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.

University of Nebraska-Lincoln

Founded in 1869, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln is the oldest university in the state and flagship of the NU system. Nebraska is home to nine colleges conferring undergraduate degrees. In addition to classroom facilities, the NU campus hosts The...

“…

The absolute only reason why I only put 4 stars is because as being a freshman I had to complete some general study classes that I felt was impractical for my major and felt I didn't benefit from. The classes designed for my major I would without a...

” – Alisha from Jackson , MO
Trinity Christian College

Trinity Christian College is a private liberal arts institution located in the wooded suburb of Palos Heights, IL, offering degrees in three areas, Arts & Humanities, Natural & Applied Sciences, and Social Sciences. All programs require an internship...

“…

The professors at Trinity are rather wonderful. You can learn a lot from them in and out of the classroom. I have learned a lot of other cultures from international students and by talking to students from across the nation.

” – Christine from Wheaton, IL
Augsburg University

Surrounding the city’s oldest parks in downtown Minneapolis, Minnesota, Augsburg University is a test-optional, 4-year institution comprised of 18 main buildings, 3 dining venues, and more than 50 liberal arts academic programs to choose from...

“…

The professors are great! They go beyond what is taught in the textbook.

” – Nou from Coon Rapids, MN
Buena Vista University

Buena Vista University is a private, 4-year institution established in Storm Lake, Iowa. The college offers over 50 academic programs and 90 majors and minors, with primary focus given to their Science, Education, and Business programs. As the...

“…

I am planning on majoring in biology. If science or the medical field is what you are looking at, BVU is the place to go. It has one of the best science departments in Iowa and has a very cool medical internship program at the local hospital.

” – Beth from Mapleton, IA
State University of New York at Oswego

With campus situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, SUNY College at Oswego is a public university in northern New York State. SUNY Oswego is home to schools of Education, Liberal Arts, Communication, and Business conferring degrees in over 60 fields...

“…

Most of my classes, were very enjoyable. I took a public speaking class and learned such a huge amount of material, without realizing it. I did so well in the class and learned so much that the teacher asked me to be his Peer Educator for the next...

” – Sarah
New Jersey Institute of Technology

New Jersey Institute of Technology is the state’s public polytechnic university and is located in the University Heights neighborhood of downtown Newark, NJ. NJIT offers 120+ programs across its six specialized schools for a population of more than...

“…

NJIT is a fantastic university. It will take a year to get used to all of the things that happen on campus; however, once you're set, everything goes smoothly. Plus, they've got some great food that is served here!

” – Ayrton from Newark, NJ
University of Hartford

Spread across seven dynamic schools and colleges, UHart is a four-year private nonprofit university that has been guiding the purpose and passion of undergraduate and graduate students for over six decades. Centrally located alongside Connecticut’s...

“…

The first year at any college, you will have to take classes outside of your major. Hartford has All University Curriculum classes (normally referred to as Gen-Eds). The classes fall under the categories of Arts, Culture, Technology and Science....

” – Sarah R.
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Founded in 1876, Calvin College is a 4-year Christian liberal arts college in Grand Rapids affiliated with the Christian Reformed Church. Calvin grants bachelor’s degrees in over 100 academic majors and programs. For students interested in the arts...

“…

Professors care and want you to succeed. They challenge you, tasks are easy, but they also want to give you the tools to succeed, and excel at it. Some of the professors you connect with will get to know you at a personal level. In the classroom you...

” – Nickolas from Barrington, IL
Abilene Christian University

Originally founded as the Childers Classical Institute, Abilene Christian University is a 4-year Christian institution in west Texas affiliated with the Churches of Christ. ACU confers bachelor’s degrees in over 70 academic majors with a focus on...

“…

I have learned and grown so much here. The teachers are amazing and care so much for you as a student and as a person. You will learn a ton in your classes, and will be more than prepared when you enter the work field or continue on with your...

” – Brittany from Abilene, TX
Doane University

Doane University is a private, 4-year institution established in Crete, Nebraska. The college also maintains three additional, satellite campuses in Lincoln, Grand Island, and Omaha. Students attending Doane have a number of special academic...

“…

Doane College is a small college therefore class sizes are small and the material gets relayed and related to you in new and innovative ways. Teachers have more time to focus on the students because of the smaller class sizes. Doane is a great choice...

” – Alex from Crete, NE
Seattle Pacific University

Founded in 1891 by the Free Methodist Church of North America, Seattle Pacific University is a 4-year Christian university in Seattle. With a campus nestled in the north slope of Queen Anne Hill, SPU awards undergrad degrees in 69 academic majors. In...

“…

Seattle Pacific University is a small school, but the educational quality is wonderful. The professors teach every class themselves, and they are all always ready to meet and talk about your education. Furthermore, the professors themselves are...

” – Benjamin from Wilsonville, OR
Gannon University

Founded by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie, Gannon University is a 4-year Catholic liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania and one of 11 Diocesan universities in the United States. Gannon grants bachelor’s degrees in 64 academic fields of...

“…

The professors at Gannon are great. They will work with you and around your schedules to make sure that you are up to par and where you need to be. I find it great that there are certain classes that everyone has to take and they are often very...

” – Elizabeth from Mc Donald, PA
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The Art Academy of Cincinnati is a private, 4-year institution established in the state of Ohio. As one of the country’s smallest 4-year art colleges, students attending The Art Academy benefit from individualized support networks, guaranteed studio...

“…

The AAC is by far one of the most artistic places I have ever seen. They want you to grow in your own vision, not a cloan trained classicly. Freedom, expression, and originality are the best three words to describe the AAC.

” – Douglas from Milford, OH
Auburn University
Auburn University, AL
Auburn University

Auburn University is a 4-year public research institution and the second largest university in Alabama. Auburn encompasses 12 colleges offering undergraduate degrees in over 150 academic majors. Outside of the classroom, Auburn is home to the Auburn...

“…

I'm in the engineering program and I am learning tons about software and how computers work. I highly recommend Auburn to anyone who is looking for an engineering school.

” – Marissa from Stafford, VA
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
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Marlboro College is a 4-year liberal arts college with a campus nestled in the heart of southern Vermont’s scenic Green Mountains. Marlboro offers a standard array of degree fields, but more than half of the student body opts to take an...

“…

There are a lot of intellectuals on campus, and everyone seems to be a self-created expert in something. Just a casual conversation with someone over lunch can be a stimulating experience.

” – wendalement
Texas Tech University

Texas Tech University is a 4-year public research university and the flagship campus of the TTU System. Texas Tech encompasses 12 colleges and schools and is the only Texas college to feature an undergraduate university, law school, and medical...

“…

The professors that teach here are wonderful! They are understanding, compassionate and encouraging. They are always open to questions and outside-class time you may need to fully understand the concept.

” – Samantha from Katy, TX
Western Washington University

Western Washington University is a public institution located in the coastal city of Bellingham. WWU offers more than 160 academic programs on the campus, which is surrounding by 6 miles of trails for students to explore. The university was named a...

“…

WWU’s faculty can be characterized as innovative, challenging, and accommodating. Most every classroom is equipped with the technology to allow for multi-media presentations, so you will never have a talking head professor. The professors try to...

” – Patricia from Brush Prairie, WA
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville

Founded two years before Tennessee achieved statehood in 1794, the University of Tennessee-Knoxville is the flagship campus of the UT system and the first public university west of the Appalachian Divide. UT is home to nine colleges and schools...

“…

I have completed a total of 34 hours at the UT campus. So far, I have learned a lot from my professors. While some classes are huge (200+), others allow for one-on-one time with other students and faculty. Even in the 200+ classes, discussion...

” – Brittany from Morristown, TN
Northland College

With campus a short distance from the shores of Lake Superior, Northland College is a 4-year liberal arts college in northern Wisconsin dedicated to sustainability and the environment. Northland confers undergraduate degrees in over 40 academic...

“…

The level and sophistication of the academic program at Northland is outstanding. The professors are always willing to provide any assistance and they want to see their students succeed. They push you to do your best in order to become a more...

” – Abby from Bloomington, IL