2024 Best Colleges with Design and Visual Communications Degrees in Iowa

• Ames, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  3,945 reviews

Alum: I was fortunate to have a number of options for colleges to attend, and am thankful I went with Iowa State! To me, this was the Goldilocks option: big college in a small town with a good balance between academics, social life, clubs, leadership, sports, and other opportunities. The campus is beautiful, the people are nice, the tradition and college spirit are strong. The classes, student jobs, and leadership experiences I held directly prepared me for grad school and my professional career. I have nothing but positive things to say about my experience and always look forward to returning to Ames as an alum.... Read 3,945 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 91%

• Net price $15,422

• SAT range 1070-1330

• Sioux City, IA•

• 2 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  259 reviews

Niche User: What I love about this school is how easy-going everyone is! There are very few careless professors and students. The classes are difficult only to an extent. However, I so believe the school could expand further with the campus and the overall material in such courses.... Read 259 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 100%

• Net price $8,282

• SAT range —

• Des Moines, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.74 out of 5  983 reviews

Alum: The best part of my Drake experience is that they catered to the phase of my life I was in. For the first two years, I was provided a lot of hands-on experience and guidance from trusted advisors. They taught the importance of internships, networking, building a community on campus and finding close friendships to help me get through the challenges of being away at college. I thrived in this nurturing environment. Going into my third year, I found a passion for international business and language. It was encouraged to pursue passions beyond your major coursework and I can't say enough good things about the experiences I was able to have. I found leadership opportunities and found myself helping younger students achieve and build their passions. Upon graduation, I believe that helped me land my first position immediately in a field and role I love. I can't say enough good things about the curriculum, activities, advisors and peers at this university!... Read 983 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $29,507

• SAT range 1190-1410

• Decorah, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  767 reviews

Freshman: The community feeling at Luther College is exceptional. The friendly nature of both students and staff makes it easy to feel at home. The campus is small enough that one can recognize familiar faces while walking across it. Events such as Homecoming Week serve to create a sense of unity among the student body. Likewise, traditions like Christmas at Luther demonstrate how the college strives to make everyone feel included in celebrations regardless of religious affiliation or cultural background. Cultural opportunities are abundant at Luther College. Several events throughout the year celebrate music, dance, and other performing arts forms from different cultures worldwide. For instance, Nordic Fest takes place every summer where visitors can learn about Scandinavian culture through food vendors, exhibits displaying Viking artifacts and demonstrations on Norwegian weaving techniques by experienced local weavers.... Read 767 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $25,929

• SAT range 1070-1270

• Davenport, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.68 out of 5  773 reviews

Senior: My St. Ambrose University journey has been nothing short of extraordinary. From the moment I set foot on its picturesque campus, I knew I was in for an adventure. The academic opportunities and dedicated faculty have not only expanded my knowledge but also ignited a passion for learning. Beyond academics, the tight-knit community at St. Ambrose has fostered personal growth and lasting connections. The warm and welcoming atmosphere made me feel like part of a supportive family, and the staff's genuine care and guidance have been invaluable. Engaging in activities has allowed me to explore my interests, develop leadership skills, and create cherished memories with like-minded individuals. I am grateful for the transformative impact it has had on my life. This remarkable institution has not only prepared me academically but has also nurtured my personal and professional development, instilling in me a lifelong commitment to learning and service.... Read 773 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 72%

• Net price $24,844

• SAT range 1030-1190

• Lamoni, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  336 reviews

Freshman: Graceland is a very diverse place with a large number of students being international and a good mix of locals and people from around the United States. A true positive is that the vast majority of these people are extremely polite. And this really helps Graceland carry a culture of maintaining a positive learning environment. A downfall of Graceland has to be the lack of activities/variance in food. Often COSA attempts a large variety of activities for students to participate in and the commons does a decent job of providing three meals a day. The problem here is that many of COSA's events occur during or directly after practice hours. This is confusing as the majority of Graceland student population is athletes. As far as the food goes, there isn't much in the way of variety and it can be hard to find a meal that suits your wants. However, I would like to maintain that Graceland gives students a rare opportunity to compete at the collegiate level and earn a good degree.... Read 336 reviews

• grade B minus

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $18,595

• SAT range 880-1120