2023 Best Colleges with Industrial and Product Design Degrees in America

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  4,506 reviews

Sophomore: Michigan is truly the best of all worlds! World class academics? Check! Top tier athletics? Check! Great party scene? Check! It is so easy to get involved with a wide variety of interests. There's more clubs than I can name here. Opportunities are plentiful, especially involving research. STEM majors especially can easily get involved with the hospital and research facilities nearby. Complaints: diversity should be better, and some of the first-year facilities are average. That being said, this feels like a very accepting school compared to the surrounding areas, and most people tend to be very open minded. Otherwise, Ann Arbor is a great town. Campus feels safe to walk around, even at night, and the directly surrounding areas generally don't have issues. Honestly, I can't speak highly enough about how great this school is. I can't imagine going anywhere else. Go Blue!... Read 4,506 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 26%

• Net price $17,832

• SAT range 1340-1520

• Atlanta, GA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  2,128 reviews

Freshman: Georgia Tech is a fairly nice school, with lots to offer! There are MANY opportunities and resources everywhere, ranging from career building to maker spaces to research opportunities to student-run events. Classes so far are manageable as long as you have a study group. The teachers are good at engaging students in class, inspiring us to do a good job on our work. The student life here on campus is also pleasant. Despite being a tech school with a seemingly competitive culture, everyone here is friendly and willing to make new friends, share their interests and experiences; and help each other. I cannot number how many times I was able to just walk somewhere and join awesome activities, like a Smash Tournament, serious talks about race and sociology, or an old horror movie from the 1960s. Tech even has programs for minority students such as OMED, which help students of color to excel in college and careers through events like tutoring, outings, parties, and corporate events.... Read 2,128 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 21%

• Net price $17,410

• SAT range 1370-1530

• Swarthmore, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.62 out of 5  423 reviews

Niche User: The campus is amazing; the historical feeling of the buildings and the nature surrounding the campus is beautiful. The fact that it is close to Philadelphia also makes the college great to attend. Swarthmore even has a train station within the campus to make it even easier for students to travel!... Read 423 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $20,360

• SAT range 1390-1540

• Urbana, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  4,829 reviews

Graduate Student: As a working adult and someone who is somewhat cautious about recent COVID complications, a program that is online seemed the best route for me. I looked at a lot of different Universities that offered online programs, but price also was a big concern for me too. Through my searches I came across the University of Illinois and their iMBA program. After looking into the program and realizing what a great university the school was, I was also happy knowing it was within my home state of Illinois. Further, the iMBA program was offered at a reasonable price that ultimately made me go with University of Illinois. This is a great University that is well know and that offers a nationally top ranked learning experience! Their online iMBA program was just what I was looking for to continue my education. The are a lot of fellow working adults from all aspects of varying careers. Its a great opportunity to work with and learn from so many others who can offer a different view and perspective.... Read 4,829 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $13,517

• SAT range 1200-1460

• Blacksburg, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.97 out of 5  4,041 reviews

Alum: I loved my time at Virginia Tech. All of my professors were extremely nice and some went out of their way to help me even in large classes where I thought they viewed me as "just a number." When I toured, the university seemed huge and intimidating, but as time went on, I realized that the school is quite small and really is "home." The food is AMAZING. The whole university is just a big family. There is nothing like Virginia Tech sports and jumping to Enter Sandman before games. Go Hokies! My freshman dorm had no A/C, but it was still the best experience, and I wouldn't trade it for anything. The campus offers many safety features such a "safe ride" where you can call the campus police to give you a ride across campus to ensure your safety getting from place to place.... Read 4,041 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 66%

• Net price $20,247

• SAT range 1170-1370

• Seattle, WA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,518 reviews

Junior: Love the campus! The coursework is rigorous no matter your major, but there's tons of classes that are so niche and interesting to explore! This school will give you a challenge for sure! Having to apply to your major is a huge downside-- there's a decent chance you might not get to study what you want if the major is competitive and your GPA and statements aren't competitive enough (there's just too many students). Similarly, you can't take major classes until you get accepted into the major (which usually isn't until your junior year), so that can delay the graduation process if you don't schedule and plan your degree right. Because of the large student body, everyone is clawing for everything-- registration for classes is a nightmare, long lines at dining halls and events, etc. (you can expect to sometimes wait more than an hour for food, applying to housing/registration takes hours as well because the server is being filled with so many students).... Read 4,518 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 56%

• Net price $9,661

• SAT range 1200-1470

• West Lafayette, IN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  4,943 reviews

Sophomore: I absolutely loved Purdue during my Freshman year. I will be a sophomore in the fall and am very excited. Purdue has already opened so many doors for me. I was able to study abroad in Spain as a freshman this summer. It was a truly incredible experience. I was placed in a double with A/C and community bathrooms. Community bathrooms are not as bad as you may think. There were 6 showers on the floor, 7 counting the one in the guest bathroom on each floor. Easily more than 40 people lived on my floor, and I only had to wait once for a shower to open up all year long. The bathrooms were very clean. The dorm lobbies have things like pool tables, ping-pong tables, great study areas, and so much more. There are a lot of great clubs to join, and there is the option to start your own club. The food was pretty good. A lot of fried options though. Sporting events are very exciting to attend. Purdue has a lot to offer from a great degree to a true college experience. Boiler Up!... Read 4,943 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 67%

• Net price $12,294

• SAT range 1170-1420

• Columbus, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  5,664 reviews

Sophomore: I love THE Ohio State University. I fit in there all around. There are so many things that students can get involved in, from going to sporting events to volunteering your time to train dogs. The athletics at Ohio State are always fun to watch. I love watching volleyball and wrestling. There is something for everyone. I enjoyed my job at the coffee shop on campus, and really enjoyed my classes. My roommate and I really enjoyed the football games and getting to know everyone in our hall. My classes and professors that I have had are all great. I have learned so much, especially about myself already. The TA's are all very helpful and understanding, and usually always available. I have found different ways to study, and study groups have been successful. I have made lifelong friends at Ohio State. I knew that I could not go wrong with my choice. And I know after graduation, I will have a fraternity of Ohio State graduates supporting me around the world. Go Bucks!... Read 5,664 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 68%

• Net price $18,884

• SAT range 1210-1430

• Raleigh, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  3,336 reviews

Freshman: As a current undecided student, I think that NC State creates a very cohesive community amongst their students and staff. My current advisor truly cares about her students and wants to assist them in finding a major whilst providing them with opportunities to speak with professionals in their intended career. The professors are all very passionate about what they are teaching and are understanding of possible setbacks that a student can endure throughout their education. While the size of the university can be initially daunting, the campus is beautiful and the tight knit feeling makes the big campus feel like home very quickly. Of course with a large university like NC State, having resources for the students is very important. With a number of tragic student deaths this past semester, I think there needs to be a reevaluation on the importance of mental health with the implementation of more counseling resources and mental health days. However, I am so happy to be a part of the pack!... Read 3,336 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 46%

• Net price $14,600

• SAT range 1230-1410

• Minneapolis, MN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  4,683 reviews

Junior: The University of Minnesota is a very good school for almost all of the majors it provides, and has a very strong reputation in most industries. The professors I have encountered in my time here have all been extremely knowledgeable, personable and passionate about what they teach. I am personally a big football and basketball fan, and although UMN may not stack up very well in those departments, we are a force to be reckoned with in volleyball and hockey. This drew me in and gave me a new interest in sports I previously knew nothing about. The university also provides a plethora of student resources, events and opportunities aside from sports as long as you put yourself out there. They provide a great opportunity to socialize and network and possibly learn something useful for the future!... Read 4,683 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $17,729

• SAT range 1240-1460

• Provo, UT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  8,344 reviews

Sophomore: I love BYU! If you want a world class education, and to also keep high personal standards, it has no peer. I'm in a STEM major, and the opportunities here for undergraduates are amazing. I can work on world-class research as an undergraduate, and really get access to knowing how the world and field I plan to go into (astronomy) actually operates. I also love BYU's commitment to the arts. Some institutions don't have a very strong arts program, or disregard the humanities, but not BYU. We have world-class choirs and orchestras and animation department, etc. I'm in the choir, and I love being able to actually feel challenged and get to make amazing art with my friends in choir. Sometimes I do feel like the general conservative attitude of the students and faculty can influence the way that they treat others for the worse, so I would not recommend this university to people who might already feel marginalized by society. Generally, though, I am glad. To be here at BYU!... Read 8,344 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $13,150

• SAT range 1200-1410

• Clemson, SC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  3,464 reviews

Alum: My blood will forever run orange! Clemson is an excellent state school located in Clemson, SC. I had the pleasure of attending Clemson from 2018-2021 and received a degree in biochemistry. The academics at Clemson are outstanding, know that if you end up attending Clemson you will be challenged. The outstanding academics at Clemson are well-known, future employers will take note of you when you say you graduated from Clemson. I only have positive things to say about the professors I had while at Clemson; all were professional, intelligent, and really cared about helping the students succeed. I still keep up with some of my professors to this day! Something else that Clemson is known for is football! Clemson was the 2016 and 2018 national champion, so I was lucky enough to be a student when we won! School spirit at Clemson is intense, both students and alumni rally 100% behind their tigers. Game days in Death Valley bring thousands of people to the Clemson area.... Read 3,464 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 62%

• Net price $22,935

• SAT range 1210-1390

• Salt Lake City, UT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  4,169 reviews

Sophomore: I have been at the University of Utah for over a year, and I can confidently say I have made the right decision to study here. I am currently studying at the David Eccles School of Business and have the opportunity to travel to Dubai, Amsterdam, Canada, and more! The University of Utah offers many global learning-abroad opportunities. Broadening my view and knowledge of other cultures has helped me better grasp business and life in other countries. The professors I have interacted with so far have been extrmeley great at the topics they are covering. They all genuinely show passion for what they are teaching and emphasis how much they care about your education.The University of Utah has a beautiful campus on the eastern side of Salt Lake City. The campus is located 10 minutes from downtown and 10 minutes from the mountains and ski resorts. The campus has beautiful buildings and is located on a hill overlooking the city. Having everything nearby has made exploring the city much easier.... Read 4,169 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 79%

• Net price $12,881

• SAT range 1130-1350

• Tempe, AZ•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.78 out of 5  11,392 reviews

Sophomore: Despite the bad "party school" reputation, ASU is fantastic school to attend. I'm currently in my sophomore year and I can definitely say I'm receiving a high quality education. One thing I would like to see improved is the efficiency in my specific program. I'm a graphic design/ visual communications major and students across the board have issues with our print lab. The print lab is something we have to use constantly for projects. These projects have to be approved by professors so there's no getting around printing. While we have access to library printers, these do not print with high quality. That being said, printers are clearly a necessity for most if not all design major student. We pay a lot of money to be here and if we can't simply print projects in the facility provided then the facility becomes practically useless. If the print lab functioned better it would relieve a lot of stress on students. This seems like a small issue but would be extremely helpful!... Read 11,392 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $14,653

• SAT range 1100-1320

• Cincinnati, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.73 out of 5  3,954 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Cincinnati is a great school to attend especially if you live in the state of Ohio. I am in my sophomore year and still love it. I would recommend the school to anyone that takes an interest especially if it is in the engineering field. While some material is challenging, the engineering classes are good to have for any engineering background. The main reason I came was the co-op program which is an amazing opportunity to learn about what engineers do as well as be able to pay off student loans. Overall, this school has given me a great experience. Go Bearcats!... Read 3,954 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 76%

• Net price $22,767

• SAT range 1120-1330

• Ames, IA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.83 out of 5  3,864 reviews

Junior: Iowa State can look like a very intimidating college from the outside but I promise once you get here it's rewarding! The campus has such a lovely atmosphere for students. While it is a large campus, between the CyRide and plenty of walking paths, it is very easy to find your way around. Overall, Iowa State is a place I would recommend to anyone with even the slightest interest in this university and campus.... Read 3,864 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 88%

• Net price $16,105

• SAT range 1010-1310

• Auburn, AL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  2,476 reviews

Freshman: Auburn University is a great state university! There are plenty of opportunities to explore campus and make connections. Every year they have over a month’s worth of freshman related events to go to, it’s very welcoming. Advisors are friendly and I have had no problems with my professors. Study and you will get the most out of your classes, though Auburn has plenty of free tutoring/aid for students as well! The only things that have been a problem are parking and housing. I live off campus, but I have heard about the hygiene of on some on campus buildings being below par. Parking is also extremely limited, and there is a lot of construction going on in Auburn. There’s nothing wrong with the academia itself, but be prepared to take extra time to park in designated areas and walk to classes. Investing in a scooter or bike may be wise, but arranging your schedule to be manageably walkable also works. AU is very thorough with campus safety so the only issue there is extra exercise.... Read 2,476 reviews

• grade A

• Acceptance rate 85%

• Net price $24,028

• SAT range 1150-1320

• Long Beach, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.81 out of 5  4,710 reviews

Alum: This school is full of wonderful people. There a lot of students from all over the world with a brilliant personalities. If you don’t fit in, they will help you to fit in and succeed. A lot of students from economically successful social groups in the third college generation. I witnessed freshmen who drive Maserati and Tesla. Some professors are incredible, polite and have a tendency to like all of their students and treat them like if they were their kids. The parking lots are great. You be late for 30 minutes before classes and always find a free spot. I’m so glad I graduated from that place. Beaches are nearby and it’s a beach life. If I will ever have kids, I will send them to CSULB instead of sending them to an expensive private college where they can experience bad influence from spoiled classmates or toxic environment of faculty and administration. Don’t hesitate and Go Beach!... Read 4,710 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 42%

• Net price $10,568

• SAT range 1020-1240

• Cedarville, OH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  1,196 reviews

Sophomore: I have loved attending Cedarville University. I have learned so much in my time there. It is a small enough campus that you see people you know all the time, but there’s always someone new to meet! The professors are intentional about building relationships and helping you succeed by pushing students to their full potential. I developed deeper friendships than I expected, even in my first year. Discipleship is so important to Cedarville University. Something I would like to see change would be the communication between students and management. I think much improvement can be made in the communication between the students and the faculty and staff. I believe that open communication will allow students to see the reasons behind the decisions being made and those decision-makers would be able to see how those decisions affect the students. Overall, I love Cedarville University and attending has made a big impact on my life.... Read 1,196 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 59%

• Net price $24,965

• SAT range 1110-1350

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  3,069 reviews

Freshman: I couldn’t have committed to any other College than Drexel! As a leading university located in the heart of a vibrant city like Philadelphia, there is more than enough to explore with the opportunities there is. The major factor that convinced me to Drexel was their Co-Op programme! Drexel has the renowned the equips students with classroom learning and on the job experience which allows students to have a feel of what their career life will look like after they have graduated. With this, Drexel has high employment rates for its graduates in the United States due to its partnerships with renowned institutions where its students get the opportunity to work with and gain experience during their course of study - before graduation! Drexel education leaves a huge impact on every student that attends which in turn affects everyone around them positively. I love Drexel and everything there is with it, hence, there isn’t a thing I’d like see change about the school.... Read 3,069 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 77%

• Net price $39,463

• SAT range 1180-1380

• Syracuse, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  3,470 reviews

Sophomore: Syracuse University overall is a great school with great academics, connections, and social scenery. All of the academic departments are incredibly well-connected and have endless opportunities for students, if they choose to reach out and connect with professors/alumni. The school also offers a great deal of clubs and activities for all different groups of people, and there is typically a good social life/education balance. While Syracuse is a great school, it does have its faults. 1) Syracuse dorm living and dining halls are flawed, as they tend to over admit students making feels comfortable and getting food in dining halls difficult. 2) If you do not get involved in some type of way, it can be impossible to find friends. 3) I do not think the schools does a very great job at taking on mental health/physical health concerns. 4) Syracuse weather (although not really the school's fault). Overall, SU is great, so take everything with a grain of salt, and come visit yourself!... Read 3,470 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 69%

• Net price $47,177

• SAT range 1180-1380

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.61 out of 5  1,052 reviews

Graduate Student: I am currently 1 year into a two MS program for UX Design. Moving across the country to attend school is not a new thing, but doing it with a family was daunting to say the least. Jefferson has been an incredible school and my program has been worth every penny. I am currently a full-time employee, student, and dad. My professors and cohort members have been amazing to work with. Their knowledge and backgrounds are diverse which has helped me learn and grow in my current career as a Product Manager, as well as prepare for my future career as a UX Designer. My professors come from incredible backgrounds and are able to provide daily examples/experiences that apply to the courses I am taking. It has made me better in my current job and helped me hone in on skills that I know I can improve on for the future. I would highly recommend TJU to any student looking to further their education!... Read 1,052 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 70%

• Net price $29,255

• SAT range 1090-1270

• Chicago, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.65 out of 5  3,416 reviews

Junior: This is my first academic year at The University of Illinois at Chicago. I transferred to this University after attending to previous institutions. Prior to my time at UIC I didn't enjoy learning however, now I'm beyond excited to complete my degree. I'm a transfer student who felt completely welcomed into the UIC community from day one. Even with COVID restrictions and protocols I still felt welcomed by the student base and from my professors. Overall, I find UIC to be a great environment and feel safe while on campus. There's attentive leaders and faces throughout my campus which is also comforting. In general, Chicago isn't the safest area but, while in the quad or walking to classes it feels like you're not even exposed to the dangers outside of the learning bubble which I like. I would wholeheartedly recommend friends, family, and future students to attend UIC because this institution does not miss when it comes to receiving an education. Can't wait to be done with my studies!... Read 3,416 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 73%

• Net price $12,614

• SAT range 1030-1250

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  6,487 reviews

Junior: The school is very diverse and has lots of great resources they provide for their students. It’s massive and they’re always constantly building something new. The only downfall would be the prices of the apartments on campus but living in a city as big as houston you’re able to comfortably live off campus and commute to school. The dining halls have great food, we also have a larger cafeteria and student centers all around campus. Depending on what program you are attending on the campus they all have their own special perks. I attend the Bauer College of Business and the classrooms are not old by any means, everything feels new, and the bathrooms are always clean. We have a large recreation center with lots of different machines to use if you’re into fitness. Also if you like to study outdoors rather than indoors, we have so many shaded areas around trees and even a small fountain nearby the Cullen building. Most students love to do their studying there! Campus life is great here.... Read 6,487 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 63%

• Net price $14,480

• SAT range 1120-1310

• Boone, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  2,689 reviews

Alum: AppState is a welcoming and close-knit college nestled in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains! Professors are genuine and want you to succeed, classes are small once you’re out of gen eds, food is tasty and football games have amazing energy! Tons of clubs and organizations to get involved in surrounding sports, religion, service, Greek life, and more. Boone is a very cute town to spend four years in - plenty of restaurants, boutiques, thrift stores, and bars. Hiking, finding waterfalls, camping, snowboarding, and skiing is right in your backyard too! Roll neers forever!... Read 2,689 reviews

• grade B+

• Acceptance rate 80%

• Net price $10,687

• SAT range 1070-1240