Top Communication / Visual Design Colleges in USA

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) — Providence, RI

Program

• BFA in Graphic Design / Visual Communication — project-based, studio-intensive program emphasizing typography, systems, UX, packaging, and editorial

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Portfolio Requirement

• Yes — strong portfolio is critical and often more important than standardized tests. Portfolios should demonstrate creativity, concept development, and technical skill.

Tuition (Approx.)

• ~$50,000–$60,000 / year (private art school).

Scholarships & Aid

• Merit-based + need-based aid available; highly selective awards for portfolio excellence.

STEM / OPT

• Not STEM-classified (art/design); but excellent professional network and industry placements.

Highlights

• Among the most prestigious graphic design programs worldwide.

🗽 Parsons School of Design (The New School) — New York, NY

Program

• BFA in Communication Design — covers typography, branding, interaction design, editorial, motion, and environmental graphics. Includes liberal arts and critical studies as part of curriculum.

Portfolio Requirement

• Yes — competitive portfolio with strong conceptual work recommended.

Tuition (Approx.)

• ~$45,000–$60,000 / year (private). Estimates vary by program year.

Scholarships & Aid

• Parsons offers Dean’s Scholarships + merit/need-based aid. Portfolio strength can influence scholarships.

STEM / OPT

• Not STEM-classified; interdisciplinary engagement with media & technology.

Carnegie Mellon University — School of Design — Pittsburgh, PA

Program

• Bachelor of Design (BDes) with Communication Design focus — strong foundation in design principles, human-centered systems, and problem-solving. Program integrates design with research and future-oriented systems thinking.

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Portfolio Requirement

• Yes — portfolio essential, often with demonstrated process and problem-solving work.

Tuition (Approx.)

• ~$56,000+ / year (private research university). Estimates from design program listings.

  
  

Scholarships & Aid

• Merit and need-based institutional aid available; design scholarships competitive.

STEM / OPT

• Not formally STEM; offers rigorous design + tech integration.

Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT) — Rochester, NY

Program

• BFA in Graphic / Visual Communication Design — industry-aligned focus on digital and print design, collaborative projects, and interdisciplinary tech exposure.

Portfolio Requirement

• Yes — required for admissions review.

Tuition (Approx.)

• ~$55,000+ / year.

Scholarships & Aid

• RIT offers merit scholarships and arts-specific awards; strong co-op opportunities boost employability.

STEM / OPT

• Not STEM; tech design pathways offer strong technology exposure.

Ohio State University — Columbus, OH

Program

• Visual Communication Design (BFA/BA) — focus on conceptual and applied design, critical thinking, visual problem-solving.

Portfolio Requirement

• Yes — typically portfolio or creative samples required.

Tuition (Approx.)

• ~$40,000+ / year (out-of-state).

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Scholarships & Aid

• In-state/out-of-state scholarships available through university; arts awards offered by design department.

STEM / OPT

• Not STEM; strong liberal arts + design foundation.

University of Cincinnati (DAAP) — Cincinnati, OH

Program

• BS in Communication Design — design thinking, visual problem-solving, co-operative education (co-ops) opportunities for real-world experience.

Portfolio Requirement

• Yes — portfolio recommended for competitive admission.

Tuition (Approx.)

• ~$14,000–$30,000 / year (public; varies with residency and program).

Scholarships & Aid

• Merit/need aid through university; DAAP scholarships available.

STEM / OPT

• Not STEM; co-ops give practical, professional experience.

University of North Texas (UNT) — Denton, TX

Program

• BFA in Communication Design — emphasis on typography, branding, interactive media, and conceptual exploration.

Portfolio Requirement

• Yes — most applicants submit a creative portfolio.

Tuition (Approx.)

• ~$20,000+ / year (out-of-state); lower for in-state.

Scholarships & Aid

• UNT offers institutional scholarships; department awards for art/design excellence.

STEM / OPT

• Not STEM; strong community-oriented design practice.

General Application & Portfolio Notes

Portfolio Content Tips (common across all these colleges):

• Demonstrate concept development, ideation sketches, and final executions

• Include a variety: typography, branding, editorial, packaging, UX/UI, motion samples

• Add captions explaining tools used, concept goals, and design thinking

Admissions Context:

• For top art/design colleges like RISD and Parsons, portfolio is more important than standardized tests. Many programs are test-optional or don’t require SAT/ACT scores for admissions.

Scholarships:

• Merit & need-based awards vary widely. Top programs (RISD, Parsons, CMU) often offer competitive scholarships based on portfolio strength and academic background.

STEM Status:

• Pure communication/graphic design programs are not typically designated STEM for OPT extensions, unless combined with technical or interdisciplinary tracks. (Contact each university’s international admissions for specifics.)

Quick Summary: Strength Highlights

College	Strengths
RISD	Elite design reputation, intensive creative practice
Parsons	Interdisciplinary + liberal arts design
Carnegie Mellon	Design + systems thinking with research strengths
RIT	Tech-integrated design + co-op experience
Ohio State	Large university resources + solid design curriculum
Cincinnati (DAAP)	Co-ops + professional design pathways
North Texas	Strong communication design fundamentals

University / School	Program Focus	Estimated Tuition / Year (USD)	Portfolio Required?	Scholarship Options	STEM Eligible?
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)	BFA Graphic / Visual Communication	~$50,000+ (private art school)	Yes — strong portfolio required	Merit & need-based tuition awards; fellowships for grads	No (art/design) but strong design reputation
Parsons School of Design (The New School)	Communication & Graphic Design	~$45,000–60,000 (private)	Yes — competitive portfolio	Dean’s Scholarships, merit awards	No (design)
Carnegie Mellon School of Design	Design (incl. Comm Design)	~$58,000+ (private)	Yes — strong portfolio essential	Merit/need-based assistance	No (design), but rigorous curriculum
Ohio State University	Visual Communication Design (B.A./BFA)	~$41,000	Yes — portfolio typical upload	Awards & arts scholarships	No (arts)
Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)	Visual Communication / Graphic Design	~$56,000	Yes — portfolio & creative samples	RIT scholarships + arts awards	No (but RIT is tech-oriented)
University of Cincinnati	Communication Design (BS/BA)	~$22,000	Yes — portfolio strongly recommended	Merit & arts scholarships	No STEM designation
University of North Texas	Comm Design (BFA)	~$20,800	Yes — portfolio portfolio review	Scholarships via DFW College Arts	No STEM
SIU-Carbondale	Comm/Graphic Design	~$24,000	Yes	Institutional & dept scholarships	No