Design is an exciting, ever-evolving field with opportunities in graphic design, fashion, interior design, industrial design, and more. If you’re passionate about pursuing a career in design, choosing the right school is essential. The United States is home to some of the world’s top design schools, offering innovative programs and exceptional faculty. In this guide, we’ll highlight the top design schools in the USA, providing you with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
Top Design Schools in USA
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) (Providence, RI)
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is one of the most prestigious and well-respected design schools globally. Offering programs in various design disciplines, including graphic design, industrial design, and furniture design, RISD is known for its emphasis on hands-on learning and interdisciplinary collaboration. The school’s exceptional faculty and strong connections to the design industry make it a top choice for aspiring designers.
RISD’s stunning campus in Providence, Rhode Island, fosters creativity, and students benefit from a rich, vibrant arts community. The school’s strong reputation ensures that graduates have access to some of the best job opportunities in the design world.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Providence, Rhode Island |
| Founded | 1877 |
| Programs | Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Furniture Design |
| Famous Alumni | Shepard Fairey, David Byrne |
| Tuition | About $53,000 per year |
| Class Size | 10:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 90% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | RISD |
Parsons School of Design (New York City, NY)
Located in the heart of New York City, Parsons School of Design is one of the top design schools in the USA. Known for its cutting-edge programs in fashion design, graphic design, and interior design, Parsons offers a rigorous, interdisciplinary education with a strong focus on both traditional techniques and modern technology. The school is particularly famous for its fashion design program, which has produced numerous internationally recognized designers.
Parsons also provides students with numerous networking opportunities, thanks to its location in a global design capital. The school’s close ties with industry leaders provide students access to internships, mentorships, and job opportunities.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | New York City, New York |
| Founded | 1896 |
| Programs | Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design |
| Famous Alumni | Donna Karan, Marc Jacobs |
| Tuition | About $47,000 per year |
| Class Size | 10:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 92% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | Parsons |
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) (Savannah, GA)
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is known for its comprehensive design programs and its focus on creative expression. With campuses in Savannah, Georgia, and Atlanta, SCAD offers a wide variety of undergraduate and graduate programs in design disciplines like animation, graphic design, industrial design, and more. SCAD has earned a reputation for producing successful and innovative designers, particularly in digital design and art.
SCAD offers cutting-edge facilities and a highly collaborative environment, preparing students for careers in the competitive design industry. The school’s strong industry connections ensure that students have access to the latest trends and technologies in design.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Savannah, Georgia, and Atlanta, Georgia |
| Founded | 1978 |
| Programs | Animation, Graphic Design, Interior Design, Industrial Design |
| Famous Alumni | Eva Chen, Anna Sui, Jonathan Adler |
| Tuition | About $38,000 per year |
| Class Size | 14:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 85% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | SCAD |
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) (Valencia, CA)
The California Institute of the Arts, commonly known as CalArts, is one of the best design schools in the USA. Known for its innovative approach to design education, CalArts offers programs in graphic design, animation, industrial design, and more. The school is especially well-known for its animation and visual arts programs, which have produced some of the most successful professionals in the animation industry.
CalArts encourages a highly experimental approach to design, allowing students to explore new ideas and push creative boundaries. The school’s proximity to Hollywood and its connections to the entertainment industry also offer unique opportunities for aspiring designers.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Valencia, California |
| Founded | 1961 |
| Programs | Graphic Design, Animation, Industrial Design, Fine Arts |
| Famous Alumni | Tim Burton, John Lasseter |
| Tuition | About $50,000 per year |
| Class Size | 9:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 88% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | CalArts |
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) (Chicago, IL)
The School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) offers one of the best design programs in the U.S. Known for its multidisciplinary approach, SAIC offers degrees in graphic design, industrial design, and fashion design, among other fields. SAIC has a highly regarded faculty and provides students with access to state-of-the-art facilities, helping them develop the skills they need to succeed in the design industry.
SAIC’s location in Chicago, one of the country’s major design hubs, offers students access to internships, exhibitions, and job opportunities across various design sectors.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Chicago, Illinois |
| Founded | 1866 |
| Programs | Graphic Design, Fashion Design, Industrial Design |
| Famous Alumni | Georgia O’Keeffe, Jeff Koons, Cynthia Rowley |
| Tuition | About $45,000 per year |
| Class Size | 10:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 90% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | SAIC |
Pratt Institute (Brooklyn, NY)
Pratt Institute, located in Brooklyn, New York, offers top-tier design programs in a variety of fields, including industrial design, architecture, graphic design, and interior design. Known for its creative and collaborative environment, Pratt offers students the opportunity to work on real-world projects and develop practical skills that will help them succeed in the design industry.
With strong connections to New York City’s design community, Pratt graduates are highly sought after by employers in various design sectors.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Brooklyn, New York |
| Founded | 1887 |
| Programs | Industrial Design, Graphic Design, Interior Design |
| Famous Alumni | Robert Redford, Maira Kalman |
| Tuition | About $47,000 per year |
| Class Size | 12:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 92% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | Pratt Institute |
University of the Arts (Philadelphia, PA)
The University of the Arts (UArts) in Philadelphia offers some of the best design programs in the country, with a particular focus on graphic design, industrial design, and multimedia arts. UArts is known for fostering creativity, encouraging students to experiment with new techniques and technologies while providing them with a solid foundation in design principles.
The university’s location in Philadelphia provides students with access to the city’s vibrant arts and culture scene, offering numerous opportunities for internships and collaboration.
| Feature | Details |
| Location | Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
| Founded | 1876 |
| Programs | Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Multimedia Arts |
| Famous Alumni | David Lynch, Matt LeBlanc |
| Tuition | About $40,000 per year |
| Class Size | 13:1 student-faculty ratio |
| Career Success | 87% employed or in grad school within 6 months |
| Website | UArts |
Conclusion
Choosing the right design school is crucial for aspiring designers who want to make a name for themselves in the industry. Whether you’re interested in graphic design, fashion, animation, or industrial design, the schools listed above offer outstanding programs and resources to help you achieve your career goals. From the prestigious RISD to the innovative CalArts, these schools provide exceptional opportunities for creative growth, hands-on experience, and strong industry connections.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average cost of attending a design school?
Tuition for design programs can range from $30,000 to $60,000 per year, depending on the institution. Additional costs for supplies, equipment, and living expenses should also be considered.
Are there scholarships available for design students?
Yes, many design schools offer merit-based scholarships, and external organizations also provide funding opportunities for talented students in the arts.
How long does it take to complete a design degree?
A bachelor’s degree in design typically takes 4 years to complete. Some schools also offer accelerated or master’s degree programs that may take additional time.
Can I work while attending design school?
Many design students work part-time, especially in related fields, to gain experience and support their studies. However, the workload in design programs can be demanding, so balancing work and study should be done carefully.