2019 Best Colleges for Design in AmericaAbout this List

University of Southern California

• 4 Year
• Los Angeles, CA
• 3,482

Senior: I LOVE this school. The professors are amazing and are always willing to meet with their students to give them additional help. There are tons of club activities and extracurricular activities to join. There is something here for everyone. Additionally, the staff is so nice and helpful! The health center is amazing and the food options in the area are great! It isn't in the nicest area, but the school does a great job of keeping their students safe.
Read 3,482 Reviews

• A+

• 17% Acceptance Rate
• $32,932 Net Price
• 1280-1500 SAT Range

Rhode Island School of Design

• 4 Year
• Providence, RI
• 307

Alum: Excellent environment to grow artistically. Programs are rigorous and quite demanding on your time and skill levels. School is more for students who are brainy and critical thinkers so if you are just trying to build technical skills, this school is not for you. You'll run into best of the best many times over so it challenges you to be better! Campus life is so much fun and quite unique.
Read 307 Reviews

• A

• 34% Acceptance Rate
• $39,389 Net Price
• 1080-1340 SAT Range

Washington University in St. Louis

• 4 Year
• Saint Louis, MO
• 1,373

Senior: WashU has opened up a lot of doors for me in terms of career exploration and pursuit. They have fantastic opportunities for research, community engagement, and intellectual pursuit. I think that they prepare their students well for life post-graduation, but I do think that the school needs to work on its accessibility to students from more diverse socioeconomic backgrounds!
Read 1,373 Reviews

• A+

• 17% Acceptance Rate
• $28,824 Net Price
• 1400-1570 SAT Range

Carnegie Mellon University

• 4 Year
• Pittsburgh, PA
• 1,338

Senior: Carnegie Mellon fosters the most diverse collegiate environment where you can pursue anything you want to, academically and extracurricular-wise. It is home to 7 distinct colleges undergraduates can choose from including engineering, science, CS, business, fine arts, humanities, and information systems. I belong with the Mellon College of Science (MCS). The cool thing is that I am majoring in Neuroscience through MCS but am also minoring in biomedical engineering through the Carnegie Institute of Technology (CIT - engineering school), so I am experiencing the best of both colleges. This is only one example of the many interdisciplinary paths you can take here at CMU. Finally, CMU provides its students numerous opportunities to make an impact outside the classroom whether that is through travel-abroad service organizations, athletics, and so much more. The main takeaway is the CMU-experience is yours to design and there are endless possibilities.
Read 1,338 Reviews

• A+

• 22% Acceptance Rate
• $35,250 Net Price
• 1380-1550 SAT Range

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - Los Angeles

• 4 Year
• Los Angeles, CA
• 551

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 551 Reviews

• B+

• 41% Acceptance Rate
• $37,959 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Pratt Institute

• 4 Year
• Brooklyn, NY
• 756

Junior: I love my school! The best thing about Pratt Institute are its faculty. I feel that the Professors genuinely care about their students and help in any way they can to help us succeed. The cost of attending Pratt is rather high, however I receive a substantial amount of financial aid but even that does not cover the entire tuition.
Read 756 Reviews

• B+

• 58% Acceptance Rate
• $44,244 Net Price
• 1040-1290 SAT Range

University of Notre Dame

• 4 Year
• Notre Dame, IN
• 1,253

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 1,253 Reviews

• A+

• 19% Acceptance Rate
• $26,683 Net Price
• 1350-1540 SAT Range

California Institute of the Arts

• 4 Year
• Valencia, CA
• 249

Freshman: The best part of being a student at California Institute of the Arts is that you are free to express anything you want, including going to class naked. You have the right for almost anything, the school is full of creativity. There are rarely any wrong answers. Mainly of the people are open minded, free to be who you truly are. Very accepting people all around. The professors are kind, you could speak to them about anything and will be helpful. It doesn't feel anything like High School, to me attending Calarts has given me a lot of freedom to do what I wish with my personal life and my practice. You may take any class you are interested in even if it is not your major. The only thing wrong about this school is that, it is not a diverse school. Thursday nights, which is gallery night is typically party time.
Read 249 Reviews

• B+

• 24% Acceptance Rate
• $50,472 Net Price
• — SAT Range

New York School of Interior Design

• 4 Year
• New York, NY
• 54

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

• B

• 35% Acceptance Rate
• $32,450 Net Price
• 895-1083 SAT Range

Northeastern University

• 4 Year
• Boston, MA
• 3,247

Freshman: Northeastern University is absolutely amazing! It wasn't really at the forefront of my mind but I'm so glad I decided to go here. I did the NU-in program and had a great time in London. My experience at the university has been super positive when it comes to academics and my social life. The professors are hard working and qualified, the people are friendly, there are a lot of kids from all over the world, and the campus is awesome! Most students come to Northeastern because of the co-op program which is the most significant part of the university. The university does a really great job of preparing students for the workplace and makes sure you are qualified and competitive when it is your time to apply for them. I would recommend this university to students who are social, hard-working and competitive.
Read 3,247 Reviews

• A+

• 29% Acceptance Rate
• $29,998 Net Price
• 1330-1510 SAT Range

College for Creative Studies

• 4 Year
• Detroit, MI
• 514

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 514 Reviews

• B

• 47% Acceptance Rate
• $35,274 Net Price
• — SAT Range

University of California - Los Angeles

• 4 Year
• Los Angeles, CA
• 4,692

Junior: UCLA is definitely a place for all-rounded students to thrive and succeed. The campus offers beautiful scenery and classic lecture halls that enthralled me every time I walk to and between lectures. The school is safe and welcoming, and there are plenty of activities to be part of on-campus. In terms of classes, students do have to give it all since the professors do have high standards here. However, this is college, and learning and studying won't hurt you. Professors generally are really engaged in lectures, and if most likely students are going to succeed if they give their best. Dorms and the food are excellent and well maintained compared to others colleges I visited. I won't be surprise if more people decided to come here! GO BRUINS!
Read 4,692 Reviews

• A+

• 18% Acceptance Rate
• $14,236 Net Price
• 1160-1470 SAT Range

Laguna College of Art & Design

• 4 Year
• Laguna Beach, CA
• 193

Freshman: Beautiful mountains and an extremely gorgeous ocean view makes LCAD one of the most natural and refreshing college. Consisting of a very vigorous academic system only improves the students ability. The school provides so many utilities just for the students such as cintiqs, drawing tablets, computer rooms, a huge library full of comfortable chairs, multiple rooms for the students use, and transit for to transfer between campuses. This school provides only the best, experienced teachers who love teaching their students. Providing many free events for their students to help aid them along their education and career. Even taking it as far as to plan job events at the campus that has Disney, Blizzard, and other companies to attend and hire students.
Read 193 Reviews

• B

• 39% Acceptance Rate
• $34,863 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Mt. Sierra College

• 4 Year
• Monrovia, CA
• 167

• B+

• 44% Acceptance Rate
• $21,513 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Art Center College of Design

• 4 Year
• Pasadena, CA
• 285

Sophomore: There's a lot of value to be gained in any design discipline from the knowledgeable professors that teach at Art Center. You will not sleep to manage the work load with how the school arranges each term curriculum. With that said, you will become stronger from any of the demanding programs offered. You definitely should get your fundamental skills in all design software expected of your major before enrolling to be able to manage effectively.

This is a design school filled with international students and can feel foreign at times. It is extremely expensive at about $22,000 per term. Supply costs required for classes are far greater than any academic school with associated book costs. One must not overlook the cost to attend this school, as it can break a student with financial hardship. Most of everything is at a premium for price, food, supplies, tuition, etc.
Read 285 Reviews

• B+

• 69% Acceptance Rate
• $43,814 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Otis College of Art and Design

• 4 Year
• Los Angeles, CA
• 597

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 597 Reviews

• B-

• 93% Acceptance Rate
• $39,413 Net Price
• 920-1180 SAT Range

Fashion Institute of Technology

• 4 Year
• New York, NY
• 1,438

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 1,438 Reviews

• B+

• 40% Acceptance Rate
• $10,430 Net Price
• — SAT Range

The New School

• 4 Year
• New York, NY
• 544

Senior: The New School is a multi-disciplinary university located in NYC. It is largely liberal and prides itself on intellectual freedom and progressive thinking. There are five districts of The New School. I attend the Parsons School of Design, the district focused on art and design. The environment of Parsons is very diverse and unique. There are students from all over the world. The professors I've had through-out my study here are great educators and amazing at their creative fields. Students are also allowed to take courses across all the districts based on their interests. The only suggestion I have for this university is to be more tolerant of and open to people who don't agree with its views on things such as socialism. Some of the groups here refuse to listen to anyone with opposing opinion and try to intimidate others to join their side. It's a bit hostile and discourages other groups of students from having their own voice.
Read 544 Reviews

• B+

• 60% Acceptance Rate
• $45,504 Net Price
• 1030-1280 SAT Range

Rochester Institute of Technology

• 4 Year
• Rochester, NY
• 2,376

Freshman: Rochester Institute of Technology was my dream college. I live in Buffalo, so I'm not too far from home. RIT has an incredibly welcoming environment. All of the faculty (including RAs and the health center faculty) I have met has been extremely helpful. Most are really great about responding to students ASAP. I love the diversity here as well. Diversity was unheard of back home (I lived in rural Wheatfield, NY). My college experience has been wonderful so far. I have no complaints besides the price of the tuition. I highly recommend this university!
Read 2,376 Reviews

• A-

• 55% Acceptance Rate
• $29,111 Net Price
• 1140-1330 SAT Range

Georgia Institute of Technology

• 4 Year
• Atlanta, GA
• 1,903

Freshman: I could not have picked a better college to attend! It has the major that I was interested in, Mechanical Engineering, as well as a great investment for my future. The professors have been excellent and have been more than willing to answer my questions. The food is great, and GT provides several dining options throughout campus which is big plus when I have classes at various places on campus. The dorms for freshman are traditional dorms which are not fancy but adequate. I have found a place that I love. I have made great friends that I suspect that I will have for the rest of my life.
Read 1,903 Reviews

• A+

• 26% Acceptance Rate
• $13,340 Net Price
• 1320-1500 SAT Range

Boston University

• 4 Year
• Boston, MA
• 3,163

Graduate Student: I absolutely love Boston University! I am actually an online student who lives in Seattle, Washington but recently had the chance to visit this Boston University in person this past February! The architecture is beautiful and the location is as well. I would have been attending the School of Social Work which is a separate campus and is right next to a beautiful body of water. Since I do not attend BU in person, I would love to say that my online professors have been more than helpful; they have personally inspired me as well as motivated me. My professors go above and beyond for me, this is why I will always choose Boston University and recommend this school to everyone!
Read 3,163 Reviews

• A+

• 29% Acceptance Rate
• $31,539 Net Price
• 1220-1420 SAT Range

Columbus College of Art & Design

• 4 Year
• Columbus, OH
• 353

Freshman: I really like Columbus College of Art & Design. The people are very friendly, the professors are extremely helpful and teach you without being pushy, and you're encouraged to pursue creative freedom. Almost all of the projects explore things that I haven't yet learned about, and that's exciting because then I can really get into it. Hanging out on campus can get a little dull, but the surrounding area is certainly full of fun things to do. I've only been attending this school for less than a year, and I'm already learning so much about my major, and really delving into the design world, and I feel like you wouldn't get the same experience as here at any other college. I am also currently involved with the Animation Student Collective, which always has fun, major-related activities for us to do, and it's great!
Read 353 Reviews

• B

• 76% Acceptance Rate
• $23,486 Net Price
• 980-1200 SAT Range

North Carolina State University

• 4 Year
• Raleigh, NC
• 2,941

Junior: One thing that I love about North Carolina State University is the amount of diversity and school pride here on campus. The people here at State are so welcoming and friendly towards one another that it is easy to find someone to study with, party with, or just become friends with overall. I think NCSU has one of the best engineering and communication programs here on campus and they also have a lot of resources at our libraries and everywhere else on campus. Their database is incredible and the library has so much information for you to refer to when doing research or completing an essay. This University has a strong reputation of academic success as well competitive students, which is makes our school very exciting. Each student is engaged and passionate about something and NC State encourages that each student pursue those goals. I highly recommend NC State as a college to consider in your future!
Read 2,941 Reviews

• A+

• 48% Acceptance Rate
• $13,066 Net Price
• 1170-1350 SAT Range

Moore College of Art & Design

• 4 Year
• Philadelphia, PA
• 181

Sophomore: I love being able to get the opportunity to live in the city while going to school! The environment (being the city and on-campus areas) is beautiful, which makes it very inspiring for an artist. The campus isn't very heavily populated, which I for one enjoy because it means my classes are smaller and I for one tend to do better in smaller groups.
Read 181 Reviews

• B-

• 57% Acceptance Rate
• $33,563 Net Price
• 850-1100 SAT Range

Savannah College of Art & Design

• 4 Year
• Savannah, GA
• 2,930

Sophomore: SCAD has an amazing campus with many hardworking teachers. You'll definitely get out what you put into your work/projects!
However, there are some minor concerns about the school I've experienced. While the campus is gorgeous and spread out, around the dorms there's little to no cleanup. SCAD outdoor elevators seem to grow sludge and a foul stench after the first week or two of school. Lastly, while nearly all of the teachers are an absolute delight to learn from, there are a few that push their political/social bias onto the students or aren't quite able to teach nor put in real effort.
Other than that, if I was a graduating high school again and needed to pick a college, I would definitely pick SCAD all over again.
Read 2,930 Reviews

• B

• 72% Acceptance Rate
• $40,856 Net Price
• 950-1190 SAT Range