Design colleges in USA offer some specialized programs such as fashion designing, web designing, interior designing, industrial designing and graphic designing. All these programs are structured to make the user interface impactful and that it communicates the desired message.
Approximately 37,428 design and applied arts degrees offered by the design colleges in the USA. Over 216 colleges and universities in the USA are specialized in providing design and applied for arts programs. Some of the top-ranking and best colleges in USA for designing are provided below:
Colleges/ Universities | QS Subject Ranking 2021 | Design Program Offered |
---|---|---|
Yale University | #37 | 1 Bachelor |
Columbia University | #41 | 2 Bachelor degree |
University of California | #32 | 2 Bachelor degree |
Virginia Commonwealth University | #151-200 | 4 bachelor degree |
Ohio University | #151-200 | 1 Bachelor in fashion design, 1 Bachelor in industrial design, 2 Bachelor in art. |
The designers of the USA get plenty of opportunities to start their career as a fashion designer, web designer, interior designer, graphic designer, or as an industrial designer. A designer as a fresher can earn approximately 35,000 USD per annum whereas an experienced designer can earn 95,135 USD per year.
In the following section, the course curriculum of design, offered by the top-ranked universities of the USA is going to be discussed:
Specialization | |
---|---|
Fashion design and merchandising | Fine arts- ceramic |
Communication design | System design and development |
Applied drawing (studio art) | Interactive media design |
Associate in Arts (AA) | Apparel and merchandising- apparel design and production |
Theatre design and technology | Fashion studies and retail merchandising |
The scholars can acquire the following degrees in their respective coursework:
The USA colleges are renowned for offering 143 fashion designing, 70 industrial designing and 441 graphic designing programs for bachelor coursework (as per bachelors portal). Some of the bachelors of design colleges in the USA are:
Program | College/ University | Duration | Course Fees (Annually in USD) |
---|---|---|---|
Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Interactive Media Design | University of Washington | 4 years | 36,519 |
Bachelor of Science (B.Sc) in Apparel and Merchandising- Apparel Design and Production | Colorado State University | 4 years | 29, 884 |
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Theatre Design and Technology | Southern Utah University | 4 years | 31,136 |
B.Sc in Fashion Studying and Retail Merchandising | South Dakota State University | 4 years | 18,750 |
Bachelor in Industrial Design | Columbus College of Art and Design | 4 years | 58,749 |
B.Sc in Residential Environments and Design | Virginia Tech | 4 years | 61,200 |
Bachelor in Graphic Communication | Carroll University | 4 years | 53,938 |
B.Sc in Digital Media and Design | University of Kentucky | 4 years | 29,050 |
In order to get into the bachelor coursework in US colleges, the students must meet the below-mentioned minimum cut off score. Though the required cut off score varies from college to college, the average score is similar for all the institutions.
Do not forget to attach the below mentioned important documents along with the score to the university authority:
The average fee for studying a bachelor in design from the USA is between 24,000 to 54,000 USD per year. The course fee seems high for bachelor students unless they apply for a scholarship program. In addition, the cost of living in USA is higher compared to another study abroad destination. Hence, the fellows might find it difficult to bear the survival cost if they do not get concessions through the scholarship program.
The coursework is categorized into 358 master's program in design in USA, Approximately 3050 (approximately) postgraduate programs for graphic and fashion designing programs and 60 industrial design programs are offered in design colleges in USA at the postgraduate level. This includes 358 Master of Design programs.
The following table lists the popular universities offering Master of Design in the USA:
Program | University | Duration | Course Fees (Annually in USD) |
---|---|---|---|
Master in City Design (MCD) | University of Illinois at Chicago | 2 years | 17,714 |
Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in Communication Design | Texas State University | 2 years | 15,440 |
Master in Graphic Design (MAGD) | Suffolk University | 1 year | 49,674 |
Master of Science (M.Sc) in Design and Merchandising | Colorado State University | 2 years | 47,792 |
M.Sc in Textile, Fashion Merchandising and Design | University of Rhode Island | 2 years | 47,569 |
Master of Arts (M.A) in Costume Design | Academy of Art University | 2 years | 36,018 |
M.Sc in Fashion and Apparel Studies | University of Delaware | 2 years | 25,215 |
Master in Industrial Design | Academy of Art University | 3 years | 36,018 |
Similar to the undergraduate students, the applicants should have the following eligibility criteria in order to apply for US universities:
Irrespective of academic qualification, the students should also submit some essential documents in order to take admission to the masters in the design program.
The average fee for studying a master in design from the USA universities is 30,000 USD to 50,000 USD approximately. It is better for the students to apply for a scholarship program to reduce the excessive burden of earning the cost of study and the cost of living being a student.
Since bachelors in designing in the USA is a four years long coursework, sometimes the international students prefer to opt for duration certified diploma coursework. Some of the popular diploma coursework in the USA are:
Despite the full-time postgraduate coursework, the colleges and the universities of the USA offer some certificate or diploma programs both for the domestic and international students. Some of the popular certificates or diploma programs are:
Ph.D. coursework from design colleges in USA universities is streamlined into 3 to 4 years. There are 10 different design programs available in this country. However, Ph.D. in fashion designing, interior designing, and graphic designing are not offered by any of the USA universities.
Some of the popular Ph.D. programs are discussed in the following table:
Program | University | Duration | Course Fees (Annually in USD) |
---|---|---|---|
Ph.D. in Materials Design and Innovation | School of Engineering and Applied Sciences | 4 years | 22,210 |
Ph.D. in Apparel and Textile Designing | Kansas State University | 3 years | 24,210 |
Ph.D. in Apparel Design | Cornell University | 3 years | 34,972 |
Read the following requirements before you plan to take admission in Ph.D. coursework.
Apart from the aforementioned academic qualification and cut off score, the applicants should provide some required documents.
The average cost of pursuing Ph.D. coursework in design from the USA universities vary from 25,000 to 40,000 USD per annum (on average). The students get the flexibility to opt for part-time Ph.D. coursework. It usually takes more time and more course fees to complete the entire program. Nevertheless, some scholarship programs are also available for the Ph.D. pursuing students, which are helpful to minimize the cost burden of completing the study.
The course fees for international students are much higher than domestic students. Unless the global students apply for their scholarship program, it will be troublesome for their survival in the US. In addition, the cost of living in the country is also very high.
The scholarship programs are available not only for the meritorious students but also everybody can avail this as per their need. Scholarship criteria also differ based on its type.
The following are some of the popular scholarships for international students in USA:
Scholarship | Scholarship is given to | Amount (in USD) |
---|---|---|
Clubs of America Scholarship Award for Career Success | Both US and international meritorious undergraduate students | 1000 |
Bienenstock Design Competition | Master pursuing students in design | 5000 |
Maine Graphic Arts Association (MGAA) Scholarship | All level of coursework | 500 |
UNF Gray Scholarship | All level meritorious students | 4000 |
FIDM National Scholarship Competition | Both the undergraduate and postgraduate students, who are pursuing fashion designing program | Up to 30,955 |
Mary Abdoo Fashion Memorial Scholarship | Both the undergraduate and postgraduate students, who are pursuing fashion designing program | 1000 |
As per the above discussion, it is clearly evident that the growth rate of the designers across the USA has grown sharply.
Likewise the graphic designers, the fashion designers can also experience a good hike in their pay scale with the booming of the industry in the USA. Being a fresher, a fashion designer can earn 36,420 USD, while an experienced fashion designer can get 72,720 USD (as per the report of BLS). Likewise, the experienced web designer salary in the US is also very lucrative.
Some of the job designations and their respective pay scales of the designers in the USA are described in the following table:
Job Designation | Annual Salary in USD |
---|---|
Art production manager: graphic designer | 61,400 |
Apparel manufacturing consultant | 80,000 |
Notion merchant wholesalers | 70,000 |
Display designer | 70,000 |
Layout artist: graphic designer | 60,000 |
Industrial designer | 68,000 |
Interaction designer | 90,000 |
Aircraft interior designer | 80,000 |
Office space planner | 50,000 |
Once the students complete their coursework from the USA, they can get huge opportunities to start their career as a consultant. After five years of experience, they can show their excellence as a manager in respective fields. Hence, design programs from the USA colleges and universities offer you wide options to broaden your career path. So that you can get a handsome return from your jobs.
CD Rank | College Info | Tuition Fees & living Cost(Avg.) | Top Courses | Ranking & Reviews |
---|---|---|---|---|
#101 | ![]() Michigan Technological University, HoughtonMichigan, Usa76.4%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $42.7K/YrLiving: $10.5K/YrAdmission | B.A Sound DesignIELTS6.5$42.7K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#102 | ![]() Auburn University, AuburnAlabama, Usa80.5%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $52.4K/YrLiving: $5.1K/YrAdmission | B.Arch Interior Summer DesignSAT1370IELTS6.5$52.4K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 3+ More Programs | |
#103 | ![]() Fordham University, BronxNew York, Usa45.2%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $60.3K/YrLiving: $17.4K/YrAdmission | B.S New Media and Digital DesignDuolingo120IELTS7.0PTE68$60.3K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#104 | ![]() University of North Texas, DentonTexas, Usa71.8%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $38.8K/YrLiving: $4.3K/YrAdmission | M.A DesignGRE307TOEFL79PTE53$32.5K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 4+ More Programs | |
#105 | ![]() Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis, IndianapolisIndiana, Usa69.7%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $33.1K/YrLiving: $9.6K/YrAdmission | B.S Interior Design TechnologyDuolingo90IELTS5.5$33.1K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 2+ More Programs | |
#106 | ![]() University of Missouri, Kansas CityMissouri, Usa62%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $38.6K/YrLiving: $11K/YrAdmission | M.A Sound DesignTOEFL79PTE53$38.6K/Yr Course duration: 3 years Programs | |
#107 | ![]() Kent State University, KentOhio, Usa85%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $27.9K/YrLiving: $10.9K/YrAdmission | M.A Visual Communication DesignDuolingo100TOEFL71PTE50$19.2K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 4+ More Programs | |
#108 | ![]() University of Rhode Island, KingstonRhode Island, Usa72.8%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $34.4K/YrLiving: $12.5K/YrAdmission | M.S Textile, Fashion Merchandisi...TOEFL79PTE53$32K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 1 More Program | |
#109 | ![]() University of Wyoming, LaramieWyoming, Usa95.1%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $20K/YrLiving: $10.3K/YrAdmission | M.S Structural Engineering Analy...Duolingo110IELTS6.5$19.3K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 1 More Program | |
#110 | ![]() Utah State University, LoganUtah, Usa90.3%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $27.6K/YrLiving: $7.1K/YrAdmission | B.A/B.S Interior DesignIELTS6$27.6K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
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#111 | ![]() West Virginia University, MorgantownWest Virginia, Usa76.1%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $27.2K/YrLiving: $10.6K/YrAdmission | M.F.A Graphic DesignGRE298IELTS6.5PTE53$26.9K/Yr Course duration: 3 years 2+ More Programs | |
#112 | ![]() University of Idaho, MoscowIdaho, Usa75.9%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $28.6K/YrLiving: $8.7K/YrAdmission | M.A Studio Art & DesignTOEFL79PTE58$29.8K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 2+ More Programs | |
#113 | ![]() Brigham Young University, ProvoUtah, Usa51%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $13K/YrLiving: $7.5K/YrAdmission | B.A Graphic DesignTOEFL85$13K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 3+ More Programs | |
#114 | ![]() Rochester Institute of Technology, RochesterNew York, Usa54.9%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $56.5K/YrLiving: $12.7K/YrAdmission | M.A Film and AnimationIELTS6.5PTE60$56.9K/Yr Course duration: 3 years 3+ More Programs | |
#115 | ![]() University of Texas, San AntonioTexas, Usa76.4%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $20.6K/YrLiving: $11.2K/YrAdmission | B.A Interior DesignIELTS6.5PTE58$20.6K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#116 | ![]() University of Toledo, ToledoOhio, Usa94.3%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $21.2K/YrLiving: $11K/YrAdmission | B.A New Media Design PracticesTOEFL80PTE58$21.2K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#117 | ![]() Baylor University, WacoTexas, Usa39.7%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $54.8K/YrLiving: $12.2K/YrAdmission | B.A Interior DesignIELTS6.5PTE60$54.8K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 1 More Program | |
#118 | ![]() Howard University, WashingtonDistrict Of Columbia, Usa30%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $30.6K/YrLiving: $13.5K/YrAdmission | B.A Fashion DesignSAT1215TOEFL90PTE53$30.6K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 2+ More Programs | |
#119 | ![]() Florida Atlantic University, Boca RatonFlorida, Usa59.8%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $20.6K/YrLiving: $11.9K/YrAdmission | B.A Graphic DesignIELTS6PTE55$20.6K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#120 | ![]() University of North Carolina, GreensboroNorth Carolina, Usa20%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $22K/YrLiving: $10.2K/YrAdmission | M.A Interior ArchitectureTOEFL79PTE67$22K/Yr Course duration: 2 years Programs | |
#121 | ![]() Pacific University, Forest GroveOregon, Usa79%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $54.5K/YrLiving: $12.2K/YrAdmission | B.S Sustainable DesignIELTS7PTE53$54.5K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#122 | University of Memphis, MemphisTennessee, Usa56.7%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $24K/YrLiving: $3.8K/YrAdmission | B.A/B.S Interior DesignTOEFL79$24K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#123 | ![]() Miami University, OxfordOhio, Usa89%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $40.8K/YrLiving: $13.2K/YrAdmission | B.F.A Interior DesignSAT1220TOEFL80PTE53$40.8K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 1 More Program | |
#124 | ![]() University of Wisconsin, MilwaukeeWisconsin, Usa72%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $40.6K/YrLiving: $10.6K/YrAdmission | B.A/B.S Design and Visual Commun...IELTS6.0PTE49$40.6K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 5+ More Programs | |
#125 | ![]() University of South Alabama, MobileAlabama, Usa80.5%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $22.4K/YrLiving: $7.5K/YrAdmission | B.A/B.S Fine Arts - Graphic Desi...IELTS5.5PTE44$22.4K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#126 | ![]() Portland State University, PortlandOregon, Usa89.4%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $32K/YrLiving: $12.8K/YrAdmission | B.A Graphic DesignTOEFL80PTE60$32K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 1 More Program | |
#127 | ![]() University of San Francisco, San FranciscoCalifornia, Usa71.4%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $60.5K/YrLiving: $14.3K/YrAdmission | B.A DesignSAT1120IELTS6.5PTE46$60.5K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#128 | ![]() San Francisco State University, San FranciscoCalifornia, Usa68.2%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $7.6K/YrLiving: $14.5K/YrAdmission | M.A DesignTOEFL80PTE59$8.7K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 4+ More Programs | |
#129 | ![]() Seattle University, SeattleWashington, Usa74%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $53.2K/YrLiving: $12.1K/YrAdmission | B.A Digital DesignTOEFL68PTE48$53.2K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#130 | ![]() Western Washington University, BellinghamWashington, Usa83.1%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $17.7K/YrLiving: $11K/YrAdmission | B.A DesignIELTS6$17.7K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 1 More Program | |
#131 | ![]() University of Central Oklahoma, EdmondOklahoma, Usa69.9%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $16.7K/YrLiving: $8K/YrAdmission | M.F.A DesignTOEFL79PTE42$15.4K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 2+ More Programs | |
#132 | ![]() California State University, Los AngelesCalifornia, Usa46%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $19.8K/YrLiving: $13.4K/YrAdmission | B.A Graphic Design or Visual Com...TOEFL80PTE53$19.8K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 2+ More Programs | |
#133 | ![]() Illinois State University, NormalIllinois, Usa88.9%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $24.6K/YrLiving: $9.8K/YrAdmission | Master of Arts [M.A] Interior De...TOEFL79$26.3K/Yr Course duration: 18 months 4+ More Programs | |
#134 | ![]() California Polytechnic State University, San Luis ObispoCalifornia, Usa31.3%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $31.7K/YrLiving: $13.1K/YrAdmission | B.A Art and DesignTOEFL80$31.7K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#135 | ![]() Texas Christian University, Fort WorthTexas, Usa37.6%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $61.6K/YrLiving: $12.4K/YrAdmission | B.A Fashion MerchandisingIELTS6.0PTE53$61.6K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 2+ More Programs | |
#136 | ![]() California State University, Long BeachCalifornia, Usa33.8%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $6.4K/YrLiving: $12.5K/YrAdmission | B.A/B.S Graphic DesignIELTS6.5PTE46$6.4K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 3+ More Programs | |
#137 | ![]() Fairfield University, FairfieldConnecticut, Usa61.5%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $57.4K/YrLiving: $14.3K/YrAdmission | B.A/B.S Graphic DesignTOEFL80PTE53$57.4K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#138 | ![]() James Madison University, HarrisonburgVirginia, Usa72.1%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $35.6K/YrLiving: $10.1K/YrAdmission | B.A/B.S Graphic DesignIELTS6.5PTE58$35.6K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#139 | ![]() Creighton University, OmahaNebraska, Usa70.7%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $46.8K/YrLiving: $10.7K/YrAdmission | B.A Graphic Design and MediaIELTS6.5PTE49$46.8K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#140 | ![]() University of Dayton, DaytonOhio, Usa58%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $49.1K/YrLiving: $15.4K/YrAdmission | B.F.A Graphic DesignACT21IELTS6.5PTE50$49.1K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#141 | ![]() California State University, FullertonCalifornia, Usa41.9%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $9.6K/YrLiving: $15.6K/YrAdmission | M.A Concentration in Graphic and...TOEFL80PTE58$8.1K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 4+ More Programs | |
#142 | ![]() Chapman University, OrangeCalifornia, Usa54%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $62.8K/YrLiving: $14.9K/YrAdmission | B.F.A Graphic DesignSAT1370IELTS6.5PTE46$62.8K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 1 More Program | |
#143 | ![]() Thomas Jefferson University, PhiladelphiaPennsylvania, Usa64.2%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $43.5K/YrLiving: $13K/YrAdmission | M.S Fashion Design ManagementIELTS6.5$43.2K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 9+ More Programs | |
#144 | Simmons University, BostonMassachusetts, Usa63.6%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $44.2K/YrAdmission | B.S Web Design and DevelopmentIELTS6.5PTE60$44.2K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#145 | ![]() DePaul University, ChicagoIllinois, Usa69.8%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $42.7K/YrLiving: $13.8K/YrAdmission | M.A AnimationDuolingo115IELTS6.5PTE53$28.6K/Yr Course duration: 2 years 9+ More Programs | |
#146 | ![]() Duquesne University, PittsburghPennsylvania, Usa73.9%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $49K/YrLiving: $12.1K/YrAdmission | B.A Digital Media Arts - Web Dev...IELTS6.0PTE48$49K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 1 More Program | |
#147 | ![]() Seton Hall University, South OrangeNew Jersey, Usa76.2%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $48.7K/YrLiving: $13.5K/YrAdmission | B.A Design and Interactive Multi...TOEFL80$48.7K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs | |
#148 | ![]() UMass Lowell, LowellMassachusetts, Usa86%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $38.8K/YrLiving: $12.5K/YrAdmission | B.A Graphic Design: ArtDuolingo110TOEFL79PTE61$38.8K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 1 More Program | |
#149 | ![]() Montclair State University, MontclairNew Jersey, Usa66.1%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $25.9K/YrLiving: $14.5K/YrAdmission | B.A/B.S Graphic DesignTOEFL83PTE48$25.9K/Yr Course duration: 4 years 4+ More Programs | |
#150 | ![]() St. John's University, JamaicaNew York, Usa85%Acceptance Rate | Tuition: $53.6K/YrLiving: $16.6K/YrAdmission | B.A/B.S Fine Arts - Graphic Desi...TOEFL79PTE46$53.6K/Yr Course duration: 4 years Programs |