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2020 Best Colleges with Industrial and Product Design Degrees in AmericaAbout this List

Explore the best colleges with industrial and product design degrees. Find the industrial and product design colleges that are right for you. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

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  1. Carnegie Mellon University

    • 4 Year
    • Pittsburgh, PA
    • 1,356 reviews
    #28 Best Colleges in America

    Niche User: I attended CMU's pre-college summer program and I loved it. They have an amazing faculty whom remembered me upon admission. I took five classes that challenged me to be my very best. The skills I learned made me a better student during my senior year. It helped me buckle down when high school seemed petty knowing that college was indeed everything I thought it was. . .because, in a sense, I had already been to a fantastic one, albeit for six weeks in the summer. I highly recommend the summer programs at Carnegie Mellon. I consider it the most innovative university in the country!
    Read 1,356 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 22% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,817 Net Price
    • 1430-1560 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  2. Georgia Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Atlanta, GA
    • 1,951 reviews
    #38 Best Colleges 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 1,951 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 23% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,873 Net Price
    • 1090-1520 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  3. Virginia Tech

    • 4 Year
    • Blacksburg, VA
    • 3,670 reviews
    #58 Best Colleges in America

    Senior: Virginia Tech was my last choice out of 6 schools I applied for and got into. I went there on an Air Force scholarship and joined the Corps of Cadets. I was hesitant and nervous about going there and having the military experience, but I was proven wrong. The training and experience that I have so far received from the program has been incredible. This sort of experience you can't really get anywhere else. Then coupled with the fact that I also get to experience a "real" college lifestyle at Tech with the civilian component has made the experience all the better. It's a tough school for sure but very much worth the time going there. If you're hesitant like I was going here, take the risk and go!
    Read 3,670 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,700 Net Price
    • 1180-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  4. University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

    • 4 Year
    • Champaign, IL
    • 4,379 reviews
    #64 Best Colleges in America

    Freshman: I will be an incoming freshman at this college. However, my dad, his siblings, and multiple friends of mine have attended this school so I visit quite a bit. I've been to parties with my friends, on strolls around the campus with my family, and on official college tours here. It's a great college town, and most people who I talk to who have come here say that there is always something to do, the academics are great and will land you a good job somewhere, and overall, they had a great college experience. I hope that I get accepted here so I can experience what it's really like to be a student!
    Read 4,379 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 62% Acceptance Rate
    • $16,638 Net Price
    • 1340-1500 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  5. Brigham Young University

    • 4 Year
    • Provo, UT
    • 7,507 reviews
    #78 Best Colleges in America

    Niche User: I absolutely loved my experience at BYU Provo! I have stayed there for about a week at a time over the past few years at one of their Youth Camps. Fantastic experience every time. The physical campus was pristine, as every college campus should be. The student body, (or whatever kind of student body you can get during July,) was not exactly ecstatic at our prescience, but they were friendly. I think most of them were really stressed out. The sense of community at the Student Center was wonderful. Felt like a classic High School cafeteria, with everyone talkin, laughing, doing homework, that sort of thing. My personal favorite part of campus is the BYU Creamery. It’s a pretty famous place for its size, and it seems to be a standard supermarket style store. My entire time there has been very pleasant. I loved every moment of it. I highly recommend BYU to anyone looking for a clean and principled college environment.
    Read 7,507 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 52% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,979 Net Price
    • 1210-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  6. Purdue University

    • 4 Year
    • West Lafayette, IN
    • 4,439 reviews
    #83 Best Colleges in America

    Senior: Purdue has such a large campus that your opportunities are truly endless. Over 1,000 student organizations means everyone can find their fit. On top of that, Purdue has one of the biggest names for engineering which really helped me participate in a lot of unique activities (like going to Bolivia with an Engineers Without Borders team!). Aside from all that, Purdue focuses on its campus resources around the board the make sure students feel helped with academics and personal life. If there is one thing I wish would change, its the way they get information out to the students. I feel like I had a late start with a lot of my college involvement simply because I didn't know of all the opportunities I had available to me!
    Read 4,439 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,117 Net Price
    • 1150-1380 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  7. University of Washington

    • 4 Year
    • Seattle, WA
    • 4,054 reviews
    #92 Best Colleges in America

    Freshman: The UW offers many clubs and opportunities to find your own home inside the larger community. As a Freshman and from a smaller town, it was quite intimidating attending such a large school. In that vein, there is exceptional diversity on this campus. You'll meet people from all tracks of life, from as young as 17 to as old as 65, and from every continent (besides Antarctica, of course)!
    The campus is expansive and will most certainly impress anyone who gets the chance to explore it. As for academics, it's a research school and the classes reflect this standard. Every teacher I've had has been well informed in their topics and project true enthusiasm for student learning. However, many of the classes offered are what's called a "weed out" class, meaning they are very intense and meant to oust those unfit for that major. The university does provide methods for studying and tutoring, however, which can aid those who are struggling.
    Read 4,054 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 46% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,443 Net Price
    • 1190-1420 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  8. The Ohio State University

    • 4 Year
    • Columbus, OH
    • 5,093 reviews
    #94 Best Colleges in America

    Sophomore: I really enjoy campus life at OSU. It’s a big campus, but don’t be intimidated by the size. There are so many ways to be involved and tons of people to interact with. The atmosphere is welcoming and everyone is proud to be a buckeye. Professors are more than willing to provide help and answers any questions. There are also plenty of study locations and libraries— my personal favorite is the Thompson library! The location of campus is prime because it’s right in the middle of downtown Columbus. There are so many cheap, but unique restaurants around. There are also a plethora of shops, boutiques and thrift stores. And, of course there are amazing coffee shops around the area, from Stauf’s to Global Gallery, which also make great study locations.
    Read 5,093 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 48% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,042 Net Price
    • 1260-1450 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  9. North Carolina State University

    • 4 Year
    • Raleigh, NC
    • 3,028 reviews
    #96 Best Colleges in America

    Junior: NC State, like any other university, has its pros and cons. The beautiful bricks, the scenic view from the top floor of Hill, and amazing ice cream are all wonderful aspects of being a part of the Pack. NCSU will certainly leave you with some good memories. But, it will also leave you with some bad ones too.
     If you plan on entering the College of Engineering, just remember that this is the most popular college. Engineering is one of the most (if not the most) popular major NC State is known for. Due to this, the program is very rigorous and you may not feel or receive the support that you need. Sometimes, you will feel like you are just a number. But, when you hit rock bottom (possibly by making your first C in your academic career, failing to CODA into the College of Engineering, or failing an exam that you spent hours upon hours studying for) know that you can get back up!
    Read 3,028 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 51% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,442 Net Price
    • 1230-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  12. Clemson University

    • 4 Year
    • Clemson, SC
    • 3,090 reviews
    #100 Best Colleges in America

    Freshman: I will never run out of amazing things to say about Clemson. If you want to feel like you are a part of a family, Clemson is the place to be. There was not one person that I met when I visited, faculty or students, that was not so welcoming and kind. The campus is so beautiful and open and it is somewhere that I feel as though I belong. I didn't want to leave when I went, I felt like I was supposed to stay there! The resources and technology that they have available to students are endless and the professors and world-renowned. The atmosphere and feeling of togetherness that you feel when you are there is so breathtaking and that's what makes going to Clemson so special; you truly are part of the Tiger Family.
    Read 3,090 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 47% Acceptance Rate
    • $18,757 Net Price
    • 1220-1390 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  13. Syracuse University

    • 4 Year
    • Syracuse, NY
    • 3,243 reviews
    #130 Best Colleges in America

    Alum: I graduated from SU in 1988. I can't say enough good things about it. It has everything - a beautiful campus, excellent courses and devoted instructors, great Greek and sports life, if that is your preference, great dorms, tons of activities you can participate in. In addition, SU is a very generous school - it offers excellent financial aid for those who need it. I would HIGHLY recommend SU to you!
    Read 3,243 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 47% Acceptance Rate
    • $35,306 Net Price
    • 1160-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  14. Auburn University

    • 4 Year
    • Auburn, AL
    • 2,201 reviews
    #137 Best Colleges in America

    Senior: Auburn combines that hometown feeling with research and development. There are a plethora of opportunities for students and parents at any level to get involved. I recommend the Student Counseling Services for those times when you're overwhelmed. Because let's face it, college is tough! You must work hard and believe in hard work to succeed here. If that's not your forte then another place may suit you, but if you're a dedicated student and willing to spend the time and money this is where you belong. From Communications to Engineers there are many, many ways to find your niche.
    Read 2,201 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $22,613 Net Price
    • 1130-1310 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  15. Iowa State University

    • 4 Year
    • Ames, IA
    • 3,497 reviews
    #141 Best Colleges in America

    Senior: I love Iowa State University! It has a daunting list of possibilities for majors, minors, and extracurricular, is a very affordable price when compared to other schools, and when specializing, the options are very well taught. I have yet to run into a teacher I can't get help with, and there are options galore for help in every subject. It is easy to change/add/drop classes/majors/minors, the advisers are knowledgeable, and there are many chances for about everything. The slogan "It's your adventure", is very true! People here are very supportive/helpful. There are safe rides home if you feel uncomfortable for any reason and advisories whenever something happens.
    Most classes hold students to high standards, but are also relatable enough to not slough off the unfortunate struggling students. Campus is gorgeous, clubs and activities are numerous, and I believe I will be very successful in life thanks to ISU.
    Read 3,497 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 89% Acceptance Rate
    • $13,949 Net Price
    • 1160-1410 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  16. Rhode Island School of Design

    • 4 Year
    • Providence, RI
    • 315 reviews
    #143 Best Colleges in America

    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 315 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 32% Acceptance Rate
    • $39,777 Net Price
    • 1130-1370 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  17. University of Utah

    • 4 Year
    • Salt Lake City, UT
    • 3,708 reviews
    #145 Best Colleges in America

    Junior: I love the diversity of classes offered! I can always find a class I need and the University of Utah even offers classes I never dreamed would be important enough for the school to care about. When it comes to education, it seems that no topic is irrelevant, and staff at the University of Utah will do all that they can to help you achieve your dreams. Something I wish was more prevalent is the presence of school spirit and student unity. When I was at Utah Valley University, I felt that the students were "all in it together" and there were constantly student life activities going on that were free and easy to get to. That spirit is not nearly as present at the University of Utah. In a nutshell, the University of Utah is a great school for academic purposes and it a fantastic set up for grad school or other professional education beyond and undergrad degree, but it is not necessarily the best university for student life.
    Read 3,708 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 66% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,363 Net Price
    • 1110-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  18. Arizona State University

    • 4 Year
    • Tempe, AZ
    • 10,057 reviews
    #155 Best Colleges in America

    Senior: My overall experience with Arizona State University has been a journey. I am currently a senior going to ASU for my BFA in dance education. My major in particular has gone through a change in the degree progress which has made it difficult to adjust. The art's department of ASU is truly unique, but it could be much better. Depending on the type of major a student is going for they go through different experiences; especially if the student has to live on campus. Arizona State University is an amazing school and the support from staff is unbelievable! I've made so many connections and can't wait to graduate.
    Read 10,057 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 84% Acceptance Rate
    • $12,947 Net Price
    • 1120-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  19. University of Cincinnati

    • 4 Year
    • Cincinnati, OH
    • 3,544 reviews
    #160 Best Colleges in America

    Senior: UC has multiple programs that attract a diverse crowd, differing in mindset, educational background, interests, and personality. The colleges and university are liberal in mindset, have recently designated themselves as tobacco-free campuses, offer multiple student housing opportunities, offer payment plans, and have professors who are always ready to help when asked. The Blue Ash campus even has free tutoring in the their writing and math labs (which helped me pass statistics)! I completed my undergraduate degree at UC and I plan to go back to complete my graduate degree. It is close to home and affordable.
    Read 3,544 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 76% Acceptance Rate
    • $21,050 Net Price
    • 1120-1340 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  22. Rochester Institute of Technology

    • 4 Year
    • Rochester, NY
    • 2,439 reviews
    #181 Best Colleges in America

    Sophomore: The campus experience is amazing! The dorms are nice, depending on if you get the "right" one. Living in a quad was the best choice for me because of the space and liveness of the room. The campus itself is beautiful and I have explored a lot fo the university and there is still more for me to explore. I really like the tunnel system in the dorms so when its snowing or raining really hard, you can take the tunnels to the visit your friend or the computer lab or the dining hall. The professors are mainly good and I was lucky to get the good ones. Of course its college so the courses will be challenging but you will have a lot of free time and get your homework, labs, and projects done. There is not much party scene unless you join a frat/sorority or have the connects.
    Read 2,439 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 57% Acceptance Rate
    • $31,376 Net Price
    • 1190-1380 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  23. California State University - Long Beach

    • 4 Year
    • Long Beach, CA
    • 4,190 reviews
    #202 Best Colleges in America

    Alum: CSULB was a diverse campus with readily available resources for students and alumni. Resources include an all encompassing career center, library, tutoring services, financial aid, and more. The campus is vast and beautiful and just 10 minutes from the beach! Classroom sizes are small and faculty are dedicated to the success of each and every student. Office hours are held at convenient times for students to address academic concerns and interests. CSULB also offers student life activities for students with various interests. Diversity is celebrated on campus with student clubs and events where all are welcome to celebrate and/or explore many cultures.
    Read 4,190 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 28% Acceptance Rate
    • $9,654 Net Price
    • 1020-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  24. University of Houston

    • 4 Year
    • Houston, TX
    • 5,840 reviews
    #209 Best Colleges in America

    Graduate Student: University of Houston is a phenomenal school to invest the next 4 years of your life as well as money! For a university level education, it is very affordable and located in an area where living is also very affordable. Even if the school is considered a commuter school there are many organizations ( fraternity, sorority, dance teams, anime club, business clubs ) students can join to make friends and feel more involved in the community. The university offers many majors, 2 professional schools, and many graduate programs. They have branches all over the state of Texas. This university is reputable where freshly graduates do not have trouble finding a job! It is located in an area where major companies or the company of your dreams will hire fresh graduate students full time or offer internships . I would highly recommend this University!
    Read 5,840 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 61% Acceptance Rate
    • $15,664 Net Price
    • 1110-1280 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  25. Drexel University

    • 4 Year
    • Philadelphia, PA
    • 2,800 reviews
    #228 Best Colleges in America

    Niche User: I attended a summer program and was very pleased with the university! The admissions staff were some of the nicest people I've ever met. They genuinely want to see students succeed and are more than willing to help students reach their goal of getting into college, even if it's not Drexel. They are always there ready to answer any questions you have and ease your fears. I went into Drexel's College Access Academy not knowing a single thing about college, scared out of my mind. I came out with total confidence and ready to conquer the college application process. It was all thanks to the admissions and other staff members at Drexel. However, the one minor thing I would change is the food. The food at their main dining hall was really poor quality and sometimes cold. This often left me and my fellow peers wanting to skip the meal.
    Read 2,800 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 79% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,977 Net Price
    • 1160-1360 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  26. The New School

    • 4 Year
    • New York, NY
    • 555 reviews
    #236 Best Colleges 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 555 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 60% Acceptance Rate
    • $45,504 Net Price
    • 1100-1310 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  29. Cedarville University

    • 4 Year
    • Cedarville, OH
    • 1,068 reviews
    #242 Best Colleges in America

    Freshman: Cedarville is an incredible university to study at. The professors are beyond caring towards the students and make every effort to help the students learn; they even make gen eds interesting and enjoyable! The academics are not easy, but that is what shows its quality. If you put time and effort into the classes at Cedarville, you will get a lot out of the semester and come out with more knowledge than ever.

    Student life is lively and very encouraging! Students all around you, whether in the classroom or in the dorms, are always uplifting one another and encouraging each other to strive for academic and moral excellence.
    Read 1,068 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 71% Acceptance Rate
    • $23,520 Net Price
    • 1130-1350 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  30. Appalachian State University

    • 4 Year
    • Boone, NC
    • 2,410 reviews
    #268 Best Colleges in America

    Sophomore: I think Appalachian is great! They seem to try and tend to each student as best they can, and provide tons of resources. The small college town has its pros and cons. I come from a city so adapting to the lack of shopping centers, smaller roadways, and snow was a challenge. I would say the availability of things off campus and things to do for someone who isn't outdoorsy is pretty minimal. The parking is also a hassle as is traffic in general at times. Overall, it is a great school!
    Read 2,410 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 70% Acceptance Rate
    • $10,473 Net Price
    • 1100-1270 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?

  31. Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - Los Angeles

    • 4 Year
    • Los Angeles, CA
    • 560 reviews
    #336 Best Colleges 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 560 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 39% Acceptance Rate
    • $40,448 Net Price
    • — SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
  32. Sponsored

    Roanoke College

    • 4 Year
    • Salem, VA
    • 696 reviews

    Sophomore: This college is so artsy, personal, and full of life. The professors are incredible, and many hold class outside a lot of the time! The campus is stunning and full of trees, the food is phenomenal, and the curriculum is unique and engaging. I waited for 5 years to attend school, because no college seemed worth the price. Once I found Roanoke, I didn't hesitate for a moment. It really is a family here, and full of the best people. I have grown so much in my first year here, and I am so excited for the growth ahead. Going to Roanoke College will be the best decision that you could make.
    Read 696 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 67% Acceptance Rate
    • $29,573 Net Price
    • 1040-1230 SAT Range
    Will You Get In?
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