I’m a high school junior and I’m planning on majoring in either graphic design or something closely related to that when I enter college. I would like to stay in either the mid-atlantic area or possibly a little more northern. I would really like to find a school with a strong design program, but I would much prefer to go to a non-art if possible, which limits my options. So far i’ve found VCU and RIT to be strong options for me since both have highly ranked design programs. VCU seems to be great for graphic design and I love Richmond but I am a little worried it may be almost too artsy of a program for me (While I do love to draw and paint and I of course want to have art courses within the program, I also really want to learn about the more techy side of design because I’m interested in both graphic design and user interface and I think having that knowledge might give me more job opportunities in the future.) My other worry with VCU is that from what ive heard, due to VCU’s strong connection with Richmond there is less of a college community feel which im not sure if i’d enjoy or not. I don’t need a party school or anything, but I definitely want a school that socially active. As for RIT I really like that that they offer New Media as well as graphic design because it gives me more options and it definitely offers more insight onto the technology side of design. I’ve also heard great things about the Co-op opportunities at RIT. That being said, the downsides I’ve noticed are the cost since it’s a private university and it seems like RIT is located in a less visually appealing area compared to other schools, including VCU. I’d love to hear other people’s input on this because I’m honestly stuck at the moment with trying to find the best option. Suggestions for other non-art colleges with good graphic design programs or similar majors are very welcome and appreciated as well 
Are you in-state for VCU?
Have you looked at the array of art & design majors at Purdue? There’s a lot of good tech crossover there: Art & Design Programs - College of Liberal Arts - Purdue University
NC State’s College of Design could be another good one to look at, with multiple majors available including both “graphic & experience design,” and “media arts, design, & technology.”
American, BU, Cincinnati (a bit outsude geography but strong), Drexel, GW, Northeastern, NC State (mentioned), Penn State, Syracuse, Temple.
Many SUNYs have and others will too depending on the exact focus.
You’d want a budget b4 you start so you can identify affordable schools. Is it $20k, $40k, $90k a year. If low, will you qualify for need based aid ?
Good luck.
Seems a bit challenging to find
non -art programs, bc many graphic design majors are part of a BFA program.
Did you see the art portfolio requirement that is part of the VCU application?
You have time to prepare for next fall’s admissions cycle. Perhaps a teacher or hs counselor can advise as well.
“Your VCUarts portfolio should present 12 to 16 pieces of art that you have created within the past two years and that demonstrate your artistic commitment, skill, curiosity, and creativity.
Your work may consist of a diverse range of 2D, 3D, and 4D media or an investigation of one media type. We look for experimentation, a range of technical skills and subject matter, and evidence of critical thinking and creative problem-solving. Your work should indicate your potential to succeed in VCUarts’ rigorous programs.
Acceptable media in your portfolio can include any of the following, but is not limited to:
Ceramic, glass, metal or wood projects; clothing, furniture or jewelry designs; graphic design; illustrations; mixed-media works; paintings; photography; sculpture; sequential art; sound art; theatrical sets or costumes; videos…”
Perhaps compare something like packaging design at VA Tech.
https://www.vt.edu/academics/majors/packaging-systems-and-design.html
Or see communications and media, or IT related majors.
Also see Bureau of Labor Statistics for info and related career fields.
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/Arts-and-Design/Graphic-designers.htm
Check out Auburn University offerings in graphic design.
I am a current RIT parent. The graphic design major is strong and the New media is awesome. My daughter is doing advertising photography but can take graphic design and new media classes as well ( and is doing so). It’s a great school for the visual arts but still being around all types of thinkers. The immediate area is a suburb of Rochester and so very nice. If you love food, there are many options for all types of food. The campus is near lots of shopping and great day trip options. I don’t know what you mean by the location being less visually appealing. I find the area so cute and quaint. I am from NYC and I like that it is not rural but close enough to the city of Rochester but still quiet and chill enough for a relaxing day off with friends. You can message me with questions. I also have another daughter who graduated from RIT in 2022.
@Hannah10 I would love to know what you decided, and where you ended up applying!
I ask because my daughter is a current junior making similar decisions. 
She is also interested in something graphic-design-adjacent, but also maybe wants UX/UI or game design. Oh, and a small marching band or at least a robust pep band, lol.
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