Choosing the right college for industrial design is important. Each of these Best Industrial Design Universities offers strong programs and opportunities. Graduates have successful careers in many fields. High GPAs and good SAT/ACT scores are needed. Students also need strong portfolios and essays. These colleges help students become top designers and innovators. Graduates earn good starting salaries and work in top firms. The right college can set the path for a successful career in industrial design. Here are the 40 best colleges for studying Industrial Design in 2024. Best Industrial Design Universities listing includes details like GPA requirements, median SAT and ACT scores, acceptance rates, admission requirements, and salary information. We also cover professional outcomes and academic highlights for each college.
30 Best Industrial Design Universities
1) Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
- GPA: 3.8
- Median SAT: 1360
- Median ACT: 30
- Acceptance Rate: 26%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio, essays.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work at top design firms and companies.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
- Academic Highlights: Renowned for design, strong alumni network, and faculty.
2) ArtCenter College of Design
- GPA: 3.5
- Median SAT: 1300
- Median ACT: 28
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Requirements: High GPA, portfolio, essays.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates excel in product and automotive design.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $58,000.
- Academic Highlights: Emphasis on practical skills, and strong industry ties.
3) Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
- GPA: 3.4
- Median SAT: 1200
- Median ACT: 25
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio, essays.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various design industries.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $55,000.
- Academic Highlights: Diverse programs, strong faculty, and industry connections.
4) Carnegie Mellon University
- GPA: 3.8
- Median SAT: 1450
- Median ACT: 33
- Acceptance Rate: 17%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio, essays.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top tech and design firms.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
- Academic Highlights: Cutting-edge facilities, interdisciplinary approach.
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5) Pratt Institute
- GPA: 3.7
- Median SAT: 1340
- Median ACT: 30
- Acceptance Rate: 66%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio, essays.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in product and interior design.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong design focus, New York City location.
6) University of Cincinnati
- GPA: 3.6
- Median SAT: 1280
- Median ACT: 28
- Acceptance Rate: 76%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various design fields.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $58,000.
- Academic Highlights: Renowned co-op program, real-world experience.
7) Rochester Institute of Technology (RIT)
- GPA: 3.5
- Median SAT: 1300
- Median ACT: 28
- Acceptance Rate: 71%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates excel in tech and design sectors.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong focus on technology and design integration.
8) California College of the Arts (CCA)
- GPA: 3.4
- Median SAT: 1200
- Median ACT: 25
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in diverse design industries.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $55,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong faculty, and diverse design programs.
9) Auburn University
- GPA: 3.5
- Median SAT: 1250
- Median ACT: 27
- Acceptance Rate: 81%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various design fields.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $54,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong design program, industry connections.
10) University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- GPA: 3.6
- Median SAT: 1320
- Median ACT: 29
- Acceptance Rate: 59%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in tech and design firms.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong engineering and design collaboration.
11) Arizona State University
- GPA: 3.4
- Median SAT: 1220
- Median ACT: 25
- Acceptance Rate: 85%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in product and graphic design.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $53,000.
- Academic Highlights: Diverse design programs, strong faculty.
12) University of Oregon
- GPA: 3.5
- Median SAT: 1250
- Median ACT: 27
- Acceptance Rate: 82%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various design fields.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $54,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong design focus, industry connections.
13) Cleveland Institute of Art
- GPA: 3.3
- Median SAT: 1180
- Median ACT: 24
- Acceptance Rate: 64%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates excel in product and industrial design.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $52,000.
- Academic Highlights: Emphasis on practical skills, strong faculty.
14) Brigham Young University
- GPA: 3.7
- Median SAT: 1340
- Median ACT: 30
- Acceptance Rate: 67%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various design industries.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $55,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong design program, industry ties.
Best Industrial Design Universities
15) Iowa State University
- GPA: 3.5
- Median SAT: 1250
- Median ACT: 27
- Acceptance Rate: 87%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in product and industrial design.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $54,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong focus on practical experience.
16) Syracuse University
- GPA: 3.6
- Median SAT: 1300
- Median ACT: 28
- Acceptance Rate: 44%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various design fields.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $55,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong design program, industry connections.
17) University of Kansas
- GPA: 3.4
- Median SAT: 1220
- Median ACT: 25
- Acceptance Rate: 93%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in product and graphic design.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $52,000.
- Academic Highlights: Comprehensive design program, strong faculty.
18) Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech)
- GPA: 3.8
- Median SAT: 1450
- Median ACT: 33
- Acceptance Rate: 21%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top tech and design firms.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong engineering and design integration.
19) Ohio State University
- GPA: 3.6
- Median SAT: 1320
- Median ACT: 29
- Acceptance Rate: 54%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various design fields.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $55,000.
- Academic Highlights: Comprehensive program, strong faculty.
20) Virginia Tech
- GPA: 3.6
- Median SAT: 1320
- Median ACT: 29
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates excel in product and industrial design.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $54,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong focus on practical skills and internships.
21) University of Minnesota
- GPA: 3.5
- Median SAT: 1250
- Median ACT: 27
- Acceptance Rate: 70%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in product and industrial design.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $54,000.
- Academic Highlights: Comprehensive program, industry connections.
22) University of Houston
- GPA: 3.4
- Median SAT: 1220
- Median ACT: 25
- Acceptance Rate: 65%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various design fields.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $52,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong faculty, and diverse design programs.
23) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
- GPA: 3.8
- Median SAT: 1450
- Median ACT: 33
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top tech and design firms.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong engineering and design collaboration.
24) University of Southern California (USC)
- GPA: 3.8
- Median SAT: 1450
- Median ACT: 33
- Acceptance Rate: 12%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various design industries.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong design program, Los Angeles location.
25) University of Michigan
- GPA: 3.8
- Median SAT: 1430
- Median ACT: 32
- Acceptance Rate: 23%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates excel in product and industrial design.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong engineering and design integration.
26) Parsons School of Design
- GPA: 3.7
- Median SAT: 1340
- Median ACT: 30
- Acceptance Rate: 50%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various design fields.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong design focus, New York City location.
27) University of Texas at Austin
- GPA: 3.7
- Median SAT: 1340
- Median ACT: 30
- Acceptance Rate: 32%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top tech and design firms.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $60,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong engineering and design collaboration.
28) Clemson University
- GPA: 3.6
- Median SAT: 1300
- Median ACT: 28
- Acceptance Rate: 47%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates excel in product and industrial design.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $55,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong focus on practical skills and internships.
29) University of Washington
- GPA: 3.7
- Median SAT: 1340
- Median ACT: 30
- Acceptance Rate: 53%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in various design fields.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $55,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong design program, industry connections.
30) University of Notre Dame
- GPA: 3.8
- Median SAT: 1450
- Median ACT: 33
- Acceptance Rate: 19%
- Requirements: High GPA, SAT/ACT, portfolio.
- Professional Outcomes: Graduates work in top tech and design firms.
- Salary: The average starting salary is $65,000.
- Academic Highlights: Strong engineering and design integration.
Industrial Design University ranking – Conclusion
Choosing the right college for industrial design is crucial for aspiring designers. Each of these thirty Industrial Design Colleges offers strong programs and excellent opportunities, preparing graduates for successful careers in various design fields. High GPAs and good SAT/ACT scores, along with strong portfolios and essays, are necessary for admission. These colleges provide the education and industry connections needed to excel in top design and tech firms. Graduates earn competitive starting salaries and find fulfilling roles in product, automotive, and industrial design. The right college can set students on a path to a successful and innovative career in industrial design.