2027 Best Graphic Design Schools in District of Columbia

Graphic Design is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. The schools below stand out for the quality of their graphic design programs.

College Factual analyzed 2 schools to build this 2027 ranking of the best graphic design schools.

What’s on this page:

• Best Graphic Design Schools in District of Columbia

Best Schools for Graphic Design in District of Columbia

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

1

American University
Washington, DC

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

19 Graphic Design Degrees Awarded

$54,585 Median Starting Salary

Our analysis ranked American University the best school in the country for a degree in graphic design. American University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Washington. Roughly 76% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 19 graphic design degrees were awarded at American University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, graphic design degree recipients from American University generally make around $54,585. Students borrow a median of $24,139 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in graphic design from American University

2

George Washington University
Washington, DC

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

10 Graphic Design Degrees Awarded

$54,222 Median Starting Salary

A rank of #2 makes George Washington University one of the top schools for graphic design. Set in the city of Washington, George Washington University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 84%. George Washington University awarded about 10 graphic design degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the graphic design program make about $54,222 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $22,910. Read more about the graphic design program at George Washington University

Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2027 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 · 2 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.