The United States of America is home to some of the world’s best art and design schools. These schools are located in the most attractive cities and provide design programs and curricula that offer relevant courses through various design and media mediums in order to elevate student design skills.
These top design schools in the U.S. also have some of the best instructors who possess up-to-date skills and knowledge and are experts in specific disciplines. So, students would not be dealing with outdated design approaches and out-of-touch trends. Notable design bodies accredit these schools, which have produced seasoned artists and designers worldwide.
Read through this article for all the details about the best design schools in the USA.
Top Design Schools in the USA
1. The New School
Parsons School of Design at The New School, located in New York, was ranked as one of the top design schools in 2024 by QS, a reputable ranking platform for higher institutions. The school has contributed immensely to the development of its student’s skills and knowledge, preparing them to be industry experts in the world of art and design.
Parsons has a vibrant campus community that extends beyond the classroom and an inviting environment suitable for international students. In addition to well-detailed academic instruction, Parsons provides international students with exciting programs and opportunities as well as state-of-the-art facilities like libraries, computer labs, exhibition and gallery spaces, practice, rehearsal and performance spaces, and Media production facilities.
Parsons also offers undergraduate and graduate programs in architectural design, art, media and technology, classical music, and other fields, as well as adult and continuing education, executive education, and online courses.
2. Rhode Island School of Design
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is a top American design school and one of the first schools of art and design established in the United States. This private institution has become one of the best design schools for international students. It provides an education that promotes the appreciation and creation of various works of art and design, contributing to the critical and innovative expression of the global society.
RISD offers undergraduate programs in apparel design, architecture, furniture design, and graphic design, as well as graduate programs in design engineering, glass, global arts, and cultures. RISD doesn’t consider SAT or ACT results as part of its requirement and would usually expect international students to submit test scores for their English proficiency exams.
Due to the high standard of training at this institution, studying here can be very expensive, as RISD tuition fees usually cost between $56,435 and $58,690. Regardless, it is worth the price, as many alumni from this school have gone on to do great things.
3. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
The School of Architecture and Planning at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is one of the leading architecture, design, and art schools. The prestigious school is also a favorite among many international students looking to earn a degree in this field. MIT offers research-based, artistic, and visually advanced programs, leaving enough room for practice and experimentation.
The department offers undergraduate and graduate programs in architecture, media, arts, and culture. Students who successfully graduate from this school and contribute impactfully to the design community can become the MIT Morningside Academy for Design fellows and enjoy its many benefits.
That’s why MIT is an excellent school for studying design in the U.S. However, international students who want to be admitted to this school may need to thoroughly meet the university’s admission requirements and overcome the stiff competition as the MIT Design Department admission rate is relatively low.
4. School of the Art Institute of Chicago
School of the Art Institute of Chicago is a world-class design school and one of the best in the world. The school’s long history of representing and respecting cultures worldwide has made it one of the most attractive schools for international students. It also boasts gorgeous architecture, stunning galleries, world-class music and theater, intriguing public art, and an extensive community of vibrant designers, artists, and writers.
Students also have the option of taking an undergraduate or graduate course in various fields, some of which include art and technology studies, fashion design, film, video, new media and animation, performance, ceramics, fiber and material studies, painting and drawing, etc.
Admission into this school can, however, be competitive. If you meet the requirements and are able to stand out, you will be admitted. Just be prepared to pay more than $30,000 as a tuition fee, depending on your course and program.
5. Pratt Institute
Pratt Institute is another prestigious design school in the United States that has admitted an impressive number of international students. The school’s artistic and attractive environment is one of the students’ favorite things. The pleasure of being around a school that vividly promotes art and design and encourages design enthusiasm among its students is another reason it is preferred by international students.
Pratt Institute offers undergraduate programs in building and construction, photography, architecture, construction management, and other related fields. It also offers graduate programs in historic preservation, dance/movement therapy, communications design, interior design, industrial design, and other related fields. The school also provides continuing and professional studies.
The school’s tuition fee usually costs up to an estimate of more than $55,000. Regardless, it has produced some of the best minds and has significantly contributed to the design industry.
FAQs: Design Studies in the USA
Can International Students Enroll in Design Schools in the USA?
Yes, international students can apply and get admitted into design schools in the USA. International students can earn a degree from any of the country’s top design schools and universities, regardless of the country they applied from.
International students are expected to meet all admission requirements and submit their application before the stipulated deadline. Some schools require SAT, ACT, or other English proficiency test scores. International students can also apply for either master’s or bachelor’s degrees in architecture, art education, fashion design, painting & drawing, art therapy, etc. They are also exposed to various opportunities after graduating that can help them boost their career.
The USA has some of the most impressive design schools, but if you are looking to attend some of the best, then these are the ones you should consider attending. They offer outstanding design curricula and expose students to several opportunities after graduating. While there are great schools in the USA where you can study design, you can also check out other affordable design schools without needing to pay tuition fees to explore your options.
We hope that this article on the best design schools in the USA was informative. Feel free to visit our Study in the USA Page and Available Programs in the USA for International Students to learn more about the open courses and scholarship opportunities in the country!
About the Author: Hyun Lee
