Graphic design is one of the top, growing career paths today. In order to excel, you need a school that focuses on helping you become the best you can be.
There are many universities that offer wonderful graphic design programs right now, but some stand out more than others. The first step to getting accepted to these distinguished schools is learning all about them.
1. Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT)
Located in Cambridge, MA, this private research university offers many innovative programs in the graphic design world, including online programs. There are courses ranging from communication design to typography. Students also have the opportunity to work on programs such as Adobe Premiere, Combustion, and Sound Forge. Tuition and living expenses total just under $60,000, and the acceptance rate averages 12%.
2. Institute of Design at Stanford University
The Hasso Plattner Institute of Design (d.school) is based out of Stanford, CA and is actually one of the most pursued destinations at Stanford University. The school gives students an opportunity to use design methods to work together and explain concerns, as well as incorporate human-centered plans. They participate in large projects and have an extensive network of partnerships like Visa, Motorola, and Google. Quarterly tuition runs the same as Stanford Graduate school so you should expect around $14,230 a year, not including fees, housing, and other costs. The general acceptance rate for the d.school is around 7%.
3. Art Center College of Design
The Art Center College of Design is located in Pasadena. This private college offers a very popular graphic design program with courses that focus on everything from film and broadcast to 3D motion graphics to ensure students have the experience necessary to pursue a career in graphic design. The cost ranges from $19,000 to $20,000 per term depending if you’re an undergraduate or graduate. It is a competitive school, but the acceptance rate is actually around 80%.
4. Pratt Institute
Founded in 1887 and situated in Brooklyn, the Pratt Institute has a graphic design program offering courses and internship opportunities that teach students the ins and outs of design. With hands-on and project-based classes, students are able to choose from a wide range of programs. Courses are taught by both Pratt faculty and design professionals from the field itself. The tuition for undergraduates is around $43,000 for the school year. The Pratt Institute has around a 62% acceptance rate and a 55% early acceptance rate.
5. Rhode Island School of Design
The Rhode Island School of Design, or RISD, is ranked as one of the best graphic design schools in the world. Located in Providence, Rhode Island, they offer specific Bachelor’s and Master’s programs in graphic design. They have designated studios for graphic design students to work in and numerous resources. The annual tuition runs around $44,000, not including additional fees or boarding and the acceptance rate is around 25-27%.
