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.

Endicott College

Endicott College is a private, four-year college located on Boston’s North Shore. With three private beaches, Endicott’s oceanfront campus, in Beverly, Mass., draws a diverse group of undergraduate and graduate students from 30 states and 38...

“…

Endicott's professors WANT you to succeed. None of your classes will have more than 25 students, so your teacher knows your name. They all have office hours to make themselves available to you for some extra help or whatever you need to stay on top...

” – Kaila from Tewksbury, MA
Rutgers University-New Brunswick

Standing among the nation's leading research universities, Rutgers University–New Brunswick is acclaimed for the excellent achievements of its people and for their contributions to society in the pursuit of education, research, and health care...

“…

Rutgers University is an excellent school because it offers various majors and minors to accommodate every student. Their Pharmacy, Engineering, as well as Business schools are widely acclaimed and their challenging programs drastically prepare you...

” – Lawrenceville, NJ
Earlham College

Earlham College is a liberal arts institution situated in Richmond, IN. Earlham grounds their curricula in the humanities, social sciences, and sciences, emphasizing intellectual and practical skills, personal and social responsibility, and...

“…

Amazing and wonderful school with a great pride in community and friendship. Very academically rigorous and quite rewarding. A large variety of classes and majors are available with very helpful professors to guide you throughout your time here

” – Hosanna from Richmond, IN
University of San Francisco

Founded by Jesuits in the mid-nineteenth century, the University of San Francisco is a private Catholic university and the first university established in the city. The 55-acre urban campus located near Golden Gate Park is home to 49 academic majors...

“…

Considering the fact that USF has different types of students from different areas, I feel strong to say that I will definitely learn a lot throughout ethnicity, religion, and culture.

” – Laura from Tustin, CA
Bennington College

Bennington College is a progressive liberal arts college, the hub at which global opportunities converge, and a launching pad for careers of meaning. Our campus prepares leaders, intellectual change-makers, and artists by empowering them to shape...

“…

I recently had a tour at Bennington College and I also attended an information session. The impression I got was that Bennington College offers students an amazing education for several reasons:
1. Students learn what they want to learn: Students...

” – A high school senior from northern VT
Ouachita Baptist University

Ouachita Baptist University is a private, Christian, liberal arts college established in Arkadelphia, Arkansas. OBU students are required to complete two classes in religion and seven credits of chapel throughout their academic career in order to...

“…

The professors at Ouachita are incredible. They are brilliant in their subjects and have a passion for teaching!

” – Tiffani from The Colony, TX
Mississippi College

Founded in 1826, Mississippi College is the oldest university in the state and has “more selective” admissions. It is affiliated with the Baptist Church and houses the Provone Chapel, which was used as a hospital during the Civil War. It hosts the...

“…

Small classes and dedicated professors create a dynamic learning environment where students can work together, ask questions, and a get hands-on learning experience. Most professors' have convenient office hours during which students are encouraged...

” – Laura from Collierville, TN
The University of Tampa

The University of Tampa is a 4-year private university with a campus in the heart of downtown Tampa. UT features a Four College Model consisting of colleges of Business, Arts, Natural Sciences, and Social Sciences. For students who wish to learn in...

“…

Since the class sizes are so small, the professors are able to focus more on the individual students and therefore make sure that you do learn and pass the class.

” – Sarah from Tampa, FL
DePaul University

DePaul University is one of the largest private universities in the country. Located in Chicago, DePaul has more than 22,000 students, offers more than 300 degree programs over ten academic colleges and schools, and offers two campuses in the heart...

“…

I have just recently transferred to DePaul University in June of this year. I have taken 3 summer classes and found I am able to graduate almost 6 months early due to the University's flexible and accomodating class requirements. In three months I...

” – Ashley from Chicago, IL
Florida Institute of Technology

Florida Tech is home to the serious seekers, the relentlessly curious, bold and driven scholars who learn best by doing. Our hands-on approach to education includes a cooperative education program, field research projects, capstone experiences...

“…

When you come here, you must be alert and ready to learn. This school is perfect for you, if you like one and one interaction. The classes wont pass 50 students. Professors are always available, the student center will always be watching your grades...

” – Angeline from Palm Springs, FL
Hanover College

Hanover College’s campus is nestled along the banks of the scenic Ohio River. Founded in 1827, Hanover is the oldest private college in Indiana. Our stunning natural campus is just an easy drive from one of 3 major metropolitan areas- Indianapolis...

“…

Hanover is more than a college, it's a community. I've never felt so accepted and welcomed in such a great environment. I feel like I wouldn't be the same person without my liberal arts education I've received here.

” – Shana from Hanover, IN
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Nebraska Wesleyan University is a private, 4-year institution established in the capital city of Lincoln. Students attending NWU are eligible to receive a $1000 renewable grant if they schedule a campus visit. Academics at the college are based upon...

“…

The professors are eager to teach and they have a lot of neat classes that you can take.

” – Nebraskan
California State Polytechnic University-Pomona

California State Polytechnic University-Pomona is a public university in southern California and one of two polytechnic institutions in the Cal State system. Cal Poly Pomona is home to nine colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees. In...

“…

CPP's staff is unmatched in many ways. Being an architecture major, I've met some of the best in the field and have been taught by professors who have been in the business a long time. Some classes can be frustrating if you have a teacher who doesn't...

” – Beau from Napa, CA
Quinnipiac University

A private university located in Hamden, Connecticut, Quinnipiac engages and serves a diverse student body and offers an educational experience that is both personal and challenging. Quinnipiac's academic centers and institutes pair students and...

“…

The professors at Quinnipiac University are extremely helpful. Sure, you'll find an exception to that rule, but I have found that the majority of teachers excel at aiding their students in their education, and personal growth. I dare say that in my...

” – Gray from Kinnelon, NJ
Beloit College

Diverse, curious, passionate, and drawn from nearly 50 states and over 40 countries, Beloit College students love to engage with ideas and the world. Over one-third of students double major, combining interests in creative and original ways. Beloit...

“…

The teachers here at Beloit are experts in their field and want to share their knowledge with you. Classes are interactive and fun and often relaxed, but you learn an enormous amount of information while enjoying yourself. I was surpised by how much...

” – Marlee from Lincoln Univ, PA
Texas State University

Founded in 1899, Texas State University is a 4-year public school in south Texas and the largest campus in the TSU system. TSU hosts nine colleges conferring undergraduate degrees in 98 academic majors. Every year, Texas State unveils a Common...

“…

I received 42 credit hours from IB and AP classes in high school and my first semester courses were just basically review classes for me. However, since I have all of my core classes out of the way, I can take Upperclassmen and Honors courses for my...

” – Laura from Garland, TX
Elizabethtown College

Affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, Elizabethtown College is a private institution in south central Pennsylvania. Elizabethtown confers degrees in 56 academic fields of study and offers 100 minors and concentrations. With a focus on...

“…

The campus is absolutely gorgeous. It's great spending time after a theatre class just laying out on the Dell sunbathing and catching up with friends. Everyone here is extremely friendly and helpful; you'll never feel alone.

” – Beth
Indiana University-Bloomington

Founded in 1820, Indiana University-Bloomington is the largest university in the state and the flagship campus of the IU system in southwest Indiana. IU encompasses 16 colleges and schools hosting over 200 undergraduate majors. As a school with a...

“…

The quality of the education you get here is really reliant on which specific classes you take. I've had some really challenging, forum-based classes where I felt like I learned a lot, including a lot more beyond just the curriculum. I believe some...

” – Alicia from West Chester, OH
The University of Alabama

Established in 1831, The University of Alabama is a four-year research institution in Tuscaloosa and the oldest and largest public university in the state. UA features 12 colleges and schools conferring bachelor’s degrees in over 70 fields of study...

“…

This college is great for hands-on experience and in class learning. The teachers really care and are very knowledgeable in the area they teach. I have been able to take advantage of my teachers' office hours and really get to know them. I learned...

” – Brittney from Birmingham, AL
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Messiah College is a private liberal arts and sciences institution based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. It was founded by the Brethren in Christ Church and has a “more selective” admissions process. Students are required to sign a Community Covenant...

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Mostly my classes have been small enough to be able to get to know the teacher, yet large enough to have a discussion that has representatives from many different worldviews. Even the lecture classes have been small, especially considering what...

” – Messiah Student, Health and Exercise Science Major