Explore Your
Future In Design.
What to Look for When Choosing a School
Graphic design is a creatively stimulating and fulfilling career with a wide variety of career paths. Just as there are many potential paths for a graphic designer to take, there are many different types of graphic design programs. Prospective students can choose to learn their trade online or on campus, in a four-year program or a two year program, in an undergraduate program or a graduate program, at part of a larger institution or an independent school. And of course, these are just some of the options!
Read MoreFinancial Aid for Graphic Design Students
There are a wide variety of financial aid options open to graphic design students. With enough perseverance, and considering both need-based and merit-based aid, any student can receive some sort of financial aid funds. Finding financial aid is a long process that can be convoluted and competitive, but patience will pay off.
Read MoreWhat You Need to Know About Accreditation
Accreditation is the process of reviewing an institution to determine if it meets certain standards of excellence. In America, the National Association of Schools of Art and Design (NASAD) is the sole body responsible for accrediting arts and design schools. NASAD is not directly part of the U.S. government, but it has been given the authority to review and grant accreditation by the U.S. Department of Education. According to the mandate established by the Department of Education, NASAD is responsible for accrediting degree programs and non-degree-granting programs as well as campus-based institutions and online-learning programs.
Read MoreThe Top Ten Graphic Design Schools
U.S. News and World Report is a highly respected source of university rankings. One of their specialty rankings is for the best schools in the U.S. for Graphic Design. Since finding an excellent school is likely to be top of your list of priorities if you want to go into graphic design, we have reprinted the top ten schools here, along with a snapshot of the courses available, philosophy of teaching, and application details for each. Best of luck finding the school that's right for you!
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