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Design Courses in USA: A Complete Guide on Top Universities & Programs

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An average UX/UI designer in USA earns $87K (INR 74.8L), which is more than the average median salary of $39,810 (INR 34.2L)

Design courses in the USA span a wide range of fields, from fine arts to engineering, including courses like graphic design, product design, fashion design, and architecture. These programs prepare you for diverse job roles such as digital product designer, design strategist, creative director, and art director.

Enrolment in design courses has seen a 40% increase, reflecting the growing demand for design professionals across industries like entertainment and manufacturing. Studying design in the US allows you to attend top schools like Stanford University, which not only offer world-class education but also provide access to industry connections. 

This blog will cover the best universities and colleges in the US for design courses, enabling your dream of studying in the US.

Design Courses in USA: Overview

Design courses in the USA typically range from 2 to 4 years, offering both bachelor's and master's degrees, like BAMA, and BFA. These programs equip students with creativity, technical design, problem-solving skills, and innovation, preparing them for careers as graphic designers, interior designers, and fashion designers. 

Here’s an overview of design courses in the USA.

Parameter Details
Duration  2 - 4 years
Main Intakes 
Course Level 
Top Universities 
Average Annual Tuition Fee $9,718 - $73,260 (INR 8.3L - INR 63L)
Entrance Exams Required
  • TOEFL: 80
  • IELTS: 6.5
  • Cambridge English Test: C1 and C2 proficiency
  • Duolingo English Test: 105
Eligibility Criteria
  • Bachelors Degree: A completed high school diploma or relevant bachelor’s degree.
  • Work Experience: Some graduate programs may require 2-3 years of work experience.
  • GPA Score: Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Career Opportunities
  • Graphic Designer
  • Fashion Designer
  • Interior Designer
  • UI/UX Designer
  • Industrial Designer
Popular Specializations 
  • Web and UX/UI Design
  • Packaging Design
  • Interior Design
  • Game Design
  • Architectural Design

Next, let’s discuss why you should pursue design courses in the USA.

Why Pursue a Design Course in USA?

Design courses in the US provide opportunities to study at top schools like the University of Pennsylvania, known for its strong design programs. Students gain access to valuable industry connections, internships, and hands-on experiences.

Additionally, scholarships like Fulbright offer financial support, making it an even more attractive option. 

Here’s why you should consider studying design courses in the USA.

  • Top Universities: The US is home to some of the best design schools globally, like the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD), known for its latest design programs.
  • Industry Connections: US design programs offer strong industry ties, providing students with networking opportunities, internships, and access to major design firms like IDEO and Pentagram.
  • Diverse Specializations: Whether you're interested in graphic design, fashion, or UX/UI, US schools offer specialized courses in a wide range of design fields.
  • High Job Demand: Design graduates are in high demand, with the graphic design industry alone in the US projected to grow by 3% from 2020 to 2030.
  • Access to Scholarships: Scholarships like the Inlaks and other merit-based awards provide financial support to international students, making education more affordable.
  • Practical Experience: US universities offer internships and co-op programs with top companies like Apple, Google, and Nike. This allows students to gain hands-on experience before graduating.

After understanding the reasons to study design courses in the USA, let’s explore the top universities offering these programs.

Top Universities for Studying Design Courses in USA

Top universities help you choose the right school based on your study goals and career aspirations. For example, pursuing an MA in Design from Cornell University prepares you for roles like design director or creative lead in top design firms. 

Here are the top universities offering design courses in the USA.

University Program Annual Tuition Fees Duration & Deadline
Stanford University MS in Design $14,100 (INR 12.1L) per quarter

2 years

Deadline:

5 December 2024 (Closed)

Harvard University Master in Design Engineering $61,510 (INR 52.9L) 

2 years

Deadline

8 January 2026 (Fall 2026)

University of Pennsylvania BA in Design $63,204 (INR 54.3L)

4 years

Deadline:

N/A

Cornell University MA in Design $20,800 (INR 

2 years

Deadline:

1 December 2024 (Closed)

University of Michigan Master of Design in Integrative Design $29,302 (INR 17.8L)

2 years

Deadline:

3 January 2026 (Fall)

 

Brown University MA in Design Engineering $7,887 (INR 6.7L) per course

11 Months

Deadline

16 December 2024 (Closed)

Purdue University BS in Design and Construction Integration $9,718 (INR 8.3L)

4 years

Deadline

15 January 2025 (Closed)

University of Southern California BFA in Design $73,260 (INR 63L)

4 years

Deadline:

10 January 2025 (Closed)

Apart from top universities, there are several popular universities offering diverse programs tailored to your needs. Let’s check them out.

Popular Universities for Design Courses in USA

Popular universities provide great alternatives if your chosen institution doesn’t offer a design course that fits your needs. For example, the University at Buffalo offers unique programs like the MS in Materials Design and Innovation, focusing on the intersection of design and technology. 

Below are some popular universities offering design courses in the USA.

University Program Annual Tuition Fees Duration & Deadline
East Carolina University BS in Design $23,715 (INR 20.4L)

4 years

Deadline:

1 April 2025 (Closed)

Arizona State University BA in Design Studies  $37,202 (INR 32L)

4 years

Deadline

15 January 2025 (Closed)

University of Buffalo MS in Materials Design and Innovation N/A

1 - 1.5 years

Deadline:

15 February 2025 (Closed)

New Jersey Institute of Technology Master of Urban Design $33,138 (INR 28.5L)

1 year

Deadline:

1 November 2025 (Spring)

West Virginia University MFA in Scenic Design and Technology $31,428 (INR 27L)

3 years

Deadline:

1 August 2025 (Fall)

Saint Edwards University BA in User Experience Design $25,495 (INR 21.9L)

4 years

Deadline

1 May 2025 (Closed)

Now that you’ve seen some popular universities offering design courses in the USA, let’s take a look at the eligibility criteria for admission.

Eligibility Criteria for Design Courses in USA

Knowing the eligibility criteria can reduce errors by up to 30% by preventing last-minute hurdles. Eligibility requires you to fulfill academic criteria, such as a high school diploma for bachelor’s courses and a relevant bachelor’s degree for master’s programs. Tests like the GRE may be required for master’s degrees related to engineering. 

International students must demonstrate English language proficiency through tests like IELTS and TOEFL. Once approved, you can apply for a student visa for the US.

Here are the eligibility criteria required for design courses in the USA.

Criteria  Sub-Criteria Details 
Academic Requirements Educational Qualification
  • High school diploma for bachelor's courses.
  • A relevant bachelor's degree for master's programs.
GPA Score Minimum 3.0 on a 4.0 scale
Academic Transcripts Official documents showing all completed courses and grades from your previous degree.
Standardized Tests GRE 300
GMAT N/A
English Language Proficiency IELTS 6.5
TOEFL 80
Cambridge English Test C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency
Duolingo English Test 105
Visa requirements Passport Must be valid for the duration of your studies.
Letter of Acceptance Confirmation of selection from a recognized university in the US.
Proof of Funds Bank statements to prove you have sufficient financial resources. 
Academic Transcripts Official documents from previous courses and grades.
Visa Application Form Completed DS-160 form for the F-1 visa.
Visa Fee $535 (INR 46.1K) including MRV and SEVIS fees or F-1 visa.
Miscellaneous  Statement of Purpose A well-written SOP explaining your goals and motivation.
Letter of Recommendation Typically, 2-3 letters from professors or employers.
Resume/CV Current resume/CV with details of education and experience.
Work Experience  Relevant experience of 2-3 years is preferred, but not always mandatory.

Next, let’s discuss the application process for design courses in the USA.

Application Process for Design Courses in USA

Student enrollment in design courses has grown by 40% in the past few years, leading to a more competitive admission process. Typically, you need to apply through an online portal and submit documents such as a portfolio of your work. If accepted, you will have to apply for a student visa to study in the US.

Here are the steps involved in the application process.

  • Step 1: Submit Your Application: Start by completing and submitting your application to the university. This will include your personal information, academic history, and any necessary forms or essays.
  • Step 2: Provide Required Documents: If required, submit the following documents:
    • Academic transcripts
    • Proof of English language proficiency (IELTS, TOEFL)
    • Letters of recommendation
    • Statement of Purpose (if needed)
    • Resume or CV (if needed)
    • Portfolio
  • Step 3: Attend an Interview: Some universities, such as Harvard, may request an interview as part of their selection process. Be ready to discuss your academic journey, motivations, and career aspirations.
  • Step 4: Monitor Application Status: Keep track of your application status on the university’s portal and respond quickly to any additional document requests.
  • Step 5: Apply for a Student Visa: Once accepted, apply for an F-1 student visa by providing:
    • A copy of your acceptance letter
    • Completed visa application form (DS-160)
    • Proof of financial support
    • Visa application fee of $535 (INR 46.1K)
    • Passport-sized photographs
    • SEVIS fee payment confirmation

After exploring the application process, let's take a look at the core subjects and specializations you will be studying in design courses.

Curriculum Details for Design Courses in USA

Design is a broad field that encompasses areas like fine arts, architecture, and graphic design. In your studies, you'll cover core subjects such as visual communication, and you can specialize in areas like interior design or product design. This prepares you for roles like design consultant or creative director. 

Alongside coursework, you’ll have access to internships and co-op programs, giving you valuable industry experience. 

Here is the curriculum for design courses in the USA.

Course Type Programs
Core Subjects
  • Design Thinking
  • Visual Communication
  • Digital Media Design
  • Materials and Manufacturing
  • Product Design
  • History of Design
  • Design Research
  • User-Centered Design
  • Interactive Design
Electives or Specialization
  • Graphic Design
  • Fashion Design
  • Interior Design
  • Game Design
  • Industrial Design
Other Offerings
  • Internship: Working with companies like Pentagram, where you can gain experience in client briefs, design execution, and teamwork.
  • Co-op program: A 6-12 month program to help you get practical exposure to industry workflows and processes.
  • Capstone Project: Collaborate with real clients, such as tech startups like Spotify, to develop design solutions like user interfaces. 

Now, let’s check out how much it costs to study design courses in USA.

Cost of Pursuing Design Courses in USA

A student in USA typically requires around $12,000 - $14,400 (INR 10.3L - INR 12.4L) annually for living expenses. This includes costs like housing food, and health insurance, which are separate from your tuition fees, which come around $9,718 - $73,260 (INR 8.3L - INR 63L).

Here is the cost of living in the USA for design courses in USA.

Purpose Yearly/Monthly Expenses (USD) Yearly/Monthly Expenses (INR)
Tuition Fees $9,718 - $73,260 INR 8.3L - INR 63L
Housing  $300 - $600 INR 25.8K - INR 51.7K
Food  $250 - $600 INR 21.5K - INR 51.7K
Books & Course Material $285 per year INR 24.5K per year
Transport  $45 - $100 INR 3.8K - INR 8.6K
Health Insurance $1,500 - $2,500 INR 1.2L - INR 2.1L
Miscellaneous Cost $216 INR 18.6K

NoteThe INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Students can apply for financial aid, such as scholarships, to reduce the cost of living in the USA for Indian students. Let’s explore the details.

Design Courses in USA: Scholarships for Students

Annually, over 1.7 million scholarships are granted in the U.S., totaling $46 billion in financial aid to help offset the growing cost of college, which has grown by 161% since 2001. These include both internal scholarships of universities and external ones.

Below is a breakdown of internal and external scholarships to study in the USA for Indian students.

Internal Scholarships

Internal scholarships are awarded to university students from the institution’s own funds. For design courses, you can apply for the School of Civil Engineering Scholarship at Purdue University, which provides a varying amount to cover tuition fees.

Here are some internal scholarships for students. 

Scholarship  Type  Details 
School of Civil Engineering Scholarship Fund 
(Purdue University)
Merit-based 

Eligibility: Undergraduate civil engineering student.

Benefits: Varying financial award to cover part of tuition fees.

Engineering Fellowship and Scholarship Fund

(University of Buffalo)

Merit-based 

Eligibility: Graduate student accepted into School of Engineering and Applied Sciences.

Benefits: Up to $2,000 (INR 1.7L) as financial aid.

USC Merit Scholarships

(University of Southern California)

Merit-based 

Eligibility: Students applying for UG or PG programs at USC.

Benefits: Financial award, ranging from a few thousand dollars up to full tuition, based on merit.

Students can also apply for financial aid provided by the government and other external agencies. Let’s explore these options in detail.

External Scholarships

Apart from university scholarships, students can explore external ones, typically offered by the government. Indian applicants can apply for the Fulbright Scholarship, which covers the cost of studying design courses in USA.

Here are some external scholarship options.

Scholarship  Type  Details 
Nehru - Fulbright Scholarship Merit-based 

Eligibility: Indian bachelor's degree holders, minimum 55% marks, and at least three years of work experience.

Benefits: Covers tuition, living expenses, airfare, and health insurance

The Paul & Daisy Soros Fellowships for New Americans Merit-based 

Eligibility: Immigrants and children of immigrants pursuing graduate school in the U.S.

Benefits: Financial grant of  $90,000 (INR 77.5L) over two years, covering tuition and living expenses

Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation Scholarship Merit-based

Eligibility: Indian citizens under 30 with a first-class UG degree from an Indian institution.

Benefits: Covers tuition, living expenses, and one-way travel up to USD 100,000 (INR 86.1L).

Now, let's explore popular job opportunities available after completing design courses in the USA.

Job Opportunities After Design Courses in USA

Design graduates have diverse job opportunities, spanning both arts and technology fields. For example, a technical role like a graphic designer earns an average salary of $61,836 (INR 53.1L), while a fashion designer earns around $71,069 (INR 61.1L).

Here are the potential job roles after design courses in USA.

Job Role  Average Annual Salary (USD) Average Annual Salary (INR)
Graphic Designer $61,836 INR 53.1L
Fashion Designer $71,069 INR 61.1L
Interior Designer  $70,109 INR 60.3L
Product Designer $125,758 INR 1CR
Industrial Designer $82,784 INR 71.2L

SourceIndeed

NoteThe INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Next, let’s explore the top recruiters hiring graduates after design courses in USA.

Top Recruiters Hiring Graduates After Design Courses in USA 

Design graduates are in high demand across industries, ranging from Information technology to fashion and architecture. Companies like Apple and Tesla are hiring for roles such as UI/UX designer and interior designer.

Here are some top recruiters.

Top Recruiter Job Role Average Annual Salary
Apple  UI/UX Designer $240,000 (INR 2CR)
Nike Shoes Designer $63,000 (INR 54.2L)
Tesla  Interior Designer $84,000 (INR 72.2L)
Sony  Graphics Designer $69,000 (INR 59.3L)
Amazon Industrial Designer $97,001 (INR 83.4L)

Source: Glassdoor

NoteThe INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

After exploring top recruiters, let’s understand how upGrad helps you in planning your study abroad journey.

How Can upGrad Help You Study Design Courses in USA?

Pursuing a design course abroad can be challenging due to the long and complex application processes and financial planning. upGrad simplifies the process by offering expert support, making your journey smoother.

upGrad offers personalized guidance, helping you make confident decisions. They assist with visa paperwork, scholarships, and provide targeted IELTS/TOEFL preparation. Additionally, career counseling and resume reviews ensure continuous success.

Begin your journey to study in the US. Book a 1:1 session with upGrad experts to receive personalized guidance on admission requirements, fees, and the application process for a successful experience!

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  • Level of study
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  • Fees
  • Exams Accepted
  • Course Duration
204 results found

Design (MS)

Stanford University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 32.17L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025
View details

Master in Design Engineering (M.D.E.) in Design Engineering

Harvard University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 48.19L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Machine Design & Advanced Materials BS

Kettering University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 16.94L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Design, BA

University of Pennsylvania, USA

  • DURATION
    3 Years
  • FEES
    INR 45.53L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025
View details

Master of Environmental Design

Yale University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 40.10L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Design(M.A.)

Cornell University, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 16.85L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Master of Science in Computational Design Practices (M.S.CDP)

Columbia University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 77.58L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025
View details

MA in Digital Design & Fabrication

State University of New York at New Paltz, USA

  • DURATION
    -
  • FEES
    INR 14.00L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    SEP 2025
View details

Bioengineering Innovation and Design Master of Science in Engineering

Johns Hopkins University, USA

  • DURATION
    1 Year
  • FEES
    INR 52.43L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Master of Design in Integrative Design

University of Michigan, USA

  • DURATION
    2 Years
  • FEES
    INR 46.80L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design

Lawrence Technological University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 27.93L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Bachelor of Arts in Theatre Production/Design

Western Illinois University , USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 10.53L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

BA IN DESIGN MEDIA ARTS

University of California - Los Angeles, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    -
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Art & Design

Western Oregon University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 21.13L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Art - Painting/Drawing/Illustration Emphasis (BA/BS)

Utah Tech University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 12.34L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Scientific Illustration (BA)

Arcadia University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 35.46L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Master of arts in Design Engineering

Brown University, USA

  • DURATION
    11 Months
  • FEES
    INR 55.57L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    JUN 2025
View details

Studio Arts - Illustration (BFA)

Southern Utah University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 16.14L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    -
View details

Interdisciplinary Studies-Design Your Own Major (B.A.)

Johnson & Wales University, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 33.84L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

Bachelor of Fine Arts Design

University of Texas Austin, USA

  • DURATION
    4 Years
  • FEES
    INR 32.87L/yr
  • EXAMS
    -
  • INTAKE SESSION
    AUG 2025
View details

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All information provided on this page is for general use and upGrad Abroad is not responsible for any errors or omissions. The Universities involved in this Program are accredited/recognized in the countries where they are established. Relevant terms and conditions apply.Any action taken upon the information found on this website is strictly at your own risk.

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