<p>Hi all. My son is a junior in high school and we are just beginning the college search for him. He is interested in Graphic Design programs, and wants to attend a good school for this, but might not want to go the route of an art school per se. We saw Iowa State the other day and were favorably impressed. But, we have no point of reference. So, any thoughts? Thanks.
Tricia</p>
<p>others to look at:
University of Washington
University of New Mexico
Arizona State University
University of California - Los Angeles
University of Cincinatti</p>
<p>Check out:</p>
<p>University of Cincinnati and Syracuse University. Also, check out Wash U St. Louis. I think that University of Florida has a good program too, but I am not as knowledgable about Florida.</p>
<p>Yale has a very good graphic design program. Also look up syracuse, nyu (tisch), most of the UC's, etc.</p>
<p>I am in a similar position to the OP. Unfortunately, there doesn't seem to be a good ranking of graphic design programs like there is for some other majors. Some sources we are using to come up with a list of possible schools include:</p>
<ul>
<li><p>the NASAD website which lists all accredited art and design programs</p></li>
<li><p>Rugg's Recommendations which lists schools with art programs to consider based on selectivity but does not rank</p></li>
<li><p>Gourman Report although this is pretty old and does not even consider stand alone art schools</p></li>
<li><p>US News which has a ranking of graduate programs, but not undergraduate</p></li>
</ul>
<p>These sources can't tell you the "best" school, but it can least help create a list of schools for you start looking at.</p>
<p>We have start visiting schools and have realized the importance of asking how many foundation students get accepted into the major. Some programs can be pretty cutthroat after the freshman year. We plan on visiting at least one art school so she can be sure that she wants a large university and not an art school.</p>
<p>Another thing we plan on doing is attending a portfolio day in our area next year.</p>
<p>If you're in Iowa, you'll probably be in the same situation we are. Most major art and design programs are on the east or west coast. There are far fewer programs here in the midwest.</p>