2026 Best Graphic Design Schools in Iowa

Graphic Design degree programs prepare students for a range of careers in the field. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

To produce this 2026 ranking, College Factual evaluated 15 schools to find the best for graphic design students.

What’s on this page:

• Best Graphic Design Schools in Iowa

Best Schools for Graphic Design in Iowa

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

Iowa State University
Ames, IA

Doctoral Degree Highest Degree Type

90 Graphic Design Degrees Awarded

$36,634 Median Starting Salary

Our analysis ranked Iowa State University the best school in the country for a degree in graphic design. Set in the city of Ames, Iowa State University is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 75%. There were roughly 90 graphic design students who graduated with this degree at Iowa State University in the most recent data year. Graphic Design graduates of Iowa State University earn a median of $36,634 early in their careers. Iowa State University graduates carry a median of $27,000 in student loans. Read more about the graphic design program at Iowa State University

2

University Of Northern Iowa
Cedar Falls, IA

13 Graphic Design Degrees Awarded

$38,637 Median Starting Salary

University Of Northern Iowa came in at #2 on our 2026 list of the best graphic design schools. This large public university is located in the city of Cedar Falls. About 68% of students finish within six years. About 13 graphic design degrees were awarded at University Of Northern Iowa in the most recent year. Graphic Design graduates of University Of Northern Iowa earn a median of $38,637 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $25,100. Read more about the graphic design program at University Of Northern Iowa

Notes and References

This ranking is produced by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 15 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.