2020 Best Design Schools in America

Design

887 results

University of Southern California
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
3,632 reviews
#1 Best Colleges for Design in America
Junior: Being a student at the University of Southern California is like no other. The campus is beautiful and the academics are stellar. The whole school feels like one big family. The athletic programs are top notch and really bring all the students together. I love being able to attend countless games while seeing cheering fans who truly love where they go to school. The best part about the University of Southern California is the Trojan alumni. With over 425,000 Trojan alumni in the world, you are always connected to a Trojan. The wonderful Trojan alumni are there for you beyond your four years. They give opportunities to advance in your desired career field, as well as be there in a new environment. No other university is this connected between current students and alumni. I am proud to attend USC, where academics, athletics and alumni blend together making the ultimate college experience!
Read 3,632 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
17% Acceptance Rate
$32,892 Net Price
1300-1500 SAT Range
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Washington University in St. Louis
4 Year
Saint Louis, MO
1,438 reviews
#2 Best Colleges for Design in America
Graduate Student: I'm currently enrolled in the Masters of Legal Studies Program. I'm thoroughly enjoying this program. WashU offers a number of classes in various legal fields. I've taken courses in tort law, contracts, intellectual property law, legal negotiations, legal writing & legal procedures & court hearings. The Masters program is 100% online. The virtual experience is phenomenal. It's like being in an actual class, but at home. This program is very diverse. Through this program, I've connected with different students from Asia, Europe, Africa and the various parts of the United States. The professors are knowledgeable and professionally accomplished in the legal field. The program is fast paced, intriguing and fun. You can complete this program in one to two years. I started in January 2019 and I'm graduating in May 2020. CHOOSE WASHU! The investment is well worth it and WashU is one of the best law schools in the world.
Read 1,438 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
16% Acceptance Rate
$27,777 Net Price
1470-1570 SAT Range
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Carnegie Mellon University
4 Year
Pittsburgh, PA
1,373 reviews
#3 Best Colleges for Design in America
Freshman: Carnegie Mellon is a great private institution. In the major that I am in, you can really tell that the professors care about your education as much as you do. Diversity is an issue, as there are few Latinx and African American students and many, many Asian and Caucasian students. Athletics are not really a priority at this school because everyone puts their academics as their first priority. Everyone at this university takes their work very seriously. Those that don't are the ones who don't perform well. The facilities are great, and so are the people. You really won't regret coming here. Your experience is what you put into it, so work hard and play even harder when you get the chance.
Read 1,373 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
22% Acceptance Rate
$29,817 Net Price
1430-1560 SAT Range
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Rhode Island School of Design
4 Year
Providence, RI
320 reviews
#4 Best Colleges for Design in America
Freshman: RISD has an extremely busy schedule, mostly during your first (foundation) year. It's very challenging, but very possible if you're committed. Just don't expect to be goofing around too much or getting a lot of free time. With good time management you'll have fun and enough time to pursue things outside of school, but it's not a given. The attendance policy is extremely strict, so don't plan on being able to skip class, even for medical reasons. Speaking of medical reasons, Health Services is pretty bad. Overall though, if art is the thing for you, this is the place to be, and you will learn a lot.
Read 320 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
32% Acceptance Rate
$39,777 Net Price
1130-1370 SAT Range
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Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
569 reviews
#5 Best Colleges for Design in America
Freshman: As a student who just recently visited the FIDM Los Angeles campus, I can say that my first impressions of the school greatly met my expectations. The campus is beautiful! Each class has about 15 students or less which if you enjoy being in a smaller setting, you'd definitely love FIDM. Everyone is friendly and I cannot wait to start my freshman year in the Fall.
Read 569 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
39% Acceptance Rate
$40,448 Net Price
— SAT Range
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University of California - Los Angeles
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
4,990 reviews
#6 Best Colleges for Design in America
Junior: Campus couldn't be more beautiful. Many spots to study, relax, enjoy the sights, etc. Dorms are pretty standard. Fairly easy to transfer rooms if a problem arises with your roommate(s). Professors are generally helpful and generous with their knowledge. Department heads tend to be very considerate and work with you to complete your educational plans. Honors Program counselors are encouraging and friendly. Many different resources available for things like study abroad and academic planning. So many clubs to join. Very likely to find things that satisfy your interests. Plenty of things to do in Westwood. Strong campus safety department. Social scene is lively. Division I sports rarely disappoint. All in all, amazing experience!
Read 4,990 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
16% Acceptance Rate
$14,760 Net Price
1220-1450 SAT Range
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California Institute of the Arts
4 Year
Valencia, CA
262 reviews
#7 Best Colleges for Design in America
Sophomore: The school is excellent! My major is involved in the Herb Albert School of Music which in itself is very open to any style of music, has several performance opportunities, and teaches valuable information that the modern-day musician needs to be able to take on a number of careers and music degree can give. The school as a whole has an incredible, stress- free environment that is constantly inspiring students to step outside of the box and be as creative as possible. The school even has it's own cute coffee shop and a huge cafeteria full of gourmet food and options for every kind of diet. The dorms are on campus making it super easy to get to class and it also has it's own little cafe/game room, spacious rooms, a pool, a gym, and even a sauna. The only issue with the school is the handicap accessibility and the tuition in which there is funding help from the school, but no full ride options.
Read 262 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
24% Acceptance Rate
$51,199 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Northeastern University
4 Year
Boston, MA
3,345 reviews
#8 Best Colleges for Design in America
Sophomore: There’s always something to do since we’re in the city. The academic rigor is challenging, usually in a good way. However, some professors care more about their own professional goals than actually teaching which can make digesting material rather difficult. So, take advantage of the multitude of resources and opportunities on campus! Have study sessions with friends and discuss topics and go to tutoring! Don't reduce your character or your college life to a single number. You will waste the printing dollars. Save your past notes. They love their engineering students more than CAMD so you may feel under-appreciated. Be wary of fake friends who just want to network. Balance between schoolwork and partying. Join clubs - find people who enjoy the same things as you do! Those are friends who will help you continue to cultivate your passions into something productive. Also, everyone will always seem so much busier, smarter, etc. than you. They're not. They're just different.
Read 3,345 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
27% Acceptance Rate
$30,784 Net Price
1370-1520 SAT Range
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University of Notre Dame
4 Year
Notre Dame, IN
1,289 reviews
#9 Best Colleges for Design in America
Freshman: The thing that stood out to me about the University of Notre Dame was my professors! They have all been willing to go the extra mile in order to teach, be it holding long office hours and staying later or staying back long after class has ended, especially before exams. Their passion not only for the subject but for our education really helped me through some tough courses. Furthermore, the community is excellent. Notre Dame is truly a family, and dorm communities are very distinct and strong. Each dorm has its own mascots and colors and become a part of a person's identity. It is similar to Greek life but without the negatives of rushing and hazing. Everybody is very kind and inclusive.
Read 1,289 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
19% Acceptance Rate
$27,453 Net Price
1370-1520 SAT Range
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Columbus College of Art & Design
4 Year
Columbus, OH
378 reviews
#10 Best Colleges for Design in America
Senior: Overall this school is wonderful. Every college has it's bad stuff, so trust me when I say this school isn't perfect. As an Illustration major, it took until my third year to really get into what the field is about and the variety opportunities available to us which is frustrating. Some of the not-so-great qualities is the parking, the safety isn't always great on the far side of campus, (though safety is great on the main section,) and the cost is way too high. These details can be frustrating at times but there are ways to make the most of it. You can live off campus to save a ton of money, you can join the wonderful clubs they have available, definitely take part of as many free events as possible because of the free food, there is great free counseling, plus this is a very accepting school for LGBTQ+!
Read 378 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
70% Acceptance Rate
$25,397 Net Price
980-1200 SAT Range
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College for Creative Studies
4 Year
Detroit, MI
538 reviews
#11 Best Colleges for Design in America
Senior: I am currently a senior at Canton High School in Michigan and I attended a walk-through at CCS, and absolutely fell in love with the school. This confirmed my decision to attend fall of 2019 as I was so nerves before my walk-through. The class rooms, living spaces, and college environment gave me a sense of peace of excitement! This scholarship will help me entire this stage of my life with less financial worries.
Read 538 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
49% Acceptance Rate
$36,870 Net Price
970-1200 SAT Range
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Pratt Institute
4 Year
Brooklyn, NY
784 reviews
#12 Best Colleges for Design in America
Freshman: Very expensive, but a very good education thus far. I'm really enjoying my college experience so far and I hope to continue my education here. A lot of work but if you are passionate about art, much of it will not feel like work. It is easy to truly commit yourself to your work/art and spend quality time on it. If only the food was better!
Read 784 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
57% Acceptance Rate
$43,068 Net Price
1040-1290 SAT Range
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Boston University
4 Year
Boston, MA
3,258 reviews
#13 Best Colleges for Design in America
Junior: I've very much enjoyed my time at BU, the professors are willing to teach beyond the normal classroom and make a great effort to meet with their students. I can't speak for every department, although the professors in the Linguistics and Spanish department are AMAZING! The only reason I didn't give BU a 5 star is because the housing and food situation were a nightmare. Early into my spring semester I decided to move off campus and lose the money that I had already payed on my housing and food deposit because I was having trouble sleeping and digestive problems. These problems were addressed to the school, although they refused to help in any way.
Read 3,258 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
25% Acceptance Rate
$33,728 Net Price
1300-1480 SAT Range
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Art Center College of Design
4 Year
Pasadena, CA
301 reviews
#14 Best Colleges for Design in America
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 301 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
70% Acceptance Rate
$45,622 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Rochester Institute of Technology
4 Year
Rochester, NY
2,489 reviews
#15 Best Colleges for Design in America
Niche User: The staff and faculty at RIT are approachable, warm and tolerant. They make an effort to ensure that students succeed. Even when a student fails, RIT doesn't throw her/him out! RIT has a fantastic College Restoration Program that goes to the bottom of the student's programme and provides personal mentoring and coaching to encourage the student to move back into a 'performing' mode. RIT genuinely cares about their students and they want them to succeed in college and through their professional careers.
Read 2,489 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
57% Acceptance Rate
$31,376 Net Price
1190-1380 SAT Range
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University of Texas - Austin
4 Year
Austin, TX
6,006 reviews
#16 Best Colleges for Design in America
Sophomore: Wonderful, engaged, and passionate professors separate this school from the rest! The workload is challenging at times but encourages young people to truly dive into their studies and gain a greater understanding of the subjects they learn instead of memorizing the material short-term for tests and then losing the knowledge soon after! The resources that the university provides are bountiful and purposeful. The location of campus is in the heart of Texas and surrounded by lots to see, do, and experience. The vast majority of people are warm and caring. Efforts made on campus and off to ensure the safety and prosperity of UT's students are evident and there are good feelings all around!
Read 6,006 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
36% Acceptance Rate
$14,356 Net Price
1220-1460 SAT Range
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Georgia Institute of Technology
4 Year
Atlanta, GA
1,989 reviews
#17 Best Colleges for Design in America
Freshman: Georgia Tech is a great school. At the same time though, it is very challenging. It is in a great area (Midtown Atlanta) and also has a great return as the average salary out of Tech is around 70k. There are many opportunities on campus for students to get experience and help with getting internships, co-ops, and jobs. The only thing I wish Tech would improve on is its food as it is very average and could be way better, considering how high tuition is. Also, I think that more attention to mental and student health should be emphasized as well. Overall, I do enjoy Georgia Tech. Know what you are getting yourself into though!
Read 1,989 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
23% Acceptance Rate
$15,873 Net Price
1090-1520 SAT Range
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School of Visual Arts
4 Year
New York, NY
478 reviews
#18 Best Colleges for Design in America
Sophomore: School of Visual Arts (a.k.a SVA) is one of the best colleges to find and create strong relationships with friends, peers and professors, as well as learning and absorbing the surrounding community of artists in NYC. The school's professors are experienced professionals within the art world offering strong insight and inspiration. Resources and tools available to students are wonderful! Labs are open after classes for Animation students like me, and rentals for equipment are readily available for students in Film, Video or Photography. SVA's East and West Libraries are both great places for research or relaxing. The clubs are also some of the most fun and interactive clubs I've joined. Figure Drawing club and the fun, educating sessions at LGBT/Queer SVA helped make my days at school all the more lovable. If I had to pick out a specific way to improve SVA, I would ask for the school to offer a more readily available/ accessible cafeteria and/or meal plan.
Read 478 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
72% Acceptance Rate
$46,129 Net Price
1020-1230 SAT Range
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Texas Christian University
4 Year
Fort Worth, TX
1,554 reviews
#19 Best Colleges for Design in America
Senior: Texas Christian University embodies a unique social and academic culture that has allowed me to grow in more ways that I would have ever imagined. Students are confident and passionate to pursue their deep desires. I love the wide variety of opportunities the school offers to be involved on campus or in the Fort Worth community. Class size is medium to small, which is perfect for discussions and getting to know the professors. The population is small enough to feel like a family, yet large enough to get the full "college" experience. TCU can also be challenging, because you are surrounded by high achievers and competition. Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to compare to people around you, but ultimately it has spurred me on to be the best version of me. TCU is a world-changing place!
Read 1,554 Reviews
A
Overall Niche Grade
41% Acceptance Rate
$35,363 Net Price
1130-1330 SAT Range
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Otis College of Art and Design
4 Year
Los Angeles, CA
609 reviews
#20 Best Colleges for Design in America
Sophomore: Otis is one of those schools where what you put into it, is what you get out of it. There isn't much time for partying or socializing if you are busy with your studies and studio classes (which works for me as an introvert). If you are busy with outside life, such as socializing, then you pass through your classes but your portfolio won't be the strongest. I would recommend going through foundation (freshman) year if you can afford it, so you can refine your general skills and learn to think and see in a much more artistic, designer-ish way. If you can, also get housing on campus, so that you can save on high LA rent. The area around Otis is a bit dead, but with a car (carshare and ubers) you can access a lot more of LA. The administration seems eager to help and is overall very friendly. Professors are understanding if you communicate with them, and are very professional and critical - with hopes of helping you become the best artist or designer you can be.
Read 609 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
91% Acceptance Rate
$42,699 Net Price
920-1180 SAT Range
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The New School
4 Year
New York, NY
571 reviews
#21 Best Colleges for Design in America
Freshman: The New School houses a number of programs, I attend Parsons and Eugene Lang in the BA/BFA program. There are many resources offered. Everything from basic power tools, cameras, sewing machines, and laser cutters are able to be rented or signed in to use. There are many spaces to work, but it's important to remember that during finals everything gets filled up and busy. If you need a break, Union and Washington Square are both minutes away. For the most part teachers care and want to see their students improve. Assignments during the Parsons first year program can feel useless at times, but they do introduce you into the school and everything it has to offer. There a number of programs and activities offered outside of academic life though the school, but you're also in NYC so people tend to find their own things. Overall I've enjoyed my first year there, and I am excited to continue on in my major.
Read 571 Reviews
A-
Overall Niche Grade
60% Acceptance Rate
$45,504 Net Price
1100-1310 SAT Range
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Moore College of Art & Design
4 Year
Philadelphia, PA
197 reviews
#22 Best Colleges for Design in America
Niche User: I was at Moore College of Art & Design over the summer of 2018 for a pre-college art program. My one month experience there was amazing! The people I met are still my current friends, and the staff and teachers are definitely qualified. They taught me how to construct my art portfolio for future art colleges, and how an artist never stops learning, even professionals. On Friday's we went to art museums and saw beautiful work by the masters. Saturday's we got to go on field trips to see more of Philadelphia, and I personally experienced the city life since I'm from Texas. There was always something new to see, and one never got bored. I would experience it all again if I could.
Read 197 Reviews
C+
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$38,073 Net Price
1130-1150 SAT Range
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North Carolina State University
4 Year
Raleigh, NC
3,077 reviews
#23 Best Colleges for Design in America
Sophomore: I love attending State! There are tons of great people and a ton of resources like, free tutoring, career guidance, and help with food insecurity. They have some nice options for housing however, a couple options are not too great. If you choose to live in University Towers you have to get the meal plan there which is at least $900 and you cant get it covered on financial aid unless you get a refund check. The food elsewhere is pretty good most days. The best dining hall is Case but, It's only open for athletes at dinner and they get way better food.
Read 3,077 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
51% Acceptance Rate
$13,442 Net Price
1230-1390 SAT Range
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University of Florida
4 Year
Gainesville, FL
7,249 reviews
#24 Best Colleges for Design in America
Senior: The University of Florida still continues to amaze me even after my three years of attendance. There are so many clubs, organizations, and other opportunities that continue to arise for their students. This school is also part of organizations that the Gainesville community benefits on, such as the Big Event. This organization is held by the University of Florida students and upholding leaders, who participate in cleaning up various areas in Gainesville. There is a large variety of good that this school does for not only their students but also the surrounding area. Not to mention the professors do their best to teach students the required material in order for their future successes to be met. Overall, the University of Florida has gone above and beyond to meet the needs of their students, staff, the surrounding community, and much more!
Read 7,249 Reviews
A+
Overall Niche Grade
42% Acceptance Rate
$15,283 Net Price
1240-1400 SAT Range
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Fashion Institute of Technology
4 Year
New York, NY
1,505 reviews
#25 Best Colleges for Design in America
Sophomore: Fashion Institute of Technology is an open community of students working together towards their future careers. We are always offering help to one another and suggesting ways on how to approach difficult obstacles. Through the years, you will must likely share classrooms with the same people and grow together in academic experiences. There are also many opportunities to study abroad and help prepare students for real world interactions with their career goal in mind. Given how great the student community and academic staff are, I will like more career opportunities spread to the art department through class presentations from professors or visiting artists. There is also a lack of internships for art students who wish to have experience outside school.
Read 1,505 Reviews
B+
Overall Niche Grade
47% Acceptance Rate
$10,389 Net Price
— SAT Range
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Central Michigan University
4 Year
Mount Pleasant, MI
2,732 reviews
Freshman: Upon arriving in the fall, I felt incredibly welcomed through Leadership Safari. My transition into college was worthwhile and never lost it's excitement, even as I finish up my first year. I am so impressed with the students that I am surrounded by, who are all passionate about change, diversity, inclusion, and making the world a better place. They offer amazing courses that are both challenging but doable. I have loved living in a dorm this year and had a great experience with my roommates, luckily! The campus is small enough to feel at home yet large enough to always have something going on. Food-great. Safety-great. I am genuinely having the time of my life, and am constantly finding new ways to get involved and make my stamp on the world!
Read 2,732 Reviews
B
Overall Niche Grade
68% Acceptance Rate
$14,675 Net Price
1010-1200 SAT Range
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Laguna College of Art & Design
4 Year
Laguna Beach, CA
196 reviews
Freshman: I've been through one semester of classes at LCAD, and I have a lot of friends that have been going to the school for longer. I'd say that this school is perfect if you want a specialized school that is going to push your work ethic to the max. It's hard, and it makes you work hard for what you want. There's no real time for partying or nightlife. The biggest downside is the student dorm situation: there's not many of them, and what's there is sub-par. I've only heard complaints from friends living in the dorms. It's renovated office spaces, rather than actual dorms, at the moment, but there's housing available nearby the school, and one apartment complex connected by shuttle if you can't drive, so I think that avoiding the dorms is completely a viable option. Also, there's no kitchen or meal plans, only vending machines and a food truck once a day, but again, something that's easily worked around by bringing your own food. I think the school outweighs those two downsides.
Read 196 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
81% Acceptance Rate
$36,887 Net Price
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Cleveland Institute of Art
4 Year
Cleveland, OH
207 reviews
Alum: Class of 1997 here! I majored in Drawing and enjoyed each and every aspect of the curriculum. I remember rigorous art teaching and amazing faculty, as well as committed and diverse students who are supportive of one another. I am in a slightly different field today (art therapy and social work), but my foundation remains rooted at CIA.
Read 207 Reviews
B-
Overall Niche Grade
54% Acceptance Rate
$34,930 Net Price
1010-1270 SAT Range
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1 of 36

2020 Best Colleges for Design in AmericaAbout this List

Best Programs

Students

Social Scene

Campus

Athletics

University of Southern California

Washington University in St. Louis

Carnegie Mellon University

Rhode Island School of Design

Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - Los Angeles

University of California - Los Angeles

California Institute of the Arts

Northeastern University

University of Notre Dame

Columbus College of Art & Design

College for Creative Studies

Pratt Institute

Boston University

Art Center College of Design

Rochester Institute of Technology

University of Texas - Austin

Georgia Institute of Technology

School of Visual Arts

Texas Christian University

Otis College of Art and Design

The New School

Moore College of Art & Design

North Carolina State University

University of Florida

Fashion Institute of Technology

Central Michigan University

Laguna College of Art & Design

Cleveland Institute of Art