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2022 Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Design & Applied Arts

637 Colleges in the United States
19,683 Bachelor's Degrees
$31,649 Avg Early-Career Salary
Design & Applied Arts is of the hottest bachelor's degree programs in the United States, coming in as the #27 most popular major in the country. This makes choosing the right school a hard decision.

For its 2022 ranking, College Factual looked at 637 schools in the United States to determine which ones were the most popular for design and applied arts students pursuing a bachelor's degree. Combined, these schools handed out 19,683 bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts to qualified students.

Jump to one of the following sections: * Other Rankings

Choosing a Great Design & Applied Arts School for Your Bachelor's Degree

Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Design & Applied Arts The design bachelor's degree program you select can have a big impact on your future. We created our Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Design & Applied Arts ranking to make it a little easier to choose the right one for you.

While being high in popularity does not always mean a school has a quality design and applied arts program, it is a sign that a large number of students choose the school. This may be due to it being a great value, it offering a stellar educational experience, or the subject is a major focus of the school.

More Ways to Rank Design & Applied Arts Schools

Associate 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. On top of that, you can visit our other rankings for design and applied arts.

In addition to College Factual's rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. When you have some time, check it out - you may want to bookmark the link so you don't forget it.

Below you'll see a list of the most popular colleges and universities for pursuing a bachelor's 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 Bachelor's

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867 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In GA
#3 Best Quality In GA

Savannah College of Art and Design is one of the most popular schools in the country for getting a bachelor's degree in design and applied arts. SCAD is a fairly large private not-for-profit college located in the medium-sized city of Savannah. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #3 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Georgia.

There were approximately 867 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at SCAD in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the design program state that they receive average early career earnings of $23,500.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Savannah College of Art and Design

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560 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NY
#2 Best Quality In NY

Fashion Institute of Technology is a popular choice for students interested in a bachelor's degree in design and applied arts. Located in the large city of New York, FIT SUNY is a public school with a moderately-sized student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in New York.

There were roughly 560 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at FIT SUNY in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's recipients from the design and applied arts degree program at Fashion Institute of Technology earn $6,551 above the standard college graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Fashion Institute of Technology

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New School University crest
The New School
New York, NY
469 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In NY
#8 Best Quality In NY

The New School is a popular choice for individuals pursuing a bachelor's degree in design and applied arts. New School University is a medium-sized private not-for-profit school located in the large city of New York. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #8 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in New York.

There were approximately 469 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at New School University in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the design program report average early career wages of $31,100.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from The New School

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387 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In NY
#4 Best Quality In NY

You'll be surrounded by many like-minded peers at Pratt Institute - Main if you wish to pursue a bachelor's degree in design and applied arts. Located in the large city of Brooklyn, Pratt Institute is a private not-for-profit school with a small student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in New York.

There were approximately 387 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Pratt Institute in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's recipients from the design and applied arts program at Pratt Institute - Main get $3,251 more than the standard college grad with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Pratt Institute - Main

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345 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In NH
#1 Best Quality In NH

Located in the suburb of Manchester, SNHU is a private not-for-profit university with a very large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in New Hampshire.

There were approximately 345 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at SNHU in the most recent data year.

After graduation, design bachelor's recipients generally make around $33,000 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Southern New Hampshire University

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278 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In VA
#2 Best Quality In VA

Located in the medium-sized city of Richmond, VCU is a public university with a very large student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Virginia.

There were roughly 278 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at VCU in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the design program report average early career earnings of $28,000.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Virginia Commonwealth University

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272 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IL
#8 Best Quality In IL

Located in the large city of Chicago, Columbia is a private not-for-profit college with a medium-sized student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #8 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Illinois.

There were roughly 272 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Columbia in the most recent year we have data available.

Bachelor's students who receive their degree from the design program make around $27,200 for their early career.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Columbia College Chicago

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Full Sail University crest
Full Sail University
Winter Park, FL
236 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In FL
#14 Best Quality In FL

Located in the suburb of Winter Park, Full Sail University is a private for-profit university with a very large student population.

There were about 236 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Full Sail University in the most recent data year.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the design program state that they receive average early career earnings of $27,800.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Full Sail University

9
235 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In CA
#3 Best Quality In CA

Located in the suburb of Davis, UC Davis is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #3 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in California.

There were approximately 235 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at UC Davis in the most recent data year.

Those design and applied arts students who get their bachelor's degree from University of California - Davis make $2,251 more than the typical design student.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from University of California - Davis

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234 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In OH
#5 Best Quality In OH

Kent State is a very large public university located in the large suburb of Kent. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #5 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Ohio.

There were approximately 234 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Kent State in the most recent year we have data available.

Bachelor's recipients from the design and applied arts degree program at Kent State University at Kent get $4,351 more than the typical graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Kent State University at Kent

11
227 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In IA
#1 Best Quality In IA

Located in the small city of Ames, Iowa State is a public university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Iowa.

There were roughly 227 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at Iowa State in the most recent data year.

Those design and applied arts students who get their bachelor's degree from Iowa State University make $4,351 more than the standard design graduate.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Iowa State University

12
223 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In CA
#4 Best Quality In CA

Located in the medium-sized city of Pasadena, Art Center College of Design is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #4 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in California.

There were roughly 223 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at Art Center College of Design in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's recipients from the design and applied arts program at Art Center College of Design get $18,251 more than the average graduate in this field shortly after graduation.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Art Center College of Design

13
205 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In OH
#1 Best Quality In OH

UC is a fairly large public university located in the large city of Cincinnati. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Ohio.

There were about 205 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at UC in the most recent year we have data available.

Bachelor's recipients from the design and applied arts program at University of Cincinnati - Main Campus earn $12,651 above the typical college grad with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from University of Cincinnati - Main Campus

14
200 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#4 Most Popular In NY
#9 Best Quality In NY

Located in the large city of New York, SVA is a private for-profit school with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #9 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in New York.

There were about 200 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at SVA in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the design program state that they receive average early career earnings of $27,500.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from School of Visual Arts

15
187 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In TX
#8 Best Quality In TX

Located in the midsize city of Richardson, UT Dallas is a public university with a fairly large student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #8 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Texas.

There were about 187 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at UT Dallas in the most recent year we have data available.

After graduation, design bachelor's recipients typically earn about $24,800 at the beginning of their careers.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from The University of Texas at Dallas

16
Drexel crest
Drexel University
Philadelphia, PA
185 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In PA
#2 Best Quality In PA

Located in the large city of Philadelphia, Drexel is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Pennsylvania.

There were approximately 185 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at Drexel in the most recent data year.

Those design and applied arts students who get their bachelor's degree from Drexel University earn $11,851 more than the standard design grad.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Drexel University

17
180 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In AZ
#1 Best Quality In AZ

ASU - Tempe is a very large public university located in the medium-sized city of Tempe. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Arizona.

There were about 180 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at ASU - Tempe in the most recent data year.

Design & Applied Arts bachelor's degree recipients from Arizona State University - Tempe receive an earnings boost of around $7,151 above the average income of design and applied arts graduates.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Arizona State University - Tempe

17
180 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MD
#1 Best Quality In MD

Located in the city of Baltimore, MICA is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Maryland.

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

Soon after graduation, design bachelor's recipients typically make an average of $22,700 in their early careers.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Maryland Institute College of Art

19
168 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MI
#1 Best Quality In MI

Located in the large city of Detroit, CCS is a private not-for-profit college with a small student population. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #1 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Michigan.

There were about 168 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at CCS in the most recent data year.

Bachelor's recipients from the design and applied arts major at College for Creative Studies make $7,551 above the typical college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from College for Creative Studies

20
Liberty University crest
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA
162 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#2 Most Popular In VA
#6 Best Quality In VA

Located in the small city of Lynchburg, Liberty University is a private not-for-profit university with a fairly large student population. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #6 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Virginia.

There were about 162 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at Liberty University in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the design program state that they receive average early career earnings of $26,800.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Liberty University

21
156 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#3 Most Popular In CA
#9 Best Quality In CA

California College of the Arts is a small private not-for-profit college located in the city of San Francisco. You also may be intersted to know that the school ranks #9 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in California.

There were roughly 156 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at California College of the Arts in the most recent year we have data available.

Those design and applied arts students who get their bachelor's degree from California College of the Arts make $6,451 more than the standard design graduate.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from California College of the Arts

22
154 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In WI
#2 Best Quality In WI

UW - Stout is a medium-sized public university located in the town of Menomonie. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #2 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Wisconsin.

There were approximately 154 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at UW - Stout in the most recent year we have data available.

Those design and applied arts students who get their bachelor's degree from University of Wisconsin - Stout receive $4,151 more than the typical design graduate.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from University of Wisconsin - Stout

22
154 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#1 Most Popular In MA
#6 Best Quality In MA

Located in the city of Boston, Massachusetts College of Art and Design is a public college with a small student population. Potential students might also be interested to know that the school ranks #6 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in Massachusetts.

There were roughly 154 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at Massachusetts College of Art and Design in the most recent year we have data available.

Students who graduate with their bachelor's from the design program state that they receive average early career income of $30,800.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from Massachusetts College of Art and Design

24
153 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#4 Most Popular In CA
#5 Best Quality In CA

San Jose State is a fairly large public university located in the city of San Jose. This isn't the only ranking where the school placed. It's also #5 in quality for bachelor's degrees in design and applied arts in California.

There were approximately 153 design and applied arts students who graduated with this degree at San Jose State in the most recent year we have data available.

Bachelor's recipients from the design and applied arts program at San Jose State University make $21,751 above the standard college graduate with the same degree when they enter the workforce.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from San Jose State University

25
150 Annual Bachelor's Degrees
#5 Most Popular In CA
#10 Best Quality In CA

SFSU is a fairly large public university located in the large city of San Francisco.

There were roughly 150 design and applied arts individuals who graduated with this degree at SFSU in the most recent year we have data available.

Bachelor's recipients from the design and applied arts major at San Francisco State University get $5,651 above the standard graduate with the same degree shortly after graduation.

More information about a bachelor’s in design and applied arts from San Francisco State University

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Auburn crest
Auburn University
Auburn, AL
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35
36
Texas State crest
Texas State University
San Marcos, TX
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39
Academy of Art University crest
Academy of Art University
San Francisco, CA
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43
44
QC crest
Queens College
Queens, NY
45
46
Syracuse crest
Syracuse University
Syracuse, NY
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Kean crest
Kean University
Union, NJ

Remaining Award Winners

This list represents the rest of the colleges awarded a Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Design & Applied Arts badge. Showing in this list means the college was ranked in the top 15% of the 637 different United States design and applied arts schools we analyzed.

Rank College Location
49 Milwaukee Institute of Art & Design Milwaukee, WI
51 California State Polytechnic University - Pomona Pomona, CA
52 Northern Arizona University Flagstaff, AZ
53 Otis College of Art and Design Los Angeles, CA
54 Michigan State University East Lansing, MI
55 DePaul University Chicago, IL
56 Portland State University Portland, OR
57 Clemson University Clemson, SC
58 Indiana University - Bloomington Bloomington, IN
59 University of Kansas Lawrence, KS
59 University of California - Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA
61 Laguna College of Art and Design Laguna Beach, CA
62 Ferris State University Big Rapids, MI
63 SUNY Oneonta Oneonta, NY
63 The University of the Arts Philadelphia, PA
65 North Carolina State University Raleigh, NC
66 Miami University - Oxford Oxford, OH
67 Champlain College Burlington, VT
67 Thomas Jefferson University Philadelphia, PA
67 University of Illinois at Chicago Chicago, IL
70 Lesley University Cambridge, MA
71 Western Washington University Bellingham, WA
72 West Virginia University Morgantown, WV
73 California State University - Sacramento Sacramento, CA
74 The University of Texas at Austin Austin, TX
75 Belmont University Nashville, TN
75 Virginia Tech Blacksburg, VA
75 Cleveland Institute of Art Cleveland, OH
78 Wentworth Institute of Technology Boston, MA
79 Oklahoma State University - Main Campus Stillwater, OK
79 Oakland University Rochester Hills, MI
81 Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI
81 Minneapolis College of Art and Design Minneapolis, MN
83 Bowling Green State University - Main Campus Bowling Green, OH
84 University of Florida Gainesville, FL
84 Temple University Philadelphia, PA
86 Washington University in St Louis Saint Louis, MO
86 Kutztown University of Pennsylvania Kutztown, PA
88 California State University - Fresno Fresno, CA
88 University of Bridgeport Bridgeport, CT
90 Fitchburg State University Fitchburg, MA
90 University of Minnesota - Duluth Duluth, MN
92 FIDM/Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
92 Northeastern University Boston, MA
94 Independence University Salt Lake City, UT
95 Marymount University Arlington, VA
95 Georgia Southern University Statesboro, GA
95 Universidad del Turabo Gurabo, PR
95 California State University - Monterey Bay Seaside, CA
95 Maryville University of Saint Louis Saint Louis, MO

Additional Noteworthy Schools

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

Rank College Location
100 Metropolitan State University of Denver Denver, CO
100 Farmingdale State College Farmingdale, NY
100 University of Oklahoma Norman Campus Norman, OK
103 University of Washington - Seattle Campus Seattle, WA
103 Clark Atlanta University Atlanta, GA
103 The University of Alabama Tuscaloosa, AL
103 Maine College of Art Portland, ME
103 University of California - Los Angeles Los Angeles, CA
108 Ohio State University - Main Campus Columbus, OH
108 Berkeley College - Woodland Park Woodland Park, NJ
110 University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth North Dartmouth, MA
110 Purdue University - Main Campus West Lafayette, IN
110 University of Hartford West Hartford, CT
110 The Art Institute of Atlanta Atlanta, GA
110 Pennsylvania College of Art and Design Lancaster, PA
115 Georgia Institute of Technology - Main Campus Atlanta, GA
115 Flagler College - St Augustine Saint Augustine, FL
115 Coastal Carolina University Conway, SC
115 University of Arkansas Fayetteville, AR
119 University of Notre Dame Notre Dame, IN
120 High Point University High Point, NC
120 University of San Francisco San Francisco, CA
120 University of Central Missouri Warrensburg, MO
120 University of Nevada - Las Vegas Las Vegas, NV
120 Oklahoma Christian University Edmond, OK
125 Moore College of Art and Design Philadelphia, PA
125 University of Oregon Eugene, OR
125 Marist College Poughkeepsie, NY

Design & Applied Arts by Region

View the Most Popular Bachelor's 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 >

Design & Applied Arts is one of 10 different types of Visual & Performing Arts programs to choose from.

Design Concentrations

Major Annual Graduates
Graphic Design 5,098
Interior Design 2,907
Visual Communications 2,861
Illustration 2,067
Fashion Design 2,009
Industrial Design 1,584
Game & Interactive Media Design 1,330
Commercial & Advertising Art 911
Other Design & Applied Arts 766
Commercial Photography 150

Related Major Annual Graduates
Fine & Studio Arts 25,775
Music 15,839
Drama & Theater Arts 13,307
Film, Video & Photographic Arts 11,965
General Visual & Performing Arts 3,699
Arts & Media Management 3,298
Dance 2,817
Other Visual Art 529
Crafts, Folk Art & Artisanry 76
Community/Environmental/Socially-Engaged Art 3

Notes and References

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College Rankings
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Degree Guides by Major
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