College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania

55 Ranked Colleges
1,282 Degrees Awarded
$30,900 Avg Cost*
Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania

When it comes to choosing a college, students have a lot of options - but not all of them are good. College Factual has developed its “Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania” ranking as one item you can use to help make this decision.

In 2020-2021, 36,301 people earned their degree in design and applied arts, making the major the 36th most popular in the United States. In 2019-2020, design and applied arts graduates who were awarded their degree in 2017-2019, earned an average of $31,426 and had an average of $25,481 in loans still to pay off.

Across Pennsylvania, there were 1,282 design and applied arts graduates with average earnings and debt of $31,864 and $27,344 respectively.

For this year’s “Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania” ranking, we looked at 55 colleges that offer a degree in design and applied arts. The colleges and universities that top this list are recognized because their design and applied arts program is one of the largest majors offered at the school.

See our ranking methodology to learn more.

One Size Does Not Fit All

Rankings by Degree Other Award Levels
Rankings by Location Check Out Other Locales
More Design Rankings Other Ranking Categories

Since picking the right college can be one of the most important decisions of your life, we’ve developed the “Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania” ranking, along with many other major-related rankings, to help you make that decision.

In addition to College Factual’s rankings, you may want to take a look at College Combat, our unique tool that lets you pit your favorite schools head-to-head and compare how they rate on factors that most interest you. If you’re torn between two schools, you can use it to help you see how they stack up against one another. Bookmark it so you can compare any new schools that might interest you.

Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania

The following schools top our list of the Best “Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania”.

Top 25 Most Focused Colleges for Design & Applied Arts in Pennsylvania

1

You’ll join some of the best and brightest minds around if you attend Pennsylvania College of Art and Design. The school came in at #1 for the Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania. Lancaster, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s design degrees to 45 students in 2020-2021.

Since the school has a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, those pursuing a degree will have more opportunities to interact with their professors. The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.0% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Pennsylvania College of Art and Design Design & Applied Arts Report

2
Moore College crest
Moore College of Art and Design
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

You’ll be in good company if you decide to attend Moore College of Art and Design. It ranked #2 on our 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania list. Moore College of Art and Design is located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 46 ’s design degrees to qualified students.

The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 7 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Read full report on Design & Applied Arts at Moore College

3
PAFA crest
Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Out of the 55 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania that were part of this year’s ranking, Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts landed the #3 spot on the list. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s design degrees to 10 students in 2020-2021.

The undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 5 to 1 is a sign that students will have more opportunities to engage with their professors one-on-one.

Full Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts Design & Applied Arts Report

4
UArts crest
The University of the Arts
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Out of the 55 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania that were part of this year’s ranking, The University of the Arts landed the #4 spot on the list. UArts is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It awarded 59 ’s design degrees in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 4.2% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 9 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Read full report on Design & Applied Arts at The University of the Arts

5
Albright crest
Albright College
Reading, Pennsylvania

Out of the 55 schools in the Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania that were part of this year’s ranking, Albright College landed the #5 spot on the list. Located in Reading, Pennsylvania, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 31 diplomas to qualified ’s design students in 2020-2021.

Read more about Design & Applied Arts at Albright

6
Kutztown University crest
Kutztown University of Pennsylvania
Kutztown, Pennsylvania

Kutztown University of Pennsylvania landed the #6 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania ranking. Kutztown University of Pennsylvania is located in Kutztown, Pennsylvania and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 72 ’s design degrees to qualified students.

Full Kutztown University Design & Applied Arts Report

7
Harcum College crest
Harcum College
Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania

Harcum College came in at #7 in this year’s edition of the Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania ranking. Harcum College is located in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 12 ’s design degrees to qualified students.

The impressive undergraduate student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1 means that students may have more opportunities to work more closely with their professors than they would at other schools.

Read full report on Design & Applied Arts at Harcum College

8
La Roche crest
La Roche University
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

La Roche University did quite well in the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania ranking, coming in at #8. La Roche is a small private not-for-profit school situated in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It awarded 14 ’s design degrees in 2020-2021.

The school has an impressive undergrad student loan default rate. It’s only 4.2%, which is much lower than the national rate of 10.1%.

Read more about Design & Applied Arts at La Roche

9
Luzerne County Community College crest
Luzerne County Community College
Nanticoke, Pennsylvania

Luzerne County Community College came in at #9 in this year’s edition of the Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania ranking. Nanticoke, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The public school handed out ’s design degrees to 19 students in 2020-2021.

Full Luzerne County Community College Design & Applied Arts Report

10
Drexel crest
Drexel University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

With a ranking of #10, Drexel University did quite well on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania list. Drexel University is a large school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that handed out 205 ’s design degrees in 2020-2021.

The undergrad student loan default rate at the school is 1.9%, which is quite low when compared to the national default rate of 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 88%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Full Drexel University Design & Applied Arts Report

11
Mercyhurst crest
Mercyhurst University
Erie, Pennsylvania

Mercyhurst University landed the #11 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania ranking. Mercyhurst is located in Erie, Pennsylvania and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 25 ’s design degrees to qualified students.

Read full report on Design & Applied Arts at Mercyhurst

12
Thomas Jefferson University crest
Thomas Jefferson University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Thomas Jefferson University landed the #12 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania ranking. Thomas Jefferson University is a medium-sized school located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania that handed out 80 ’s design degrees in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 1.1% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Thomas Jefferson University Design & Applied Arts Report

13
LCCC crest
Lehigh Carbon Community College
Schnecksville, Pennsylvania

Lehigh Carbon Community College came in at #13 in this year’s edition of the Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania ranking. LCCC is a public institution located in Schnecksville, Pennsylvania. The school has a medium-sized population, and it awarded 25 ’s degrees in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Design & Applied Arts at LCCC

14
RMU crest
Robert Morris University
Moon Township, Pennsylvania

Robert Morris University came in at #14 in this year’s edition of the Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania ranking. RMU is a small school located in Moon Township, Pennsylvania that handed out 34 ’s design degrees in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.7% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Design & Applied Arts at Robert Morris University

15

Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus ranked #15 on this year’s Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania list. Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus is a medium-sized public school situated in Indiana, Pennsylvania. It awarded 68 ’s design degrees in 2020-2021.

Read more about Design & Applied Arts at Indiana University of Pennsylvania - Main Campus

16
Penn College crest
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Williamsport, Pennsylvania

With a ranking of #16, Pennsylvania College of Technology did quite well on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania list. This small school is located in Williamsport, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 31 ’s design degrees in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Design & Applied Arts at Penn College

17
YCP crest
York College of Pennsylvania
York, Pennsylvania

York College of Pennsylvania did quite well in the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania ranking, coming in at #17. York, Pennsylvania is the setting for this small institution of higher learning. The private not-for-profit school handed out ’s design degrees to 19 students in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.4% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Read more about Design & Applied Arts at York College of Pennsylvania

18
Cabrini University crest
Cabrini University
Radnor, Pennsylvania

Cabrini University ranked #18 on this year’s Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania list. Located in Radnor, Pennsylvania, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 10 diplomas to qualified ’s design students in 2020-2021.

Read more about Design & Applied Arts at Cabrini University

19

With a ranking of #19, South Hills School of Business & Technology did quite well on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania list. South Hills School of Business & Technology is located in State College, Pennsylvania and, has a small student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 5 ’s design degrees to qualified students.

With a undergrad student-to-faculty ratio of 8 to 1, it’s easy to see that the school is committed to helping their undergraduates succeed.

Read more about Design & Applied Arts at South Hills School of Business & Technology

20
Marywood crest
Marywood University
Scranton, Pennsylvania

Marywood University landed the #20 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania ranking. Located in Scranton, Pennsylvania, this small private not-for-profit school awarded 17 diplomas to qualified ’s design students in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 2.6% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%.

Full Marywood University Design & Applied Arts Report

21
Bucks County Community College crest
Bucks County Community College
Newtown, Pennsylvania

Bucks County Community College ranked #21 on this year’s Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania list. Bucks County Community College is located in Newtown, Pennsylvania and, has a medium-sized student population. In 2020-2021, this school awarded 21 ’s design degrees to qualified students.

Read full report on Design & Applied Arts at Bucks County Community College

22

Cheyney University of Pennsylvania landed the #22 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania ranking. This small school is located in Cheyney, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 2 ’s design degrees in 2020-2021.

Read more about Design & Applied Arts at Cheyney University of Pennsylvania

23
Mansfield University crest
Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Mansfield, Pennsylvania

Mansfield University of Pennsylvania came in at #23 in this year’s edition of the Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania ranking. Mansfield University of Pennsylvania is a small public school situated in Mansfield, Pennsylvania. It awarded 7 ’s design degrees in 2020-2021.

Read full report on Design & Applied Arts at Mansfield University

24
Susquehanna crest
Susquehanna University
Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania

Susquehanna University landed the #24 spot on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania ranking. This small school is located in Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 11 ’s design degrees in 2020-2021.

The low undergrad student loan default rate of 3.3% is a good sign that students have an easier time paying off their loans than they might at other schools. For comparison, the national default rate is 10.1%. The school has an excellent freshman retention rate of 88%, which means students like the school well enough to return for a second year.

Read more about Design & Applied Arts at Susquehanna

25

With a ranking of #25, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology did quite well on the 2023 Schools Highly Focused on Design Major in Pennsylvania list. This small school is located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, and it awarded 18 ’s design degrees in 2020-2021.

Full Harrisburg University of Science and Technology Design & Applied Arts Report

Switch to a Different Ranking Method

Notes and References

References

Read more about our data sources and methodologies

Footnotes

Popular Reports

College Rankings
Best by Location
Degree Guides by Major
Graduate Programs

Compare Your School Options