Best Design Colleges & Programs in California

How are the Top Design Programs Chosen in California

This content will be the same (or similar) across all major pages. Explain the criteria that these colleges were ranked by (student reviews, data from U.S. Department of Education, graduation rates, employment rates, etc).

Explore the Best Design Programs in California with Appily!

Conclusion and call to action. Encourage readers to sign up and research the list of best Design colleges in California below.

Biola University

Founded in 1908, Biola University is an Evangelical Christian University in the Los Angeles metro area with a focus on Bible-centered education. Biola offers over 150 academic majors and programs and every student is required to complete 30 credits...

“…

I have learned more during my Freshman year at Biola than I did any other year of high school. Not only have I been challenged in my Bible, General Education, and Intercultural Studies classes, but I have learned how a college student needs to...

” – Christine
Concordia University-Irvine

Affiliated with the Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod, Concordia University Irvine is a school of liberal arts in southern California. CUI is home to five colleges and schools granting undergraduate degrees in 26 academic majors and 50 specializations...

“…

The ratio of student to Professor at Concordia is about 15:1. This means that each student receives personal attention. The Professors and other faculty really get to know each student. When it comes time to ask for a Professors Recommendation Letter...

” – Bianca from Irvine, CA
College placeholder image

Founded in 1890 by the Dominican Sisters of San Rafael, the Dominican University of California is one of the oldest institutions of higher education in the state. The private university is located at the base of San Pedro Mountain and operates a...

“…

At Dominican, class sizes are, at most, twenty students per teacher; however, if you plan to major in nursing (a competitive major), be sure to expect classes of at least fifty students. All the teachers I have encountered have been easy to get along...

” – Amber from El Sobrante, CA
California State University-Fresno

California State University-Fresno is a 4-year public school and the second largest university in the Cal State system. Fresno State encompasses eight colleges and schools offering undergraduate degrees. In addition, Fresno State has been designated...

“…

Even when taking my general ed. classes, I've learned more than what I've expected. The teachers that I've had this semester all seem thrilled about teaching and hearing student responses.

” – Zachary from Fresno, CA
California State University-Monterey Bay

California State University, Monterey Bay is changing the way students experience college! Featuring a diverse student body on a campus located just one mile from the beautiful Pacific Ocean. California State University, Monterey Bay offers students...

“…

The classes are not too large so the teachers have more one-on-one time with their students. The only problem are furlough days that take away more time to learn.

” – Pauline from Whittier, CA
San Francisco State University

Originally founded as a teacher training college, San Francisco State University is a 4-year public institution and a Bay Area-based campus of the California State University System. SF State offers bachelor’s degrees in 77 fields of study and...

“…

I have enjoyed all but one teacher in my first year here at SF State. My teachers are committed to giving me the best education they can and that's a lot to ask for from a state school.

” – Liza from Bolinas, CA
California State University-Sacramento

California State University-Sacramento is a 4-year public institution and a member of the Cal State system in California’s state capital. A Native American Pacific Islander, Asian American, and Hispanic-Serving institution, Sac State is home to seven...

“…

You can say I've learned quite a lot since I've been here.

” – Judy from Sacramento, CA
Woodbury University

Founded in 1884, Woodbury University is a 4-year institution located in Los Angeles, CA. Offering 26 fully-accredited professional and liberal arts undergraduate and graduate majors, classes average 15 students and the institution maintains a student...

“…

i could not be happier coming here; i have never learned more in such a short period of time. the people who come here are amazing, the teachers are even better, and the work i'm producing is so different than my stuff i was working on a year ago...

” – Haley from Burbank, CA
College placeholder image

Cogswell College is a for-profit institution in Silicon Valley specializing in creative technology industry training. Cogswell offers six bachelor’s degrees in technological fields such as Digital Audio Technology and Game Design Engineering as well...

Vanguard University of Southern California

Originally founded as a Bible school, Vanguard University of Southern California is a Christian liberal arts college in Orange County. Vanguard confers bachelor’s degrees in 32 fields of study. As a Christian institution, Vanguard holds chapel...

“…

In my time at Vanguard, I have learned more than I possibly could have imagined in general education and theatre. They have provided me with multiple opportunities to gain experience and I couldn't have asked for more.

” – Amanda from Bakersfield, CA
College placeholder image

Otis College of Art and Design is a private school of fine arts and fashion design in Los Angeles. Otis grants bachelor’s degrees in seven art & design-centered majors such as Digital Media, Fashion Design, and Architecture. Additionally, all first...

“…

OTIS is an amazing place, I went to a few other schools before settling down here and I learned more in the first weeks at OTIS than I did in and entire year at some other schools.

” – Nicole from Los Angeles, CA
California College of the Arts

Founded in 1907, California College of the Arts is a Bay Area-based school of art and design with campuses in San Francisco and Oakland. CCA is home to 22 undergraduate programs in core disciplines of Architecture, Fine Arts, Design, and Humanities...

“…

I am deeply passionate about art. I have been drawing since i was a baby, and my love for creating has only grown since then. My technical skills were sub par prior to attending CCA. In my first semester i learned how to draw, how to REALLY draw. it...

” – Matthew from Oakland, CA
College placeholder image

Fresno Pacific University is a private Christian institution based in Fresno, California. It is affiliated with the Mennonite Brethren Churches. All academic programs offered at FPU highlight the importance of ethics, character development, and...

“…

The student there seem to really love it, the campus is beautiful and the classes are small enough for one on one learning so you don't feel left behind. The school offers many various programs all with an underlying message of faith and God.

” – Kourinthia from Tulare, CA
California Baptist University

California Baptist University is a private, Christian institution. With over 11,000 students, the 160-acre campus in Riverside, CA, features 10 schools and colleges that offer 80 bachelor’s degrees with Christ-centered curriculum in majors ranging...

“…

Two of my favorite things about California Baptist University are the class sizes and the professors. You will have small classes and will have the opportunity to get to know your professors. I have only been at CBU for a semester but my largest...

” – Rebecca from Riverside, CA
College placeholder image

ArtCenter College of Design is a conservatory of visual arts and design principles in the greater Los Angeles area. ArtCenter confers undergrad degrees in 11 artistic fields of study including Entertainment Design, Fine Art, and Film. To display...

“…

Art Center has provided me with not only the skills to excell in my profession, but more of a life lesson. Our school takes pride in simulating the real world. Currently working professionals to state of the art equipment, this is the place to not...

” – Daniel from La Crescenta, CA
Pacific Union College

Pacific Union College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in Napa Valley, California. While the college offers both undergraduate and graduate programs, the vast majority of students in attendance are undergraduates. PUC is part of...

“…

PUC is a beautiful campus with a strong academic program, friendly students and helpful faculty. You will learn a little bit of everything there is to know about the world and a whole lot about yourself.

” – Anonymous
Notre Dame de Namur University

Founded by two nuns, Notre Dame de Namur University is a Catholic school in Silicon Valley and the third oldest college in California. NDNU is home to schools of Arts & Sciences, Business, and Education granting bachelor’s degrees in 15 areas of...

“…

I enjoyed my stay in Belmont in July, and am looking forward to going to their holiday concert in December. The campus is small and the people are so welcoming, The counselor, Julie, is so humble and helpful. They offer an amazing tutoring program...

” – Laura from Tustin, CA
Laguna College of Art and Design

The Laguna College of Art and Design is a private college of fine arts in Laguna Beach, California. LCAD offers undergraduate degrees in 10 art and design-related fields of study such as Animation, Game Art, and Graphic Design and the college also...

“…

It's a great school for people who are interested in small classes with the focus on the students. The classes work you as hard as any other school and fun to take. The school is located near the beach, also allowing you to walk around the...

” – Student
College placeholder image

The Academy of Art University is a for-profit college of art and design in San Francisco and the largest private school dedicated to training artists in the United States. The Academy of Art University  confers bachelor’s and associate degrees in 22...

College placeholder image

Established in 1976, Bethesda University is a private, Christ-centered institution located in Anaheim, California. All undergraduate students are required to participate in extracurricular ministry, as well as to attend a weekly chapel event...