Best Design Schools

How are the Top Design Programs Chosen?

Appily determines “Best Colleges” based on publicly-available information from the US Department of Education. Several factors include, but are not limited to, data about admitted students’ academic calibers, students’ expected career outcomes after graduation, and colleges’ investments toward making their institution accessible to all students.

Explore the Best Design Programs with Appily!

Create a Appily account to start saving schools to your personal list. Wondering where you stand when applying to the best universities in the USA? You can also see your chances of acceptance and get insights into your target, reach, and likely schools.

Pennsylvania State University-University Park

Pennsylvania State University, Penn State, is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university with a main campus in University Park. This public research institution was founded in 1855 and is one of the largest universities in the US by student body. Its...

“…

Penn State is a first class University. Professors are both well informed and intriguing. Even the biggest lecture classes can seem like an engaging one on one meeting. The class listings also are very various and allow for much customization in...

” – Eric from Winburne, PA
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign

Founded in 1867, the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is a public institution in central Illinois and the flagship campus of the U of I system. UIUC is home to 15 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 150 areas of...

“…

I've learned things so far in every course I've taken and have met really great professors and instructors. You learn a lot from the people as well. They're from all over the world.

” – Kristen from Chicago, IL
William Jewell College

William Jewell College is a private, liberal arts institution established in Liberty, Missouri. Jewell’s 35-credit core curriculum is uniquely organized to move students through three different themed levels: transitioning from high school to college...

“…

Lacks breadth, makes up for in depth.The core curriculum classes are tough, a shock for even the most intelligent first year students as you will often times get the highest level professors and expectations from day one. If you can make it through...

” – William from Springfield, MO
Clemson University

Clemson University is America’s second-largest university by student population and South Carolina’s land- and sea-grant institution. Clemson is home to seven colleges and schools offering bachelor’s degrees in more than 80 academic majors. For...

“…

Not only do I learn a lot of material from the textbooks and outstanding professors, but Clemson teaches you how to manage your new independent life. It also reaffirms your basic fundamentals in school and out side of the classroom. You will be book...

” – Lenise from Decatur, GA
Augustana College

Augustana College is a private, liberal arts institution founded in 1860. Located in Rock Island, IL, Augustana offers more than 90 majors and related study programs in the humanities and fine arts, natural and social sciences, and pre-professional...

“…

The faculty here are intelligent and more than qualified, plus they show a genuine caring attitude towards the students. The tri-mester schedule allows students to take more classes and double and even triple major.

” – Ashley from Dixon, IL
Wheaton College (Massachusetts)

Wheaton College is a 4-year, coeducational college located halfway between Boston and Providence in Norton, Massachusetts. Students can choose between more than 100 majors and minors, all of which are influenced by the requirements-light Compass...

“…

Wheaton is a small, intensive liberal arts college in Norton, MA. While the town of Norton isn't a great college town and the campus is small, Wheaton has a great campus community with active and engaged students, faculty, and staff. Classes are...

” – Nicholas from Loudonville, NY
Stonehill College

Founded by the Congregation of the Holy Cross, Stonehill College is a Catholic liberal arts college in southeast Massachusetts. Stonehill confers bachelor’s degrees in over 80 academic programs and all students are required to participate in a...

“…

At Stonehill, I feel as though I am learning a lot. I am currently a biology major. My classes are challenging although they are doable. There are only 2,500 students in my school which leads to an average classroom size of 25. My professors all...

” – Nina from Mount Sinai, NY
North Central College

North Central College is a private comprehensive institution located just 30 miles west of Chicago in Naperville, Illinois. Founded in 1861, North Central offers nearly 100 different majors, minors and programs that serve the needs and interests of...

“…

The classes have been small and very informative. I have had no problems scheduling classes when I want them or changing time/day if I need to. I was also allowed to apply to the teacher education program before starting my sophomore year. The...

” – Tyler from Sandwich, IL
San Jose State University

San Jose State University is the oldest public university on the west coast, and is the founding campus of the 23-campus California State University System. Located on 154 acres in downtown San Jose, SJSU offers more than 145 areas of study with an...

“…

I have taken English 1A, Latino Identity (psycology), Remedial Math, and Intro to Sociology. English 1A is the GE English class required for undergrad students. My teacher, Mr. Mujal, was amazing. It was a small class of 25, and he made sure everyone...

” – Tatiana from San Francisco, CA
Ithaca College

Ithaca College is a private, liberal arts college located midway between Manhattan and Toronto. IC offers more than 100 programs across five schools, including an Exploratory Program, which allows freshmen to take up to four semesters to try out...

“…

Ithaca College offers many opportunities to pursue any subject that you may desire to study. You can be a communication major and still have the chance to take art history or any other class that may catch your eye. As a cinema major, I have taken...

” – Courtney from Yorktown Heights, NY
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Walla Walla University is a private institution founded in 1892 and is founded on Christian teachings and values of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Walla Walla is rated as having a “selective” admissions process and orchestrates an honors program...

“…

Great atmosphere, lots of friendliness to go around. Beautiful campus, even if they have weird weather. Great academics, however much people like to complain. Homework is required at all colleges.

” – Sara from Dallas, OR
Loyola University Chicago

Founded in 1870, Loyola University Chicago is a Catholic, Jesuit university located in the city of Chicago. Loyola has four campuses in the Chicago area–the main Lake Shore Campus along Lake Michigan, Water Tower Campus in the heart of downtown, the...

“…

As a nursing student at Loyola University I was immediately enrolled in classes directly related to my major. The teachers for my nursing classes encouraged me to take initiative in getting involved early within the nursing field. They taught me...

” – Heather
Juniata College

Founded in 1876, Juniata College is a 4-year liberal arts college in central Pennsylvania affiliated with the Church of the Brethren. Instead of conventional majors, Juniata features Programs of Emphasis which challenge students to develop their own...

“…

I'm looking to major in Biology, and this looks like a great place to go for it. The program is very diverse, and surprisingly varied for a school of its size. I haven't gotten to sit in on classes (I've been accepted, and they're at the top of my...

” – Megan from New Market, MD
Lewis University

Lewis University is a private institution based in Romeoville, Illinois. The university operates two regional sites in Oak Brook and Tinley Park, as well as a satellite campus in Albuquerque, New Mexico. The school is affiliated with the Roman...

“…

Lewis is an amazing school. There are many different types of majors and degrees offered and it has the top rated Aviation and Nursing programs in the Midwest. Lewis is a small, close knit and friendly community.

” – Martina from Burbank, IL
The New School

Discover a new kind of university in New York City, one where scholars, artists, and designers come together to challenge convention and create positive change. Our university takes full advantage of its location in one of the most vibrant and...

“…

I am currently a student at the Parsons division of The New School, and my major is Fashion Design. The thing that sets me apart from my section (during the first semester you will be a part of a section that you have almost all of your classes with...

” – Briana from Corpus Christi, TX
Bethel University

Bethel University is an evangelical Christian liberal arts university in the Twin Cities metro area. Bethel confers bachelor’s degrees in more than 90 majors covering 106 academic areas of study featuring a general education curriculum that...

“…

As Bethel is a small school there are many opportunities for students to have close interaction and communication with their professors. Teachers notice when a student is not in class and the classes, such as the Humanities program is very well...

” – Ashley from Lakeville, MN
Drake University

Calling Des Moines, Iowa, its home, Drake University is a midsize, private institution of higher learning with more than 70 majors available to its undergraduate students. Cultivated over 130 years of educating, The Drake Curriculum features small...

“…

I feel like I didn't learn anything in high school, but I love college! At Drake I feel like the professors really teach you the material and most make it interesting!

” – Kristin from Lockport, IL
University of Dayton

The University of Dayton is a top-tier Catholic research university with offerings from the undergraduate to the doctoral levels. We are a diverse community committed, in the Marianist tradition, to educating the whole person and to linking learning...

“…

Classes are hands on, and in my opinion, experience is the best teacher.

” – Jessica from Columbus, OH
Thomas Jefferson University

Built for a future that has yet to be defined, Jefferson is crossing disciplines to bring unrivaled innovation and discovery to higher education. Through boundary-breaking collaboration, research and hands-on, experiential learning, we equip...

“…

This school is very well developed. You learn alot of information needed for your major. Many opportunities are offered. Have excellent internship programs to help you have an idea of what to expect after graduation. Many clubs and organizations...

” – Adji from Philadelphia, PA
Virginia Tech

The Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, also known as Virginia Tech, is a 4-year public research university in western Virginia. Virginia Tech encompasses nine colleges offering bachelor’s degrees in 110 academic majors. To promote...

“…

For prospective engineering students, look no further than Virginia Tech. The school has one of the finest engineering programs in the country and as such all graduates leave with a slight advantage in their job hunt. It is a very rigorous program...

” – Benjamin from Jeffersonton, VA