Best graphic design schools - Ila Bappa (2024)

Reviewed by: Maryam MCOseni and Nuruddeen Hassan

The creative field of graphic design employs designers to create visually compelling material with a clear objective. To convey their message, they can use a variety of materials, including text, media, and graphics. Graphic designers may also work on a variety of visual projects, such as visual advertisem*nts, magazine layouts, website visuals, publications, logos, exhibitions, and more. In order to strengthen their skills, those interested in pursuing this career path should attend graphic design schools. In this post, I’ll go over the top graphic design programs and factors to think about before enrolling. Graphic design is becoming a more in-demand profession.

Best choices

1. Politecnico di Milano
2. ArtCenter College of Design
3. Aalto University
4. Rhode Island School of Design
5. Parsons School of Design

Things to consider when picking the best graphic design schools

1. Credibility
   Seek for a design school that has a solid reputation in the field. Verify reviews, accolades, and accreditation.
2. Curriculum
   Make sure the design-related topics covered in the program pique your interest. Choose a course of study that provides academic and practical skills.
3. Cost
   Before committing full-time, consider taking a few summer or part-time courses. Before submitting an application, try the program out. This is a terrific method to determine if design school is truly what you want to pursue and one of the best ways to make a final decision on colleges.
4. Faculty
   Choose a school with skilled and experienced instructors who will be able to mentor and advise you throughout your academic career.
5. Establishments
   Examine the classrooms, studios, and libraries at the school. Make sure they have the most recent technologies and are properly outfitted.
6. Place
   Take into account the school’s location as well as the employment prospects that follow graduation.
7. Expertise
   Selecting a school with an emphasis on environmental sustainability is not a good idea if your interests lie in engineering and manufacturing aspects of design. Additionally, be aware that while some programs emphasize concrete skills, others are really intellectual in nature. Select appropriately.

Best graphic design schools

5. Parsons School of Design

Location: Manhattan, New York
Admission requirements: Application form, application fee, essay, portfolio, letter(s) of recommendation, academic transcripts
Parsons is one of the most well-known brands in graphic design education and is consistently rated among the top design schools. Parsons provides a four-year BFA in Communication Design, and its graduates have found employment at Google, Facebook, and New York Magazine.

4. Rhode Island School of Design

Location: Providence, Rhode Island
Admission requirements: Application form, academic transcripts, tests, portfolio, college essay, and letter of recommendation
RISD is one of the top design schools in the world, having been founded in 1877. It’s known for turning out internationally recognized designers who go on to be successful across a range of businesses.
RISD boasts some of the top teachers in the industry, with a demanding curriculum and an attitude that pushes students’ creative boundaries and experimentation. You’ll also get practical training using state-of-the-art tools and technology, depending on the course you select.

3. Aalto University

Location: Aalto, Finland
Admission requirements: Application form and one of the following qualification documents
Finland’s vibrant Aalto University encourages innovation in all of its academic programs. This makes Aalto an excellent choice for anyone looking to work in UX or product design, even if its primary concentration is on technology and business rather than art and design.
Unique possibilities to develop a variety of abilities are provided by the school. Especially in light of current issues like the climate catastrophe, Aalto is poised to play a leading role in influencing the direction of education and research due to its unique dedication to sustainability, entrepreneurship, and internationalization.

2. ArtCenter College of Design

Location: Pasadena, California
Admission requirements: Application form, $50 fee, transcripts, portfolio, essays (x2)
One of the few universities offering a degree in interaction design, ArtCenter was founded in 1930 and is renowned for its demanding curriculum. Having started as a vocational college, it today boasts some of the most important designers on its faculty and a solid reputation for turning out notable alumni like Clement Mok.

1. Politecnico di Milano

Location: Milan, Italy
Admission requirements: Varies depending on country of origin
One of the greatest universities in Italy, Politecnico di Milano is dispersed throughout seven sites in and around Milan. It’s important to note that, unlike most US schools, this one only offers three-year degrees. All classes are taught in Italian, though, so you might need to pick up a new language. You will also graduate with a degree in science rather than fine arts because it is a technical institution.

Final thought
In the current tech era, graphics design is becoming more and more popular, thus anyone interested in pursuing this career should hone their talents to stand out in the crowded field of graphic designers. Attending any of the aforementioned universities will ensure that you stand out in the field and can carve out a unique reputation for yourself. If you decide to check into other universities, it’s crucial to take the previously mentioned characteristics into account.

Author: Ila Bappa Ibrahim