Top Design Schools • Graphic Design USA

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Top Design Schools

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Academy of Art University

Arizona State University

ArtCenter College of Design

Auburn University

Ball State University

Baylor University

Belmont University

Boston University

Bowling Green State University

Brigham Young University

California College of the Arts

California Institute of the Arts

Carnegie Mellon University

College for Creative Studies

Columbia College Chicago

The Cooper Union

DePaul University

Drexel University

Fashion Institute of Technology

Full Sail University

Iowa State University

Kansas City Art Institute

Kennesaw State University

Kent State University

Maryland Institute College of Art

Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Mercer University

Michigan State University

Minneapolis College of Art and Design

The Modern College of Design

North Carolina State University

The Ohio State University

Otis College of Art and Design

Pennsylvania College of Art and Design

Portland State University

Pratt Institute

Pratt Munson College of Art and Design

Purdue University

Rhode Island School of Design

Ringling College of Art and Design

Rochester Institute of Technology

San Diego State University

San José State University

Savannah College of Art and Design

School of the Art Institute of Chicago

School of Visual Arts

Sessions College for Professional Design

Susquehanna University

Syracuse University School of Design

Syracuse University School of Public Communications

Temple University

Texas State University

The University of Alabama

University of California Los Angeles

University of Central Oklahoma

University of Cincinnati

University of Florida

University of Georgia

University of Hartford

University of Illinois Chicago

University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

University of Kansas

University of Minnesota

University of North Texas

University of Southern California

University of Southern Mississippi

The University of Texas at Austin

The University of Utah

University of Washington

Vermont College of Fine Arts

Virginia Commonwealth University Brandcenter

Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts

Washington University in St. Louis

Woodbury University

Yale University

Academy of Art University Next >

GDUSA Top Design Schools 2025

Highest Honors

It’s that time again—our annual roundup of the top graphic design schools and programs for 2025, each excelling in both the hard and soft skills necessary for success in the ever-evolving world of design. These institutions don’t just teach design; they nurture talent, expand minds, and prepare the next generation of creatives for impactful careers in the real world. Our list is diverse, featuring long-established art and design schools, renowned university departments, and innovative online or hybrid programs catering to undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education students. This selection is shaped by both objective factors and insights gathered from our strong relationships with designers, educators, hiring managers, and recruiters. Presented in alphabetical order, this year’s list reaches across the nation, united by a shared theme: growth—personal, professional, and societal.

Academy of Art University Next >

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