Baker College

Owosso, MI

81.9% acceptance$13,000 in-state

Loyola University New Orleans

New Orleans, LA

93.1% acceptance$49,440 in-state

Inver Hills Community College

Inver Grove Heights, MN

$6,146 in-state

Rhode Island School of Design

Providence, RI

18.7% acceptance$62,688 in-state

Rocky Mountain College of Art and Design

Lakewood, CO

$20,190 in-state

Art Center College of Design

Pasadena, CA

74.5% acceptance$54,170 in-state

Eckerd College

Saint Petersburg, FL

75.8% acceptance$51,884 in-state

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Boston, MA

76.3% acceptance$15,400 in-state

Ringling College of Art and Design

Sarasota, FL

69.7% acceptance$57,900 in-state

Wagner College

Staten Island, NY

88% acceptance$53,200 in-state

Sarah Lawrence College

Bronxville, NY

61.7% acceptance$66,862 in-state

Grand View University

Des Moines, IA

99.1% acceptance$34,762 in-state

John Brown University

Siloam Springs, AR

76.1% acceptance$31,756 in-state

About graphic design as a major

Graphic Design has evolved from a print-and-logo discipline into a broader 'visual communication' field that spans branding, web/app interfaces (UI), user experience (UX), motion graphics, packaging, and digital marketing. Most graduates work either as in-house designers at companies or at agencies — and increasingly, as UI/UX designers at tech companies (where salaries are highest). Portfolio quality matters more than school prestige in design — your work, internship experience, and personal brand drive interviews more than your alma mater. The strongest graphic design education combines traditional design principles (typography, color theory, layout) with modern tools (Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, basic web/code literacy) and a senior portfolio capstone with real or real-style client projects.

Salary range

$50,000 – $70,000 starting; $90,000-$130,000 for UX designers at tech companies; design directors $150,000+

Study path

4-year BFA or BA in Graphic Design (BFA is more studio-intensive). Core: drawing fundamentals → typography → design history → digital tools → branding/identity → web/UI → senior portfolio capstone. Internship semester or summer typical and often a major hiring path.

How to choose a graphic design program

Portfolio quality matters more than school prestige in design. Look for programs that teach both traditional design principles and modern tools (Figma, Adobe Suite). Strong industry partnerships and senior capstone projects with real clients are key differentiators. Schools located in or near major creative hubs (NYC, San Francisco, LA, Chicago) have more agency internship access. RISD, ArtCenter, SVA, Pratt, and CCS are the most-named design schools — but state schools with strong graphic design programs (Iowa, UCLA, Maryland, UT Austin) place equally well into UX roles at major tech companies. If you want a UX career specifically, look for programs with HCI (Human-Computer Interaction) faculty, user-research training, and design-thinking workshops.

Common career paths for graphic design graduates

Graphic Designer, UX/UI Designer, Art Director, Brand Designer, Motion Graphics Artist, Web Designer, Product Designer, Packaging Designer, Editorial Designer, Design Director

Real careers, real salaries

See all →
Graphic Designer$59K
+3% by 2032
UX / UI Designer$99K
+16% by 2032

Scholarships for graphic design students

There are scholarships specifically for students studying graphic design. Search our database to find awards you qualify for.

Find graphic design scholarships →
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Last updated: November 2025. Live acceptance rates and tuition pulled from each college's most recent reporting.

KidToCollege is free to use and editorially independent. Data sourced from public records including IPEDS, Common Data Sets, College Board and FAFSA.gov. Always verify deadlines and requirements directly with institutions. Not a guarantee of admission or financial aid.