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2018 Best Colleges for Design in AmericaAbout this List

The Best Colleges for Design majors ranking is based on key statistics and student reviews using data from the U.S. Department of Education. The ranking compares the top design schools in the U.S. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Sponsored

    Concordia University Irvine

    • 4 Year
    • Irvine, CA
    • 610

    Junior: The professors, classes, and student activities are amazing! Professors are very available to talk to and most genuinely care about how you are doing and are willing to help you outside of class, even with projects unrelated to their specific class in some cases.The material is engaging and forces you to think in new ways and see how the different academic disciplines can connect together. However, the administrative side of Concordia (academic advising, financial aid...) is not very well organized and could use some improvement. Great education department and many study abroad options, with opportunities to meet students from all across the world. Students are very friendly and there is always an interesting event going on somewhere on campus. If you are looking to engage in learning and thinking in new ways, put in hard work, and still meet diverse individuals who are goal-oriented but still love to have a good time, then look no further than CUI.
    Read 610 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 65% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,180 Net Price
    • 907-1160 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. University of Southern California

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 3,428
    1 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Sophomore: I love attending the University of Southern California! The school has high caliber academics, a competitive yet fun environment for students of all majors, and a gorgeous campus. USC is a bit expensive however, hardworking students can come in with large scholarships to defray this cost. I definitely think that this experience is worth the cost of living and expenses out here and will truly pay off in the end. I have definitely met life long friends and have made unforgettable memories throughout my time here!
    Read 3,428 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,932 Net Price
    • 1280-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Rhode Island School of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 304
    2 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Niche User: RISD is known by many around the world as one of the top visual arts colleges. Its academics and studio arts professors are incredibly intelligent and skilled people. They carry the RISD name with pride and deliver a great educational experience to the students.
    With it being an internationally famous school, there is a great level of diversity among students. The Asian community is large at RISD, but there are a number of students from all over the world.
    The courses at RISD are rigorous, particularly in Freshman year. Student stress level is very high, and many students fail to take proper care of their health such as sleeping and eating adequately.
    For a very driven individual who can handle a large workload and has the proper support to keep on top of self care, RISD can be an incredibly rewarding school experience.
    Read 304 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 34% Acceptance Rate
    • $39,389 Net Price
    • 1080-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. Washington University in St. Louis

    • 4 Year
    • Saint Louis, MO
    • 1,363
    3 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Graduate Student: First and foremost everyone is committed to ensuring that the students receive all the support to achieve their goals. The case based studying for the MBA's helps students to deal with real issues that happen at the work place. This helps you as a student to gain the skills and confidence address issues facing firms today.
    There is also a great opportunity to network and build lasting professional and personal relationships. In a world where relationships is the only currency that has no diminishing returns, it's a privilege to find an institution that has an ongoing and organized way to network and build lasting relationships.
    At Washu, you learn how to work in teams. Everyone spends the first year of school working in a group of not less than five people.
    Lastly WashU has-the Saturday program that allows working students to attend classes on Saturdays which helps them to spend less time in school and still manage to work and start families for those willing to do so.
    Read 1,363 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 17% Acceptance Rate
    • $28,824 Net Price
    • 1400-1570 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Carnegie Mellon University

    • 4 Year
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 1,323
    4 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Alum: Carnegie Mellon is tough, no doubt about it. But it's also a place where you'll be pushed and surrounded by other talented and passionate people working hard too. You bond over that and I made awesome friends who will always be close no matter the years and distance. It can be very stressful, but making it through did convince me that I could persevere through anything, something that has benefitted me a lot out in the working world. I'll always prefer to hire CMU graduates because I of this.

    Sports? Nah. Don't go there for sports. Campus? A lot better now then when I was there! Dorms? They're OK but moved off campus after 1st year. Parties? Well my group of friends had a lot of house parties but this was more Art, Design, Drama and random stragglers group ;) Pittsburgh? Wasn't convinced at the time (wanted to be in NYC) but it's a good place to go to school - enough to do, fairly safe, pretty cheap to live, plenty of arts and culture if you want it, decent food, etc.
    Read 1,323 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,250 Net Price
    • 1380-1550 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. University of California - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 4,573
    5 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Freshman: I love my school so much! There are so many clubs and organizations on campus that everyone can find something they like. Dancing clubs and culture clubs are pretty popular. Greek life is relatively a big scene, but it's completely OK if you're not into parties. Everyone's pretty chill. Parties are usually on Thursdays. Academics here is amazing! Most of my professors are funny, caring and involved in teaching. All my professors are super helpful and have extended office hours the week before midterms and finals. There are many research opportunities and internships open every quarter.
    Our basketball team is awesome and students get free stuff and sometimes a free chick-fill-A sandwich after the game. Football games are also pretty fun to watch, especially the USC game(The rivalry is real, tho we're way better at everything but football). Totally worth the money and time. Overall, my life at UCLA is 10/10. Bruins work hard, party hard. I can't even imagine myself at somewhere else!
    Read 4,573 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 18% Acceptance Rate
    • $14,236 Net Price
    • 1160-1470 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. California Institute of the Arts

    • 4 Year
    • Valencia, CA
    • 245
    6 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Sophomore: CalArts is a welcoming and empowering environment for aspiring artists. They make sure that the students have the tools that they need to create and collaborate with other artists. They have students coming from all over the world---a great way to connect with people coming from different backgrounds and culture. Furthermore, CalArts provides the students with the knowledge that they need to succeed in their chosen metier. However, they do lack in traditional academic classes so the option to have an academic minor is quite limited. Other than that, I think CalArts is a wonderful place for artists like me to grow and learn.
    Read 245 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 24% Acceptance Rate
    • $50,472 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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  10. Pratt Institute

    • 4 Year
    • Brooklyn, NY
    • 739
    7 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Niche User: I went for a campus tour, and the experience was great! The reception was very nice, got us on a tour very fast. Two tour guides (students studying at Pratt) took us on a 2-hour tour, answering our questions while giving great information about the institution. The campus is beautiful, definitely a calm getaway from the busyness of New York city, with inspiring sculptures around a very green area. The studios looked very professional, and the security system is very fast and trustworthy.
    Read 739 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 58% Acceptance Rate
    • $44,244 Net Price
    • 1040-1290 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  11. Cornell University

    • 4 Year
    • Ithaca, NY
    • 1,767
    8 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Alum: Below are 3 things I consider Cornell as a great investment.
    1. reputation
    Every people, including people at work, recognizes me as a "smart Cornell girl"
    2. Food
    Food in Cornell is very delicious. It is just like a buffet! Compared to all other school cafeterias I have visited, I think Cornell has one of the best campus foods in the United States.
    3. Friends / Networks
    Of course friends and networks are the most important above all. Because it is a private Ivy-league school, all smart and mostly above middle class students gather around school networks, which I assume will be very powerful for future career.
    Read 1,767 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 14% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,014 Net Price
    • 1330-1530 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  12. Northeastern University

    • 4 Year
    • Boston, MA
    • 3,203
    9 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Freshman: Northeastern is a wonderful institution that makes you feel at home almost instantly. The advisors are very helpful in assisting you plan your time at NEU to maximize your experiences, the classes are vigorous but not overwhelming, and the people are welcoming and a family. Students are very involved on campus with over 400 clubs to join, and you can always create your own. Our facilities are great, the staff is fantastic, and any problem is easily fixed. The school's focus on experiential learning prepares every student for the competitive world beyond college. We are one of the most diverse campuses in the nation, but our differences unify us rather than separate us. Here you are free to be yourself in a safe, protected environment. The opportunities Northeastern offers are unique to our school and its programs like studying abroad, Dialogues of Civilization, or co-ops at local or global facilities. You definitely get your money's worth and more at Northeastern. Go Huskies!
    Read 3,203 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 29% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,998 Net Price
    • 1330-1510 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  13. Sponsored

    Colorado State University

    • 4 Year
    • Fort Collins, CO
    • 3,590

    Alum: Colorado State University met all my expectations for the college I had always imagined going to for my bachelors degree. Unfortunately for me, at the time I had no clue what I wanted out of life and very little passion for the degree I had chosen to study there which was Journalism. I had no direction, no motivation, and no confidence which quickly led to my demise. Finally, over three years later, I now have realized my path and it has absolutely nothing to do with CSU or politics. I am sure it's a great school with tons to offer if you apply yourself, but to be honest I got very little out of my education there and feel like I may have waisted a lot of time and money during my 7 year stint at Colorado State University. But not regrets, it made me exactly who I am today and for that I couldn't be more grateful!
    Read 3,590 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 78% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,232 Net Price
    • 1020-1250 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 549
    10 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Graduate Student: Great teachers and curriculum! Small classes mean more time to pay attention and learn the various subjects they have to offer. Also, lifetime access to the career center is a plus!
    Read 549 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 41% Acceptance Rate
    • $37,959 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. University of Texas - Austin

    • 4 Year
    • Austin, TX
    • 5,581
    11 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Junior: The University of Texas at Austin is the third college I have attended in my college career, and it has by far been the best experience. It has been nothing short of what I have dreamed of growing up. The academics are truly above par and is a great school for anyone considering research at the undergraduate or graduate level. I have enjoyed all of my classes and the professors here, they have been very engaging and insightful. The school also has hundreds of ways to get involved, whether it's greek life, a club, or organization, UT has something for everyone to find a community. The school has a great social atmosphere because you're right in the heart of Austin, so there is plenty to do on the weekends, from UT sporting events, concerts, Zilker Park, malls, 6th street, and so many other fun activities! I would highly recommend anyone considering this University, it truly has been a privilege to attend school here.
    Read 5,581 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 40% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,010 Net Price
    • 1140-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. University of North Carolina School of the Arts

    • 4 Year
    • Winston-Salem, NC
    • 234
    12 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Freshman: UNCSA is a very rigorous program. Our first year we learn other Design and Production Majors such as Scenery, electrics, and costumes. We are on crew for sometimes long hours. It's very tough but that's why it is rewarding and educational at the end! My favorite course out of crew rotations was being in Costumes. The gowns were gorgeous and actors were very entertaining.
    Read 234 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 54% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,452 Net Price
    • 1030-1240 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Art Center College of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Pasadena, CA
    • 278
    13 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Sophomore: With great professors and academics, ArtCenter provides an excellent platform to learn a lot about how the real designer-client world works. The workload is rigorous and does make life monotonous after a while. I wish they had better student activities and sports. They do have an amazing return on graduation though so overall it's an amazing college.
    Read 278 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $43,814 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. Fashion Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 1,427
    14 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Sophomore: Of all the things I love about the Fashion Institute of Technology, is the harmony of living and learning in an environment that is safe and welcoming. It is an absolute treasure being able to learn from and socialize with people from all walks of life, different colors, ethnicities, different sexual orientations, etc. Everyone is so welcoming and open-minded, willing to explore far beyond the bounds they've known for so long. In addition to exploring, there is also willingness to begin anew and let go. This school is like a breath of fresh air, and I'm honored to have the opportunity to learn more and do more!
    Read 1,427 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 40% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,430 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  20. University of Notre Dame

    • 4 Year
    • Notre Dame, IN
    • 1,240
    15 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Alum: Notre Dame is an amazing place to get a high quality education with great reputation and close-knit community feel with fun and spirited student life. It’s not necessary to be Catholic and people who aren’t religious at all won’t feel excluded, but it is especially amazing for people who are religious. I myself am not very religious but was raised in the faith and do appreciate it, so I enjoyed being around it and taking the required Theology and Philosophy courses. Everyone is extremely nice and collaborative! Very smart people here and caring professors. Single sex dorms is a negative as well as less opportunities for medical professions, as there is no hospital or medical focus here. I would say it’s best for business, engineering, or liberal arts. Although science is still good here and people get into great grad programs no matter what they want to continue on studying!
    Read 1,240 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 19% Acceptance Rate
    • $26,683 Net Price
    • 1350-1540 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  21. College for Creative Studies

    • 4 Year
    • Detroit, MI
    • 506
    16 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Senior: I love this school even though it can kind of be awful. The resources are fantastic, the technology, the wood shop, metal shop, foundry, ceramic studio, glass shop, just so many great things! It is a very challenging institution, particularly during the freshman year. It is a small school, so it is easy to form a bond with a lot of the students, especially since the students tend to be quite like-minded. The school can kind of stink depending on what major the student chooses. It is a great design school, fantastic for product designers, but the majors that are not so design based kind of get the short end of the stick. I have lived in the student housing for 4 years. They are improving it and renovating it, but unfortunately I have had to live in the construction. The campus is safe, the professors are great (usually), and it is a very inspiring place to be.
    Read 506 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 47% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,274 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Otis College of Art and Design

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 595
    17 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Freshman: As someone who is looking for a rigorous school , Otis College of Art and Design was a great pick. As a college freshman at Otis, the Foundation year has roved extremely helpful in refining my skills and easing me into the workload and high expectations. The schools' small and compact campus gives this very unified and focused environment that differs strongly from other schools with larger campuses and enormous enrollment rates. Furthermore, Otis has extraordinarily talented professors with years of professional experience within their area of skill.
    Read 595 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 93% Acceptance Rate
    • $39,413 Net Price
    • 920-1180 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. O'More College of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Franklin, TN
    • 52
    18 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Sophomore: O'more is wonderful when it comes to meeting incredibly talented people. All my professors have had a lot of experience and have a lot of feedback to share. It's such a small school, that all your classes end up being studio and one on one time. Which is great for the major, and the student. Although some professors were greatly talented you could tell that they weren't educators. They could sure design but couldn't seem to communicate well with students. A lot of project would be miscommunicated leading to falling behind on the syllabus and sometimes even cutting out a project completely. Of course the school already knows of the issue, so most professors don't last one year. I'd like to see better professors at O'more. But I understand why it's so hard.
    Read 52 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 69% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,288 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. New York School of Interior Design

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 54
    19 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Niche User: The atmosphere of this university is just awesome. ...............................................................................................
    Read 54 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 35% Acceptance Rate
    • $32,450 Net Price
    • 895-1083 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  27. Rochester Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Rochester, NY
    • 2,330
    20 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Junior: Speaking of RIT, I have an excellent experience because it gives me an opportunity, and I felt like it is my second home. I have been improving my skills include knowledge, leadership skill, more confidence for a future job. Also, I meet diversity students from the different culture, which is I have learned a lot. That makes me more motivation to travel and get more network. I do CHERISH every minute in RIT and what I have now!
    Read 2,330 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 55% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,111 Net Price
    • 1140-1330 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  28. Laguna College of Art & Design

    • 4 Year
    • Laguna Beach, CA
    • 188
    21 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Freshman: The campus is quite beautiful and quaint with a wonderful artistic atmosphere. The professors are very knowledgeable and work within the fields they are teaching; though the work load is rather heavy. However, things worthwhile don’t come easy and hard work and dedication is a must. With that being said, it would be nice if the campus wasn’t broken into two different locations. Also, crossing Laguna Canyon Rd can be quite dangerous, traffic is absolutely horrible and people don’t like stopping even though there’s a light!
    Read 188 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 39% Acceptance Rate
    • $34,863 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. School of Visual Arts

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 450
    22 Best Colleges for Design in America

    College Freshman: The variety in courses is phenomenal! Aside from the basic courses that you are required to complete, which all still seem very interesting, there are many different elective courses that are available, expending on into different subject such as history and even science. Seeing different courses that focus on different methods and styles of art only makes me wish that I could be able to apply for all of them! Finding the right professor, however, is not easy, sometimes you'll end up with a teacher that has a sort of teaching style that doesn't help you at all, and the only way you can get a good idea on who the right professor is for you is to rely on other's opinions.
    Read 450 Reviews

    • B-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 74% Acceptance Rate
    • $42,742 Net Price
    • 935-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  32. Georgia Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,879
    23 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Sophomore: The application process is done in such a way that students that not only have academic prowess but also several other talents and passions makes this campus a truly diverse experience. There are a lot of philanthropic opportunities, as well as many clubs that give leadership lessons in whatever the student desires. Because Georgia Tech is a world-class campus, the opportunities offered to the students are many and are also well-funded for those who do not have a lot of money themselves. Because of this, over half of the student body participates in a program of campus before they graduate, which will normally be things like an internship, co-op, or studying abroad. The professors at this institute are extremely knowledgable in what they teach and most make an effort to meet the student where they need in order to further their academic progress. Overall, everyone on campus strives for greatness and bringing something into the world that helps them accomplish their dreams. Go Jackets!
    Read 1,879 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 26% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,340 Net Price
    • 1320-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  33. Woodbury University

    • 4 Year
    • Burbank, CA
    • 393
    24 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Junior: Woodbury University is a great university, especially for Architecture. Education is great. Student life is pretty good but food options can improve as well as overall service university provides. Love my school always!
    Read 393 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $30,399 Net Price
    • 860-1115 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  34. Savannah College of Art & Design

    • 4 Year
    • Savannah, GA
    • 2,886
    25 Best Colleges for Design in America

    Sophomore: I wish that SCAD didn't suck my wallet dry not only through the tuition, but also through hidden fees on everything. That major downfall aside, I love attending SCAD! I met my best friends attending this school. The academics, while sometimes grueling, are exceptional. The professors actually care about the students and their work. The student community is welcoming and helpful. The opportunities this school provides are fantastic! Employers visit the school constantly. Overall, SCAD is a wonderful place to get your foot in the door and learn.
    Read 2,886 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,856 Net Price
    • 950-1190 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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2018 Best Colleges for Design in America
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