2026 Best Graphic Design Schools in Michigan
Graphic Design degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.
College Factual analyzed 27 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best graphic design schools.
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Best Schools for Graphic Design in Michigan
If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the graphic design degrees they offer, see the list below.
Top Schools in Graphic Design
Leading the list is Western Michigan University, our #1 school for graphic design. Western Michigan University is a large public school located in the city of Kalamazoo. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. There were roughly 18 graphic design students who graduated with this degree at Western Michigan University in the most recent data year. Graphic Design graduates of Western Michigan University earn a median of $39,077 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $27,000 to complete this degree.
Read more about the graphic design program at Western Michigan University
Students looking for a strong graphic design program will find one at Michigan State University, which ranked #2. Michigan State University is a very large public school located in the city of East Lansing. Roughly 81% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 38 graphic design degrees were awarded at Michigan State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their graphic design degree from Michigan State University earn around $36,784 in the first couple years of their career. Michigan State University graduates carry a median of $28,175 in student loans.
More information about a degree in graphic design from Michigan State University
Students looking for a strong graphic design program will find one at Central Michigan University, which ranked #3. Set in the town of Mount Pleasant, Central Michigan University is a large public institution. Central Michigan University graduates 59% of students within six years. About 18 graphic design degrees were awarded at Central Michigan University in the most recent year. Graduates of the graphic design program make about $36,917 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $28,500.
Get the full graphic design details for Central Michigan University
Adrian College is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in graphic design, ranking #4. Set in the town of Adrian, Adrian College is a small private not-for-profit institution. Adrian College graduates 45% of students within six years. Adrian College awarded about 11 graphic design degrees in the most recent data year. Graphic Design graduates of Adrian College earn a median of $43,444 early in their careers. Adrian College graduates carry a median of $28,071 in student loans.
Get the full graphic design details for Adrian College
A rank of #5 makes Cornerstone University one of the top schools for graphic design. Located in the city of Grand Rapids, Cornerstone University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 63%. About 10 graphic design degrees were awarded at Cornerstone University in the most recent year. Graphic Design graduates of Cornerstone University earn a median of $44,501 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $29,243.
Read more about the graphic design program at Cornerstone University
Ferris State University landed the #6 spot for graphic design this year. Located in the town of Big Rapids, Ferris State University is a large public university. Roughly 56% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 28 graphic design students who graduated with this degree at Ferris State University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from Ferris State University generally make around $34,045. Typical student debt for the program is $27,000.
Get the full graphic design details for Ferris State University
Saginaw Valley State University ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best graphic design schools. This moderately-sized public university is located in the suburb of University Center. Saginaw Valley State University graduates 48% of students within six years. About 24 graphic design degrees were awarded at Saginaw Valley State University in the most recent year. Graduates of the graphic design program make about $27,577 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $26,125.
Read more about the graphic design program at Saginaw Valley State University
Oakland University placed #8 among the best graphic design schools. Oakland University is a large public school located in the suburb of Rochester Hills. The six-year graduation rate is 58%. About 81 graphic design degrees were awarded at Oakland University in the most recent year. Graduates of the graphic design program make about $30,687 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $27,954.
More information about a degree in graphic design from Oakland University
Muskegon Community College came in at #9 for graphic design this year. Located in the city of Muskegon, Muskegon Community College is a moderately-sized public university. Muskegon Community College awarded about 13 graphic design degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the graphic design program make about $48,267 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $14,928 to complete this degree.
See the full graphic design program report for Muskegon Community College
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Notes and References
The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 27 schools evaluated.
- The Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), a branch of the U.S. Department of Education (DOE), serves as the core of our data about colleges.
- Some other college data, including much of the graduate earnings data, comes from the U.S. Department of Education’s (College Scorecard).
More about our data sources and methodologies.