Masters in Design in USA: Top Universities & Fees

Master’s degree holders in the U.S. earn a median annual salary of USD 62,300 (INR 52.01L), compared to USD 45,400 (INR 37.91L) for bachelor’s degree holders. Employment for UX/UI and digital designers is expected to grow 16% from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Each year, over 500,000 international graduate students come to study in the USA, and top universities for Master's in Design, such as the Rhode Island School of Design, offer advanced design degrees, including the MFA in Graphic Design. In this blog, you will learn about the top universities and fees for masters in design in USA.

Masters in Design in USA: Overview

A Master of Design (M.Des) in the United States typically spans 1 to 2 years, offering a blend of creative exploration and technical expertise. 

Notably, some M.Des programs in the U.S. are STEM-certified, which allows students to extend their Optional Practical Training (OPT) period by an additional 24 months.

Below is a table summarizing key aspects to study in the USA from India:

Before exploring universities, costs, or job prospects, it’s essential to understand why pursuing a Master's Degree in Design in the USA stands out globally for career growth, innovation, and long-term return on investment.

Why Pursue a Masters in Design in USA?

The best universities and colleges in the USA are home to over 179,000 product designers, with the demand for design professionals projected to grow by 3% annually through the end of the decade. This growth translates to approximately 22,900 job openings each year, offering flexible career opportunities. 

Below are eight compelling reasons to pursue a Master's in Design in the U.S., focusing on opportunities, specializations, and career outcomes:

• Globally Acclaimed Institutions: The U.S. is home to top-ranked design schools, including MIT (#1 QS World 2025), Stanford (#6 QS 2025), RISD, and Carnegie Mellon, which are consistently recognized in global league tables.
• Access to Industry Leaders and Events: Programs include practical exposure through international internships, industry-led projects, and participation in design expos and workshops, with strong ties to prominent companies such as Apple, Google, Tesla, and renowned design studios.
• Diverse Specializations & Innovation: American Master’s in Design offers tracks such as UI/UX Designer, Sustainable Designer, Interaction, Graphic Designer, and interdisciplinary options with a focus on technology or management, available through institutions like MIT, CMU, and Parsons.
• High Career Opportunities and Job Market: U.S. design sectors offer strong placement, with graduates entering roles in design firms, tech giants, and creative agencies, backed by OPT and STEM degree eligibility.
• Lucrative Career Outcomes: Graduates from top design programs often command salaries exceeding USD 70,000 (INR 58.45L), with mid-career earnings higher in tech or specialized design roles.
• Entrepreneurial Ecosystem & Innovation: Schools like Parsons and CMU support student ventures through incubators, mentorship, and cross-disciplinary collaborations, encouraging the launch of design startups.
• Global Recognition and Influence: A Master’s from a U.S. institution is globally respected, accredited, ranked by QS WUR or Times Higher Education (THE), and recognized by employers worldwide, enhancing employability in international design markets.
• STEM‑Designated Programs & OPT Extension: Select Master’s in Design programs carry a STEM designation, enabling international students to extend OPT by 24 months (total 36 months of work eligibility).

Now, let’s explore the top universities offering a Masters in Design in USA.

Top Universities Offering Masters in Design in USA

The schools that ranked highly in QS and U.S. News for Art & Design are Parsons, which is #1 in the U.S. (QS), and Pratt, which is #6 globally (QS). 

The United States is home to six top-ranked fashion design programs featured in the QS Global Art & Design Rankings 2025. Enrolling in a fashion design program after your 12th grade grants access to the best higher‑education systems in the world.

Here’s a table featuring 10 top U.S. universities offering Master’s in Design programs, with tuition, duration, and intake deadline:

Note: INR amounts are approximate and are subject to change.

Now, let us explore the popular universities to study Masters in Design in USA, spotlighting programs that consistently top QS, THE, and U.S. News & World Report rankings.

Popular Universities to Study Masters in Design in USA

The United States is a premier destination for aspiring design professionals, hosting several of the world's top, ranked institutions in the field. 

According to the QS World University Rankings, the Royal College of Art (RCA) is ranked 1st globally. The RCA is renowned for its postgraduate programs in art and design. 

The table below compares semester tuition, duration, intake/deadline details, and more for the top U.S. universities offering Design courses:

Let’s explore the Eligibility Criteria for a Masters in Design in USA.

Eligibility Criteria for Masters in Design in USA

In the last academic year, over 1.12 million international students enrolled at American universities, with nearly 332,000 from India alone. 

Top U.S. design programs require a solid academic record and English‑language proficiency. Leading institutions, such as Parsons and MIT Sloan, often waive GRE requirements, but portfolio quality and GPA remain critical.

Here are the key eligibility requirements to pursue a Master’s in Design in the U.S.:

Let’s explore the top scholarships available for pursuing a Masters in Design in USA.

Application Process for Masters in Design in USA

Universities such as Parsons (ranked #1 in QS Art & Design) and Carnegie Mellon admit fewer than 15 % of international applicants, making competition intense. 

The application process involves submitting your application through the university portal, along with documents such as academic transcripts and proof of your English language proficiency level.

Below are the streamlined application steps tailored for U.S. Master’s in Design programs:

Step 1: Research & Shortlist Programs

Identify universities and programs aligning with your specialization (e.g., UX, strategic design, environmental design) using QS/THE/U.S. News rankings and the official school page.

Step 2: Prepare Application Materials

Gather required documents early:

• Academic transcripts (evaluated via WES/NACES)
• Statement of Purpose & Personal History Statement (250–500 words)
• Portfolio (15–25 high-quality pieces)
• 2–3 Letters of Recommendation
• Resume/CV
• GRE scores (if required) & English test (TOEFL/IELTS/Duolingo)

Step 3: Complete Online Application

Apply via the university portal (e.g., Parsons, UC Berkeley) and pay any required fees. Confirm that all documents are submitted before the Fall 2026 deadlines (typically December–January).

Step 4: Attend Interview (if required)

Some programs (e.g., Carnegie Mellon, Parsons) may require interviews to discuss your creative process, goals, and portfolio.

Step 5: Track Application Status

Use your portal dashboard to monitor receipt of transcripts, recommendations, and test scores. Promptly provide any additional info if requested.

Step 6: Accept Offer & Prepare for Visa

Once admitted, formally accept the offer and request an I-20 form. Prepare for your F-1 visa by gathering your:

• I-20 & admission letter
• Passport (valid for at least 6 months beyond stay)
• Proof of funds (USD 20–60 K (INR 16.70L – 50.10L)/year)
• Health insurance documentation

Let’s explore the curriculum and program structures offered by top universities for a Masters in Design in USA.

Masters in Design in USA: Course Details

U.S. design master’s programs blend foundational knowledge with research specializations, preparing students for diverse creative careers. 

According to QS World University Rankings 2025, the top U.S. design schools, MIT (#1), Stanford (#6), Parsons (#3), RISD (#4), Pratt (#6), ArtCenter (#14), Carnegie Mellon (#8), CalArts (#10) and SAIC (#10), offer rigorous, multidisciplinary curricula.

Below is a comparison of Master's in Design structures, specializations, and experiential offerings at top U.S. universities:

Now, let’s explore the financial aspects of pursuing a Masters in Design in USA.

Cost of Pursuing a Masters in Design in USA

The cost of living in the USA encompasses significant expenses for living and education. The cost of living for a Design master’s student in the U.S. typically ranges from USD 1,500 to 2,500 (INR 1.25L – 2.09L) per month, with higher expenses in major cities like New York or San Francisco. 

For a full academic year, expect to budget around USD 18K–30K (INR 15.03L – 25.05L) for living expenses, on top of tuition. 

Below is a detailed breakdown of the average monthly cost of studying in the USA for Indian students that you should include in your budget:

Let’s explore the top scholarships available for pursuing a Masters in Design in USA, which can significantly ease the financial burden of your studies.

Scholarships for pursuing a Masters in Design in USA

A Masters in Design in USA can cost between USD 30,000 and 60,000 (INR 25.05L and INR 50.10L) per year, making scholarships a crucial financial aid tool for international students. 

According to EducationUSA, over 900,000 international students receive fully funded scholarships from U.S. institutions each year. 

Below is a breakdown of internal and external scholarships available for students.

Internal Scholarships

Many U.S. universities offer internal scholarships specifically for international students studying a Masters in Design in USA. 

According to the Institute of International Education, over USD 8 billion (INR 6,680Cr) in institutional aid is awarded to international students annually in the U.S. These scholarships often cover partial to full tuition.

Here’s a comparison of top internal  scholarships to study at USA universities offered by leading U.S. design schools:

Now, let’s explore some external scholarship options for students studying design in the USA.

External Scholarships

External scholarships play a crucial role in alleviating the financial burden for international students studying in the United States. 

The Fulbright Scholarship awards thousands of international students who benefit from government and private scholarships, some covering 100% tuition and living expenses for studying abroad. 

Below are prominent external scholarships available to Master's in Design students heading to the USA:

Let’s explore the diverse and rewarding career paths available to graduates with a Masters in Design in USA.

Job Opportunities After a Masters in Design in USA

The most in-demand jobs in the USA for designers are surging. UI/UX Designer roles alone offer a median salary of USD 122,416 (INR 1.02 Cr), reflecting a strong market need for user-centered professionals. 

With Product Designers earning around USD 129,195 (INR 1.08 Cr), the trend indicates higher compensation associated with advanced design education.

Here’s a snapshot of high-demand design roles and their average annual earnings:

Source: Glassdoor

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Now, let's explore the leading companies and design firms actively seeking talented graduates in the field.

Top Recruiters

Design graduates from U.S. master’s programs are in high demand. Firms like Facebook and Apple offer average designer salaries above USD 109,000 (INR 9.1L), highlighting why these are considered among the highest-paying jobs in the USA. Part-time jobs in the USA for design roles still pay well, with an average total compensation of about USD 79K (INR 6.6L), offering flexible income streams alongside studies.

Below is a snapshot of leading recruiters, their roles, and salary ranges:

Source: Glassdoor

Note: The INR conversion is based on the current exchange rate. 

Guiding your journey to a top U.S. design school can be complex, but upGrad simplifies it with end-to-end support. From profile building to portfolio guidance, here’s how upGrad helps you achieve your study abroad goals.

How upGrad Can Help You Study a Master's in Design in USA?

upGrad offers expert guidance to shortlist top U.S. design universities based on your profile. They assist with SOPs, LORs, and building a strong design portfolio. Test prep support for TOEFL, IELTS, and GRE is also available. 

They also assist with scholarship applications, loan planning, and visa processes. Pre-departure sessions and career mentorship ease your transition abroad. upGrad simplifies every step toward top-ranked design programs in the USA.

Ready to Study a Masters in Design in USA? Schedule a free 1:1 counseling session with upGrad experts to find top, ranked design schools and map out a high-impact design career, personalized just for you.