2019 Best Colleges for Design in AmericaAbout this List

University of Southern California

• 4 Year
• Los Angeles, CA
• 3,511

Freshman: Coming to USC was one of the greatest decisions of my life! I'm a first-gen, low income minority coming from Texas who had never visited California before, so you can guess just how big of a difference California was from Texas. I thought I was going to feel overwhelmed and flunk out, but I didn't! In fact, I'm thriving here. The university is very beautiful, the brick and gothic sorta architecture is very pretty and really relaxing. There are so many opportunities and a lot of different majors, so I'm sure you will find what you are looking for. There are a lot of different activities to join, so you will definitely find your group of friends as long you get involved!
Read 3,511 Reviews

• A+

• 17% Acceptance Rate
• $32,892 Net Price
• 1300-1500 SAT Range

Rhode Island School of Design

• 4 Year
• Providence, RI
• 311

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 311 Reviews

• A

• 32% Acceptance Rate
• $39,777 Net Price
• 1130-1370 SAT Range

Washington University in St. Louis

• 4 Year
• Saint Louis, MO
• 1,388

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 1,388 Reviews

• A+

• 16% Acceptance Rate
• $27,777 Net Price
• 1470-1570 SAT Range

Carnegie Mellon University

• 4 Year
• Pittsburgh, PA
• 1,341

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 1,341 Reviews

• A+

• 22% Acceptance Rate
• $29,817 Net Price
• 1430-1560 SAT Range

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - Los Angeles

• 4 Year
• Los Angeles, CA
• 553

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 553 Reviews

• B+

• 39% Acceptance Rate
• $40,448 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Pratt Institute

• 4 Year
• Brooklyn, NY
• 759

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 759 Reviews

• B+

• 57% Acceptance Rate
• $43,068 Net Price
• 1040-1290 SAT Range

University of Notre Dame

• 4 Year
• Notre Dame, IN
• 1,262

Freshman: I love Notre Dame! It's a beautiful place, inside and out. We've got all sorts of clubs, students and academic interests. Personally, I am very pleased with the Mass and Sacrament availability as well as all the Catholic-related activities. Of course, not everybody is Christian; Notre Dame is a home for all. I've already found some solid friends with whom I enjoy spending these cold (and warm) Indiana days. ND meets 100% of financial need; this assistance extends beyond tuition and has allowed me to get the full Notre Dame Experience. Everyone here is passionate about something, and one passion we all share is a love for Notre Dame, Our Mother. Go Irish!
Read 1,262 Reviews

• A+

• 19% Acceptance Rate
• $27,453 Net Price
• 1370-1520 SAT Range

California Institute of the Arts

• 4 Year
• Valencia, CA
• 252

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 252 Reviews

• B+

• 24% Acceptance Rate
• $51,199 Net Price
• — SAT Range

New York School of Interior Design

• 4 Year
• New York, NY
• 55

Niche User: The atmosphere of this university is just awesome. ...............................................................................................
Read 55 Reviews

• B

• 33% Acceptance Rate
• $30,099 Net Price
• 920-1130 SAT Range

Northeastern University

• 4 Year
• Boston, MA
• 3,266

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 3,266 Reviews

• A+

• 27% Acceptance Rate
• $30,784 Net Price
• 1370-1520 SAT Range

College for Creative Studies

• 4 Year
• Detroit, MI
• 518

Niche User: What I really love about CCS is the way teachers and students interact with one another, the attention to the student's needs, and the major specific based curriculum I've always wanted to experience first hand. As an artist, you are always asking for constructive criticism and help with improving your artwork. Not only does CCS staff and teacher help you with that they build a relationship with their students. Students are able to thrive in a community where all artist big and small are welcome. The people at CCS are so helpful and invested in students work that at the end of each semester they talk to each individual student about their work personally to get that one on one feedback for their work. In the heart of downtown Detroit and the influence of the Detroit Institute of Arts, CCS is a match made in heaven for any artist
Read 518 Reviews

• B

• 49% Acceptance Rate
• $36,870 Net Price
• 970-1200 SAT Range

University of California - Los Angeles

• 4 Year
• Los Angeles, CA
• 4,750

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 4,750 Reviews

• A+

• 16% Acceptance Rate
• $14,760 Net Price
• 1220-1450 SAT Range

Laguna College of Art & Design

• 4 Year
• Laguna Beach, CA
• 195

Sophomore: Fantastic teachers, gorgeous campus, and easy transport for carless students like me! Bus line runs right down the canyon, and the free school shuttle stops at all campus locations and the Artisan Apartments.
Read 195 Reviews

• B

• 33% Acceptance Rate
• $36,887 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Mt. Sierra College

• 4 Year
• Monrovia, CA
• 167

• B+

• 87% Acceptance Rate
• $22,022 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Art Center College of Design

• 4 Year
• Pasadena, CA
• 290

Sophomore: It's a great school with a lot of opportunities. Being in a very fast-pace, competitive environment pushes students to give the best of their efforts to grow and become successful in their studies. Having instructors that are also full-time designers is a great advantage because you learn what the professional world is like in that field. You also build many great connections. It is definitely not a school for slackers, and you'll learn that almost immediately. Art Center is designed to weed out the weak and keep only the best students. There are many rigorous courses offered and one way or another you will find your perfect match for what it is that you want to do when you graduate. Although very expensive and stressful, if you make the most of your time at Art Center, it will definitely pay off.
Read 290 Reviews

• B+

• 70% Acceptance Rate
• $45,622 Net Price
• — SAT Range

Otis College of Art and Design

• 4 Year
• Los Angeles, CA
• 601

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 601 Reviews

• B-

• 91% Acceptance Rate
• $42,699 Net Price
• 920-1180 SAT Range

Fashion Institute of Technology

• 4 Year
• New York, NY
• 1,451

Freshman: If you get to live in the apartment style dorms (CoEd or Alumni) your freshman year, that's great! You'll have no issue living here. Living in the traditional style dorm (Nagler) is kinda crappy, there's no air conditioning and you're required to have a meal plan. The dining hall doesn't really have a good, healthy option besides the salad bar.
Read 1,451 Reviews

• B+

• 47% Acceptance Rate
• $10,389 Net Price
• — SAT Range

The New School

• 4 Year
• New York, NY
• 548

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 548 Reviews

• B+

• 60% Acceptance Rate
• $45,504 Net Price
• 1100-1310 SAT Range

Rochester Institute of Technology

• 4 Year
• Rochester, NY
• 2,399

Freshman: I LOVE RIT! This college has so much spirit and it's awesome. It's not a party school, but people can still have fun. The Institute puts a high priority on academics but also wants students to be well-rounded. For instance, the college of engineering has a 5 year bachelor's degree program because for one year, the students go on co-op and get work experience in the field of their choice. I love this program and I love the campus at RIT.
Read 2,399 Reviews

• A-

• 57% Acceptance Rate
• $31,376 Net Price
• 1190-1380 SAT Range

Georgia Institute of Technology

• 4 Year
• Atlanta, GA
• 1,917

Freshman: Based on my first semester here, Georgia Tech is a wonderful university that has some of the prettiest sights I've ever seen and has some of the most modern facilities available to college students for free. My main highlight would be the Invention Studio, a huge laboratory filled with all kinds of heavy duty machines: 3D printers of various sizes, lazer cutters, a water jet, and even a plasma cutter! The campus can be a bit overwhelming in terms of size in the beginning, but over time you get used to it.
Read 1,917 Reviews

• A+

• 23% Acceptance Rate
• $15,873 Net Price
• 1090-1520 SAT Range

Boston University

• 4 Year
• Boston, MA
• 3,186

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 3,186 Reviews

• A+

• 25% Acceptance Rate
• $33,728 Net Price
• 1300-1480 SAT Range

Columbus College of Art & Design

• 4 Year
• Columbus, OH
• 355

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 355 Reviews

• B

• 70% Acceptance Rate
• $25,397 Net Price
• 980-1200 SAT Range

North Carolina State University

• 4 Year
• Raleigh, NC
• 2,984

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 2,984 Reviews

• A+

• 51% Acceptance Rate
• $13,442 Net Price
• 1230-1390 SAT Range

Moore College of Art & Design

• 4 Year
• Philadelphia, PA
• 183

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 183 Reviews

• B-

• 54% Acceptance Rate
• $38,073 Net Price
• 1130-1150 SAT Range

Savannah College of Art & Design

• 4 Year
• Savannah, GA
• 2,959

Junior: I am an online student at SCAD. At first I was a little apprehensive about taking all of my classes online because I wasn't sure how much feedback I would get for my art. Both the students and professors proved me wrong with how ready they were to provide feedback on pictures and files of my work every time! The professors also do a great job in remaining available to online students who require assistance. The school site also has many good resources like Lynda.com and recordings of guest lectures from the campus.

I think one thing that would make the classes more interesting would be more videos from professors on their weekly lessons. While the slides on their pages do help, I think having them record themselves talking about the subject or demonstrating concepts in the lesson would be a great help and provide more options for the different learning styles students have.
Read 2,959 Reviews

• B

• 93% Acceptance Rate
• $41,738 Net Price
• 1030-1230 SAT Range