Bachelors in Design USA: Top Universities & Fees

The Bachelors in Design USA offers a comprehensive undergraduate education in areas like graphic design, product design, interaction design, and interior design, with 398 accredited programs available across the country for 2025. 

Top universities for Bachelors in Designing USA include the Rhode Island School of Design, Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute, and Carnegie Mellon University, all of which are consistently ranked among the world's best for art and design education.

Studying in the USA for a Bachelors in Design provides access to extensive internship opportunities. For example, Arizona State University has a 78% graduation rate and offers 22 specialized classes within its design program, while Southern New Hampshire University awards financial aid to 81% of its design students.

This blog provides a complete guide on top universities, program structures, admission requirements, and career outcomes for students pursuing a Bachelors in Design USA.

Bachelors in Design USA:  Overview

The USA offers 398 accredited Bachelor’s in Design programs for 2025, across specializations such as graphic, industrial, interior, and communication design.

The typical program spans four years, requiring completion of 120 credits, and covers both foundational design principles and advanced specialization tracks such as UX/UI, industrial design, and communication design. 

Here's a detailed overview of the Bachelors in Design USA:

Here’s a look at how the degree stands out for its global recognition and why so many students choose to do a bachelor's in design from the USA. 

Why Study Bachelors in Design USA in 2025?

A Bachelors in Design USA in 2025 offers direct access to a creative economy. The arts and design sector in the US is projected to generate about 87,900 job openings annually till 2033, with a median annual wage of $53,180 (INR 44.5 L).

Some of the reasons to study bachelors in design in the USA are: 

• Top Universities: The USA is home to over 398 accredited Bachelors Design courses, including top-ranked institutions like Rhode Island School of Design, and Carnegie Mellon University, which consistently feature in global top 10 universities for design education.
• Strong Employment Prospects: Arts and design occupations in the US are projected to offer 87,900 annual job openings from 2023–2033, with a median annual wage of $53,180 (INR 44.5 L) in 2024, higher than the US median for all occupations.
• High Graduate Placement Rates: Leading programs report exceptional placement outcomes; for example, Louisiana Tech University’s Bachelor of Interior Design program achieved a 98% job placement rate for graduates, with alumni working at top firms such as Gensler, HKS Inc., and Stantec.
• Advanced Curriculum: Bachelors in Design USA programs integrate advanced digital tools, interdisciplinary studio projects, and mandatory internships, ensuring graduates are industry-ready for roles in UX/UI, product, and digital design.
• Generous Scholarships and Financial Aid: Top US universities offer substantial merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 (INR 4.2 L–25.2 L) per year, significantly reducing the financial burden.
• Diverse Specializations and Career Paths: Students can specialize in high-demand fields like graphic, industrial, interior, and interaction design, with job profiles such as User Experience Designer ($80,000/year INR 67 L) and Product Designer ($75,000/year INR 62.7 L).

As the USA becomes a global leader in bachelors in design, selecting the right university is important for maximizing career outcomes. Let’s take a look at the top universities. 

Top Universities Offering Bachelors in Design USA

The United States is home to several globally ranked universities for design, with programs recognized for industry partnerships and strong graduate outcomes. 

According to QS Ranking and university data, top schools such as Carnegie Mellon, Parsons, and CalArts are known for their advanced curricula and high job placement rates. Annual tuition at these institutions ranges from $41,344 (INR 34.3L) to $67,020 (55.9L).

Below is a detailed comparison of the top 10 US universities for Bachelors in Design, including their flagship Bachelor in Design programs and annual tuition fees:

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Apart from these top 10 universities, many other US universities also deliver outstanding BDes education. 

Popular Universities for Bachelors in Design USA

Many US universities beyond the top 10 offer BDes programs that blend creativity, hands-on studio learning, and professional development. These institutions feature a variety of design specializations, such as visual communication, industrial design, and digital media, and strong placement support. With competitive tuition fees, rolling or accessible deadlines, and a focus on practical skills

The table outlines some other popular options for Bachelors in Design USA: 

Note: Currency conversions are approximate and based on the current exchange rate.

Now that you know about top universities for bachelor in design USA, let’s understand the specific eligibility requirements for the same. 

Eligibility Criteria for Bachelors in Design USA

To apply for a Bachelors in Design USA, you must have completed high school (or equivalent), submit official transcripts, demonstrate English language proficiency with a minimum TOEFL score of 100, IELTS band score of 7.5, or Duolingo score of 130, and provide a competitive design portfolio.

Below is a table with detailed Bachelors in Design eligibility requirements: 

Note: Scores must be valid within two years prior to the course start date. Check individual university pages for program-specific language score requirements.

Understanding the application process and key deadlines is also essential for maximizing your chances of admission to top Bachelors in Design USA programs.

Application Process for Bachelors in Design USA

For Fall 2025 entry, most universities open applications in August–September 2024 (closed), with rolling admissions deadlines between December 2024 and April 2025 (closed); for Spring 2026, deadlines typically fall between September and November 2025. 

Here's a step-by-step application process to apply for the Bachelors in Design USA:

 Step 1. Select Intake and Check Deadline

Identify your preferred intake (Fall or Spring) and note university-specific deadlines; Fall deadlines are usually December–April, Spring deadlines are September–November.

Step 2. Complete Online Application
Apply via the university portal or Common Application; ensure all sections are filled accurately and upload required documents as per university guidelines.

Step 3. Submit Academic Transcripts
Arrange for official high school transcripts (grades 9–12) to be sent directly to the university; translations required if not in English.

Step 4. Provide English Language Proficiency Scores
Upload TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo scores meeting the university’s minimum requirements (e.g., TOEFL iBT 100, IELTS 7.5).

Step 5. Upload Portfolio
Submit a digital portfolio showcasing original, assignment-based, and self-directed work, following university-specific format and content guidelines.

Step 6. Submit Additional Documents
Provide letters of recommendation, a personal essay, a resume, and any program-specific statements or assignments as required.

Step 7. Pay Application Fee
Pay the non-refundable application fee (typically $20–$50) via the university’s payment portal.

Step 8. Track Application Status
Monitor your application portal for updates, interview invitations, or additional document requests.

Step 9. Apply for a Student Visa
Upon receiving an offer, request your I-20 form, pay the SEVIS fee, and schedule your F-1 visa interview with all required documentation.

Step 10. Plan Travel and Accommodation: 

After visa approval, arrange your travel, housing, and orientation plans before the semester begins.

Next, let’s explore the breadth and depth of Bachelors in Design offerings and specializations available to international students in the USA.

Bachelors in Design USA: Course Details & Specialization

International students can choose from over 397 accredited Bachelors in Design programs across the USA for 2025, with offerings at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. 

These programs span more than a dozen core specializations, including graphic design, industrial design, interior design, fashion design, digital media, and game design.

Degree types include Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA), Bachelor of Science (BS/BSc), Bachelor of Design (BDes), and Bachelor of Arts (BA).

Here's a list of popular Bachelors in Design specialization courses in the USA: 

Understanding the full financial commitment is crucial before enrolling in a Bachelors in Design USA.

Cost of Pursuing Bachelors in Design USA

The annual tuition fee at top US design schools ranges from $33,120 (INR 27.7 L) at La Roche University to $72,790 (INR 60.8 L) at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago, with living expenses averaging $18,000–$20,000 (INR 15–16.7 L) per year. 

Pre-arrival costs, including visa, SEVIS, and airfare, typically add $1,000–2,000 (INR 83,000–1.7 L).

Below is the breakdown of the cost of living in the USA for international students: 

Note: INR conversion is based on the latest exchange rate and may fluctuate; please check current rates for precise budgeting.

Securing funding is a crucial step for many international students considering a Bachelors in Design USA.

Scholarships for Pursuing Bachelors in Design USA

US universities offer merit-based and need-based scholarships for international students enrolled in Bachelors in Design programs. These awards may cover partial or full tuition and are often renewable for all four years, provided you maintain strong academic and creative performance. 

For example, Parsons School of Design provides the Dean’s Scholarship (covering 10–30% of tuition), and Louisiana State University offers multiple scholarships specifically for Bachelor of Interior Design students.

To help you understand what universities provide directly, look at the internal scholarships available for bachelors in design students.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships at top US design schools, such as Parsons School of Design, are awarded directly by the university and are available exclusively to enrolled students. 

At Parsons, all undergraduate applicants are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships during the admission review, with awards ranging from $5,000 to $25,000 (INR 4.17L-20.87L) per year and renewable for up to four years.

Below is the list of bachelor’s scholarships along with the requirements of scholarship in the USA: 

Next, explore external scholarships awarded to Bachelors in Design USA.

External Scholarships

External scholarships offer international students pursuing a Bachelors in Design in the USA the opportunity to secure substantial funding beyond what universities provide. 

These awards are highly competitive, often fully or partially covering tuition, living expenses, and other study costs for creative and academically outstanding students.

Below is the list of fully-funded scholarships in the USA for international students: 

Next, see your job options after completing your Bachelors in Design USA. 

Job Opportunities After Bachelors in Design USA

Currently, 80% of arts and design bachelor’s graduates in the US are in the workforce, outpacing the 73% workforce participation rate for all college-educated adults. The median annual wage for arts and design occupations is $53,180 (INR 44.5 L), higher than the US median for all jobs. 

The sector is projected to generate about 87,900 job openings annually through 2033, with 56% of design alumni working directly in arts or design roles and about 34% self-employed, reflecting the field's entrepreneurial nature.

Here's a detailed look at some of the highest-paying jobs in the USA after doing a Bachelors in Design:

Source: Glassdoor

Note: Salaries and roles may vary based on experience, location, and employer.

Next, let's have a look at some of the top recruiters for Bachelors in Design graduates in the USA. 

Top Recruiters for Bachelors in Design Degree Holders in USA

Leading employers, including Apple, Adobe, Amazon, Accenture, and General Motors, hire design graduates for roles in product design, UX/UI, digital media, and visual communication. These companies offer some of the highest average salaries in the design sector, with Product Designers and UX/UI Designers earning over $100,000 annually.

Below are some of the top recruiters, the job roles they offer, and the average annual salary for each: 

Source: Glassdoor, Indeed

Note: Salaries and roles may vary based on experience, location, and employer.

To build a competitive profile and access these opportunities, structured support from education partners becomes important.

How Can upGrad Help You Study Bachelors in Design USA?

upGrad provides personalized counseling to help you shortlist the best-fit Bachelors in Design universities in USA, using official university data and your academic profile. You’ll receive targeted preparation for entrance exams such as the SAT, IELTS, or TOEFL, along with structured support for SOPs and financial documentation. 

upGrad’s advisors assist with visa applications, scholarship opportunities, and education loan options. Dedicated mentorship and interactive workshops guide you through interview prep and admission requirements. 

Enroll in your choice of university for Bachelors in Design USA. Book a free one-on-one counselling session with upGrad's experts today and improve your chances of selection in top USA universities.