College Discussion - View Single Post - good schools for graphic design? ---

taxguy · 04-21-2008, 08:52 AM

There are MANY graphic design programs as you noted including RISD ,which you seemed to have left out of your list. Some of the schools that you mentioned are more known, however, for other majors. For example: Parsons---Fashion, Ringling, CalArts and Laguna-- Animation, MICA--fine arts and education; Otis--- toy and costume design etc.

This is not to say that graphic design in the above mentioned schools are bad. The schools noted are just known for other majors more.

I would suggest that you take a hard look at University of Cincinnati. They not only have a strong graphic design major ( in fact all of their design majors are strong) but they have 6 quarters of guaranteed coop built into the program and most of the coops are PAID. Having 6 quarters of experience not only will boost your resume well above that of other students,but many firms hire the kids as a result of the coop contacts. This, combined with lower tuition, makes Cincinnati the lowest cost alternative among the schools noted above. I highly recommend Cincinnati.
You also won't need a portfolio for Cincinnati but will need very decent GPA: generally top 20% of your class or GPA of 3.5+ ( unweighted) and 1800+ on SATs. Stronger SATs can result in a bit lower GPA.
Pratt would be a good choice too for most design majors,but it does have its drawbacks. See my Visit to Pratt found in the "College Visit" forums.

RISD is very well known for graphic design and should be considered by you.
Also, RIT and VCU are very strong in graphic design and should be considered by you. Finally, consider Mass College of Art. It is one of the lowest cost alternatives since it is subsidized by the state ( as with Cincinnati) and has a good program.

04-21-2008, 08:52 AM	#3
taxguy Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: Rockville, Maryland Threads: 277 Posts: 4,255	There are MANY graphic design programs as you noted including RISD ,which you seemed to have left out of your list. Some of the schools that you mentioned are more known, however, for other majors. For example: Parsons---Fashion, Ringling, CalArts and Laguna-- Animation, MICA--fine arts and education; Otis--- toy and costume design etc. This is not to say that graphic design in the above mentioned schools are bad. The schools noted are just known for other majors more. I would suggest that you take a hard look at University of Cincinnati. They not only have a strong graphic design major ( in fact all of their design majors are strong) but they have 6 quarters of guaranteed coop built into the program and most of the coops are PAID. Having 6 quarters of experience not only will boost your resume well above that of other students,but many firms hire the kids as a result of the coop contacts. This, combined with lower tuition, makes Cincinnati the lowest cost alternative among the schools noted above. I highly recommend Cincinnati. You also won't need a portfolio for Cincinnati but will need very decent GPA: generally top 20% of your class or GPA of 3.5+ ( unweighted) and 1800+ on SATs. Stronger SATs can result in a bit lower GPA. Pratt would be a good choice too for most design majors,but it does have its drawbacks. See my Visit to Pratt found in the "College Visit" forums. RISD is very well known for graphic design and should be considered by you. Also, RIT and VCU are very strong in graphic design and should be considered by you. Finally, consider Mass College of Art. It is one of the lowest cost alternatives since it is subsidized by the state ( as with Cincinnati) and has a good program.