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2022 Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Design & Applied Arts

503 Colleges in the United States
8,339 Associate Degrees
$22,597 Avg Early-Career Salary
If you pursue a associate degree in design and applied arts, you won't be alone. The field of study is the #18 most popular program in the country. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

For its 2022 ranking, College Factual looked at 503 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the most popular for design and applied arts students pursuing a associate degree. When you put them all together, these colleges and universities awarded 8,339 associate degrees in design and applied arts during the 2019-2020 academic year.

What's on this page: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Design & Applied Arts School for Your Associate Degree

Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Design & Applied Arts The design associate degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. One of the reasons we created our Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Design & Applied Arts ranking is to help you make that choice.

A high popularity ranking isn't always a sign that a school has a great overall quality ranking for design and applied arts, but it does mean that many students are choosing the school for some reason. Sometimes this is because the school offers a great educational experience, it is a good value, or it is highly focused on the program.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Bachelor's Degrees in Design
Master's Degrees in Design
Doctor's Degrees in Design
Overall Popularity in Design

This is not our only ranking, nor the only degree level we have ranked. In addition to this ranking, you may want to take at the rankings for different degree levels as called out above. You can also narrow your search by location by filtering for a certain area of the country. Plus, you can view our other rankings for design and applied arts.

The following list ranks the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing an associate degree in design and applied arts. Only those schools that rank in the top 15% of all the schools we analyze get awarded with a place on this list.

25 Most Well Attended Schools for Design Students Working on Their Associate

1
838 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#1 Best Quality In NY

Fashion Institute of Technology is one of the most popular schools in the United States for getting an associate degree in design and applied arts. FIT SUNY is a moderately-sized public school located in the large city of New York. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in New York.

There were about 838 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at FIT SUNY in the most recent data year.

Design & Applied Arts associate degree recipients from Fashion Institute of Technology receive an earnings boost of approximately $3,003 above the average income of design and applied arts majors.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Fashion Institute of Technology

2
318 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#1 Best Quality In CA

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - Los Angeles if you want to pursue an associate degree in design and applied arts. Located in the large city of Los Angeles, FIDM Los Angeles is a private for-profit school with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in California.

There were approximately 318 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at FIDM Los Angeles in the most recent year we have data available.

Those design and applied arts students who get their associate degree from FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - Los Angeles earn $2,303 more than the typical design grad.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - Los Angeles

3
New School University crest
The New School
New York, NY
180 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#2 Best Quality In NY

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at The New School if you wish to pursue an associate degree in design and applied arts. Located in the city of New York, New School University is a private not-for-profit school with a medium-sized student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in New York.

There were about 180 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at New School University in the most recent year we have data available.

Associate recipients from the design and applied arts program at The New School make $17,803 above the average college graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from The New School

4
Ivy Tech Community College crest
Ivy Tech Community College
Indianapolis, IN
118 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IN
#2 Best Quality In IN

Ivy Tech Community College is one of the most popular schools in the United States for getting an associate degree in design and applied arts. Ivy Tech Community College is a very large public college located in the large city of Indianapolis. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in Indiana.

There were approximately 118 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Ivy Tech Community College in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduation, design associate recipients generally earn an average of $22,900 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Ivy Tech Community College

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102 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WI
#1 Best Quality In WI

Madison College is a fairly large public college located in the city of Madison. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in Wisconsin.

There were approximately 102 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Madison College in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Madison Area Technical College

6
95 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NC
#1 Best Quality In NC

Wake Technical Community College is a very large public college located in the suburb of Raleigh. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in North Carolina.

There were about 95 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at Wake Technical Community College in the most recent data year.

Associate recipients from the design and applied arts major at Wake Technical Community College get $9,303 more than the typical college grad in this field when they enter the workforce.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Wake Technical Community College

6
Montgomery College crest
Montgomery College
Rockville, MD
95 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MD
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the city of Rockville, Montgomery College is a public college with a very large student population.

There were about 95 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Montgomery College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Montgomery College

8
Full Sail University crest
Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL
90 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In FL
#7 Best Quality In FL

Full Sail University is a fairly large private for-profit university located in the suburb of Winter Park. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #7 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in Florida.

There were roughly 90 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Full Sail University in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Full Sail University

9
83 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In RI
#1 Best Quality In RI

Located in the suburb of East Greenwich, New England Tech is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in Rhode Island.

There were roughly 83 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at New England Tech in the most recent year we have data available.

Associate recipients from the design and applied arts degree program at New England Institute of Technology get $3,303 above the typical graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from New England Institute of Technology

10
Salt Lake Community College crest
Salt Lake Community College
Salt Lake City, UT
81 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In UT
#1 Best Quality In UT

Salt Lake Community College is a fairly large public college located in the large suburb of Salt Lake City. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in Utah.

There were approximately 81 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Salt Lake Community College in the most recent year we have data available.

Design & Applied Arts associate degree recipients from Salt Lake Community College earn a boost of about $6,403 above the typical income of design and applied arts majors.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Salt Lake Community College

11
77 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In KS
#1 Best Quality In KS

JCCC is a large public college located in the city of Overland Park. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in Kansas.

There were about 77 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at JCCC in the most recent data year.

Those design and applied arts students who get their associate degree from Johnson County Community College receive $4,503 more than the standard design student.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Johnson County Community College

11
77 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#1 Best Quality In TX

Located in the medium-sized suburb of McKinney, Collin County Community College District is a public college with a fairly large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in Texas.

There were about 77 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at Collin County Community College District in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Collin County Community College District

13
75 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
#9 Best Quality In CA

Platt College - San Diego is a small private for-profit college located in the large city of San Diego. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #9 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in California.

There were about 75 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at Platt College - San Diego in the most recent data year.

Soon after graduating, design associate recipients generally earn about $23,000 in the first five years of their career.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Platt College - San Diego

14
74 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OH
#6 Best Quality In OH

The Modern College of Design is a small private for-profit college located in the city of Kettering. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #6 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in Ohio.

There were approximately 74 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at The Modern College of Design in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from The Modern College of Design

15
67 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In OH
#2 Best Quality In OH

Sinclair Community College is a fairly large public college located in the city of Dayton. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #2 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in Ohio.

There were roughly 67 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Sinclair Community College in the most recent data year.

After graduation, design associate recipients typically earn around $21,900 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Sinclair Community College

16
64 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In NY
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the city of Brooklyn, KCC is a public college with a fairly large student population.

There were about 64 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at KCC in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their associate from the design program report average early career wages of $17,200.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Kingsborough Community College

16
64 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In NY
#7 Best Quality In NY

Located in the suburb of Rochester, Monroe Community College is a public college with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #7 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in New York.

There were about 64 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at Monroe Community College in the most recent year we have data available.

Those design and applied arts students who get their associate degree from Monroe Community College receive $2,003 more than the average design graduate.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Monroe Community College

18
61 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In VA
#1 Best Quality In VA

Northern Virginia Community College is a very large public college located in the suburb of Annandale. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in Virginia.

There were about 61 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at Northern Virginia Community College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Northern Virginia Community College

19
60 Annual Associate Degrees
#5 Most Popular In NY
#8 Best Quality In NY

City Tech is a fairly large public college located in the city of Brooklyn. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #8 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in New York.

There were approximately 60 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at City Tech in the most recent year we have data available.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from New York City College of Technology

19
El Centro College crest
El Centro College
Dallas, TX
60 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In TX
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the city of Dallas, El Centro College is a public college with a very large student population.

There were about 60 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at El Centro College in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from El Centro College

21
55 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In TX
#2 Best Quality In TX

Located in the city of Austin, Austin Community College District is a public college with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in Texas.

There were approximately 55 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at Austin Community College District in the most recent year we have data available.

Those design and applied arts students who get their associate degree from Austin Community College District receive $4,403 more than the average design grad.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Austin Community College District

21
55 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NV
#1 Best Quality In NV

Located in the city of Las Vegas, CSN is a public college with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in Nevada.

There were approximately 55 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at CSN in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their associate from the design program report average early career wages of $23,900.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from College of Southern Nevada

23
54 Annual Associate Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NE
#1 Best Quality In NE

Located in the city of Omaha, MCC is a public college with a large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in Nebraska.

There were approximately 54 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at MCC in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their associate from the design program state that they receive average early career wages of $23,100.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Metropolitan Community College

24
SMC crest
Santa Monica College
Santa Monica, CA
53 Annual Associate Degrees
#3 Most Popular In CA
Associate Degree Highest Degree Type

Located in the small city of Santa Monica, SMC is a public college with a fairly large student population.

There were approximately 53 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at SMC in the most recent data year.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Santa Monica College

24
53 Annual Associate Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NC
#2 Best Quality In NC

Located in the large city of Charlotte, Central Piedmont Community College is a public college with a large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for associate degrees in design and applied arts in North Carolina.

There were roughly 53 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at Central Piedmont Community College in the most recent data year.

After graduating, design associate recipients usually earn about $23,200 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a associate in design and applied arts from Central Piedmont Community College

26
COD crest
College of DuPage
Glen Ellyn, IL
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30
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33
Nassau Community College crest
Nassau Community College
Garden City, NY

33
Sierra College crest
Sierra College
Rocklin, CA
33
33
GTC crest
Gwinnett Technical College
Lawrenceville, GA
37
37
37
LaGuardia crest
LaGuardia Community College
Long Island City, NY
40
41
LDS Business College crest
LDS Business College
Salt Lake City, UT

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47
Century College crest
Century College
White Bear Lake, MN
47
47
50

Additional Award Winners

This list shows the remainder of the schools awarded a Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Design & Applied Arts badge. Showing in this list means the college was ranked in the top 15% of the 503 different United States design and applied arts schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
51 William Rainey Harper College Palatine, IL
51 Suffolk County Community College Selden, NY
53 Des Moines Area Community College Ankeny, IA
53 Gateway Technical College Kenosha, WI
53 Hinds Community College Raymond, MS
56 Adirondack Community College Queensbury, NY
56 Pratt Institute - Main Brooklyn, NY
56 Alexandria Technical & Community College Alexandria, MN
56 Houston Community College Houston, TX
56 Minneapolis Community and Technical College Minneapolis, MN
61 Northampton County Area Community College Bethlehem, PA
61 Bellevue College Bellevue, WA
63 County College of Morris Randolph, NJ
63 Rasmussen University - Florida Ocala, FL
63 Oakland Community College Bloomfield Hills, MI
63 St Charles Community College Cottleville, MO
67 Harford Community College Bel Air, MD
67 Mesa Community College Mesa, AZ
67 Los Angeles Trade Technical College Los Angeles, CA
67 Mt. Hood Community College Gresham, OR
71 Waukesha County Technical College Pewaukee, WI
71 Palomar College San Marcos, CA
71 Scottsdale Community College Scottsdale, AZ
71 San Jacinto Community College Pasadena, TX
75 Berkeley College - Woodland Park Woodland Park, NJ
75 Palm Beach State College Lake Worth, FL
75 Milwaukee Area Technical College Milwaukee, WI

Honorable Mentions

Here are some additional great schools for Design & Applied Arts students that almost earned our Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Design & Applied Arts award.

Rank College Location
78 Chattanooga State Community College Chattanooga, TN
78 Guilford Technical Community College Jamestown, NC
78 Mercer County Community College West Windsor, NJ
78 Pitt Community College Winterville, NC
78 Phoenix College Phoenix, AZ
78 Delgado Community College New Orleans, LA
84 South Texas College McAllen, TX
84 Horry-Georgetown Technical College Conway, SC
84 New York School of Interior Design New York, NY
87 San Diego Mesa College San Diego, CA
87 Clover Park Technical College Lakewood, WA
87 Sessions College for Professional Design Tempe, AZ
87 Middlesex Community College Bedford, MA
91 Fayetteville Technical Community College Fayetteville, NC
91 Columbus State Community College Columbus, OH
91 Mt. San Antonio College Walnut, CA
91 Cecil College North East, MD
91 Trident Technical College Charleston, SC
96 Washtenaw Community College Ann Arbor, MI
96 San Antonio College San Antonio, TX
96 Oklahoma City Community College Oklahoma City, OK
96 Keiser University - Ft Lauderdale Fort Lauderdale, FL
96 FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - San Francisco San Francisco, CA
96 Rasmussen University - Minnesota St. Cloud, MN

Design & Applied Arts by Region

View the Most Popular Associate Degree Colleges for Design & Applied Arts for a specific region near you.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

View All Rankings >

One of 10 majors within the Visual & Performing Arts area of study, Design & Applied Arts has other similar majors worth exploring.

Design Focus Areas

Major Annual Graduates
Graphic Design 1,994
Commercial & Advertising Art 1,579
Interior Design 1,502
Fashion Design 1,001
Visual Communications 996
Game & Interactive Media Design 491
Commercial Photography 411
Illustration 212
Other Design & Applied Arts 108
Industrial Design 45

Related Major Annual Graduates
Fine & Studio Arts 4,263
Music 2,451
General Visual & Performing Arts 1,734
Film, Video & Photographic Arts 1,681
Drama & Theater Arts 1,629
Arts & Media Management 285
Dance 192
Other Visual Art 98
Crafts, Folk Art & Artisanry 21

Notes and References

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