
Best Design Colleges & Programs in New York
How are the Top Design Programs Chosen in New York
This content will be the same (or similar) across all major pages. Explain the criteria that these colleges were ranked by (student reviews, data from U.S. Department of Education, graduation rates, employment rates, etc).
Explore the Best Design Programs in New York with Cappex!
Conclusion and call to action. Encourage readers to sign up and research the list of best Design colleges in New York below.

As an Ivy League, a research institution, and one of three private land-grant universities in the US, Cornell University admissions are highly competitive. Since Cornell was founded in 1865 in Ithaca, NY, it has been a co-educational, nonsectarian...
With the exorbitant amount of majors offered, it is extremely easy to find your niche at Cornell. As an engineer, I was worried about immediately being funneled into classes filled to the brim with only math and science majors and engineers. I was...
” – Samantha from Ithaca, NY
New York University, more commonly referred to as NYU, is a private university with campuses and academic centers all over the world, including Abu Dhabi, Shanghai, Africa, and Europe. As one of the largest private universities in the US, it’s...
The learning portion is inevitable, isn’t it? NYU has various schools underneath its purple umbrella – College of Arts and Science, Tisch School of the Arts, Stern School of Business, Steinhardt School of Culture/Education/Human Development, College...
” – Lana from Tenafly, NJ
Founded in 1824, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute is the oldest continuously operating technological research university in the United States. On top of the usual academic offerings, RPI has programs in current and emerging issues, including in...
RPI is a wonderful place to learn. The academics are rigorous here, but the hard work pays off. Although it's a technological institute, there are lots of fields you can pursue, including biology, architechture, management, information technology...
” – DS from Troy, NY
Syracuse University is a private, research institution located in the New York town of the same name. SU’s 13 academic divisions offer 200 majors and 100 minors for undergraduate students, as well as multiple international study programs in 60...
The selection of classes is amazing -- it is impossible to be disinterested in each and every one. Even in the required courses (generally speaking, there's only one, all the rest are options) you will be able to learn and stay interested...
” – Angela from Syracuse, NY
Binghamton University is a 4-year research institution located on a 930-acre campus in New York state and is ranked #32 in Top Public Schools by US News & World Report. The university’s six schools offer 130 academic programs that provide research...
The professors here are great! If you need help they are there for you. Often times students don't go to them so they really do want you to come to them or else they won't have anything to do during office hours.
” – Wendy from Brooklyn, NY
Originally founded as a seminary for training future Marist Brothers, Marist College is a Roman Catholic school in southeast New York State. Marist grants bachelor’s degrees in 47 academic programs. Outside of the classroom, Marist maintains...
The classes tend to be small, I've never been in a class with more than 25 students. This is so beneficial because each student gets as much individual attention as they need. Most teachers are quite dedicated and have real passion for their subjects...
” – Emily from Alamo, CA
Ithaca College is a private, liberal arts college located midway between Manhattan and Toronto. IC offers more than 100 programs across five schools, including an Exploratory Program, which allows freshmen to take up to four semesters to try out...
Ithaca College offers many opportunities to pursue any subject that you may desire to study. You can be a communication major and still have the chance to take art history or any other class that may catch your eye. As a cinema major, I have taken...
” – Courtney from Yorktown Heights, NY
Discover a new kind of university in New York City, one where scholars, artists, and designers come together to challenge convention and create positive change. Our university takes full advantage of its location in one of the most vibrant and...
I am currently a student at the Parsons division of The New School, and my major is Fashion Design. The thing that sets me apart from my section (during the first semester you will be a part of a section that you have almost all of your classes with...
” – Briana from Corpus Christi, TX
The Rochester Institute of Technology is a 4-year private university of technology, arts, and design in northwest New York State. RIT is home to 11 colleges and schools conferring undergraduate degrees. Additionally, RIT offers a co-op program that...
Part of being a Software Engineering major means spending a year with Computer Science students learning the basics of computer programming. When I first came to RIT, I knew nothing about writing code but the classes challenged and taught me well and...
” – Geoff from Avon, NY
The State University of New York at New Paltz is 4-year public liberal arts institution in the Hudson Valley region of New York State and the area’s only residential public university. SUNY New Paltz is home to seven degree-granting colleges and...
This is my first semester at New Paltz and I do feel like I am learning a lot. It's a liberal arts college, so there is a great variety of choices of classes to suit you. My professors are all very intelligent and have great styles of teaching, so it...
” – Brianna from Wappingers Falls, NY
The University at Buffalo is a 4-year research institution offering more than 140 undergraduate degree programs. UB is the largest university in the State University of New York system by enrollment, but maintains a student-faculty ratio of 14:1...
This school has great programs for several different disciplines: Pharmacy, Architecture, Dentistry, Law, Nursing, Anthropology, etc. Spend some time really considering which one you would most like to pursue and then really immerse yourself in it.
” – Matthew from Stockbridge, GA
The New York School of Interior Design is a private institution offering concentrations in interior design. The school offers certifications, associate, bachelor, and master programs, including fine arts degrees. NYSID offers joint programs working...

SUNY Oneonta is 4-year, public university and a member of the State University of New York. Offering more than 100 majors, minors, and cooperative programs, this mid-size university also offers 1,000+ study abroad programs through SUNY and is...
To start, I am a sophomore at SUNY Oneonta double majoring in Geology and Anthropology and also perusing a double minor in Biology and Water Resources. After just two semesters at Oneonta, I can already say that I have learned an immense amount of...
” – Christopher from Wynantskill, NY
Queens College, City University of New York is a 4-year liberal arts college in New York City and part of the CUNY system. Queens College hosts four academic divisions of Arts & Humanities, Mathematics, Social Sciences, and Education conferring...
Queens definitely does not get the rep for being an amazing school because it is part of the CUNY system... but believe me, you will not be disappointed in the quality of education here. Being a second generation Queens College student, I've only...
” – Julie from Garden City, NY
Farmingdale State College is a public institution offering a technology-focused education. It is part of the State University of New York system and has a “selective” admissions process. It is home to several research centers, including the Solar...
Farmingdale is a great school. There are so many activities on campus and clubs to join. Farmingdale was the best decision I've made.
” – Rachael from Centereach, NY
The Pratt Institute is a private college based in Brooklyn, NY. Pratt offers more than 25 undergraduate degree programs and concentrations, more than 26 graduate degree programs, and six programs leading to an Advanced Certificate award. The 25-acre...
I am a freshman foundation student; most students are required to take the same foundation classes except if you're an architecture, photo or fashion major. Although that might sound boring and unnecessary, it really is. I've learnt more about art...
” – Kanisorn from BROOKLYN, NY
Founded by the Sisters of St. Francis of Penance and Christian Charity, Daemen College is a 4-year, now nonsectarian, private school in the Buffalo-Niagara region of New York State. Daemen grants undergraduate degrees in 23 academic majors and all...
All of the teachers I have had so far are very knowledgeable and helpful
” – Thomas from Buffalo, NY
With campus situated on the shores of Lake Ontario, SUNY College at Oswego is a public university in northern New York State. SUNY Oswego is home to schools of Education, Liberal Arts, Communication, and Business conferring degrees in over 60 fields...
Most of my classes, were very enjoyable. I took a public speaking class and learned such a huge amount of material, without realizing it. I did so well in the class and learned so much that the teacher asked me to be his Peer Educator for the next...
” – Sarah
The St. John’s 150-year legacy is Catholic, Vincentian, metropolitan, and global. Graduates are not only employable, but, when they leave campus, they take with them all of the hope, compassion, awareness, and courage that can only come from knowing...
Thanks to the professors, St. John's is a school that helps students for their particular career field. Many of the teachers have had experience in your field, so they are willing to give you tips that go a long way. This college is not for the...
” – MusicStudent
Founded in 1871, SUNY Buffalo State is a public school in Buffalo and the largest 4-year college in the State University of New York System. SUNY Buffalo State is home to schools of Arts & Humanities, Education, the Professions, and Sciences, and is...
The professors I have had since beginning Fall 2008 have been extremely helpful. They are available before and after class if you would like to speak with them and also through email. No matter what your problem is, they do what they can to assist...
” – Jessica from Rochester, NY
SUNY at Purchase College is a 4-year public school in the New York City metro area and part of the State University of New York system. SUNY Purchase is home to schools of The Arts, Liberal Arts & Humanities, and Liberal Studies granting bachelor’s...
This is a great college for anyone studying any of the Visual Arts. There are endless resources available.
” – Kara from Purchase, NY
SUNY at Fredonia is a 4-year public liberal arts college in western New York State and part of the State University of New York system. Fredonia encompasses colleges of Liberal Arts, Education, Business, Music, and Performing Arts conferring...
All the teachers make themselves available for the students 24/7. If they aren't in their office, they are always reachable by e-mail or phone. They have flexible schedules so if you can't meet with them during their office hours then they schedule a...
” – Amoree from Liverpool, NY
Located in the hills of western New York, Alfred State College is a 4-year SUNY College of Technology institution offering more than 70 degrees. Alfred State maintains three colleges as well as an honors program and fully online degrees in areas such...
If you put yourself out there there is a limitless amount of knowledge to learn in Alfred. its a small town so its quite but there is so much to do and learn. professors are Very helpful if you put yourself in the position to bother them for...
” – Elvis from Alfred, NY
Named for breakfast cereal magnate C.W. Post, LIU Post is a private school on Long Island’s north shore and the largest campus of Long Island University. LIU Post grants bachelor’s degrees in over 50 academic majors. In addition, LIU Post is home to...
LIU Post is an exquisite school equipped with a full recreational center, gourmet food, and a club for everybody. Like all schools the work is diifficult but there are upperclass tutors and teachers available to assist in any problems you may have. I...
” – Khadija from Brooklyn, NY
St. Thomas Aquinas College is a private, 4-year institution located in Sparkill, New York. Students enrolled at St. Thomas have access to a wide variety of modern facilities, including an HD Television Studio, a video game lounge, and the Innovation...
The classes at STAC are amazing, the teachers are very welcoming especially for a student who isn't even enrolled yet.
” – Anonymous
SUNY College of Technology at Delhi is a technology-focused institution based in the Catskill Mountains. SUNY Delhi offers bachelor and associate degree programs as well as one-year technical certifications. Noted programs include culinary arts, golf...
Most of my classes are great because my professors are knowledgeable, but you always run the risk of being in class with people who just don't want to be there in college and that kinda ruins the experience.
” – Amanda
Cazenovia College is situated in Cazenovia, NY, and offers more than 35 undergraduate programs in liberal arts and professional studies. One of the smallest liberal arts schools in the region, Cazenovia features small classes and 96% of students...
The professors at Cazenovia College really try to tailor one's education to one's needs. They offer a fantastic learning center ready and willing to tutor any student in any subject. The advisors and professors want to challenge the students so that...
” – Michelle from Keene, NH
Houghton College is a private, Christ-centered institution established in the state of New York. The college also maintains satellite campuses in Buffalo and Utica, all three of which require full-time students to attend chapel at least twice weekly...
Academics are rigorous and challenging to me. The courses are thought-provoking and insightful.
” – Joel from Flanders, NY
CUNY Lehman College is a public institution affiliated with the City University of New York system and based in the Bronx neighborhood of New York City. The school offers a comprehensive liberal arts curriculum. Lehman College is part of the College...
This is a truly beautiful campus that somehow makes you think you are way out of the city. And...only a street away from the #4 Subway and 3 away from the D. It offers such a wide variety of programs and degrees: the arts, sciences, humanities...
” – Ahamed from Elmhurst, NY
SUNY College of Agriculture and Technology at Cobleskill combines theory with practice and all students must complete an applied learning experience to graduate. Educational facilities on campus include a contiguous farm, student-run restaurant, art...
I am planing on learning as much as I can and pass my knowledge on to others.
” – Alicia from Winsted, CT
The Fashion Institute of Technology is a public college of design, fashion, and art in New York City and part of the State University of New York system. FIT offers undergraduate programs in 29 fashion and artistic disciplines such as Menswear...
The teachers are all well experienced and have been in the industry for a minimum of ten years before teaching. They all held high positions related to the fashion industry so they bring their knowledge into the classroom. They give hands-on...
” – Tina from Quincy, MA
Marymount Manhattan College is a private institution located in New York, New York, that offers a liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Marymount features 30 majors, including its industry-noted performance program, in its three academic buildingers...
Marymount Manhattan College is in an ideal location for students interested in all kinds of studies. The college is incredibly helpful in ensuring students get everything they need from tutoring to finding an internship in the city. The professors...
” – Brittany from Leonardo, NJ
Originally founded as the Laboratory Institute of Merchandising, LIM College is a private school in New York City with a focus on the business of fashion. LIM confers undergraduate degrees in seven fields of study such as Fashion Media and Fashion...
Choosing to attend LIM College has been the best decision I have ever made. I love the tight-knit community and industry experience that LIM offers. Every one is a familiar face to me, and I like that!
” – Maura from Maspeth , NY
One of five colleges affiliated with The New School, Parsons School of Design is a college of art and design in New York City. Parsons is home to five schools of Art & Design History, Media, Constructed Environments, Design Strategies, and Fashion...
I attend the summer intensive course this year (2011), I worked hard,long hours, but loved every second . My drawings from day one to the last day improved 1000%, recieved a B+
” – Brittany from Boca Raton, FL
New York Institute of Technology is a private university with campuses on Long Island and New York City. New York Tech is home to six schools and colleges conferring degrees in over 90 career-centered academic programs. Additionally, New York Tech...
I was truly impressed by innovative facilities and how my questions were answered in a friendly manner. I was impressed by their well-presented computer-engineering workshop. The teachers explained everything on what to do and what not. They also...
” – Hector from Bay Shore, NY
SUNY College of Technology at Canton is located in northern New York State and part of the State University of New York System. Originally founded as the first 2-year college in New York, SUNY Canton now confers bachelor’s degrees in 29 career...
SUNY Canton's main campus facilities are incorporated into the side of a hill making almost all window a pleasant view. The staff and the students here are intuitive and pleasant. Ethnic diversity at SUNY Canton is also a big factor when...
” – Scott from Heuvetlton, NY
Niagara County Community College is a 2-year community college in western New York State and part of the State University of New York system. NCCC confers associate degrees in over 60 academic fields of study. Additionally, the college makes 10...
Great place to start a degree program, and get the general education requirements out of the way.
It is very economical to attend and the instruction is high quality.
There are also plenty of majors to choose from.

Founded by the Felician Sisters, Villa Maria College is a 4-year Catholic school in Buffalo. Villa Maria confers bachelor’s degrees in 12 academic majors and is also home to eight associate-degree granting programs. To provide a real-world learning...

SUNY Morrisville is located in Central New York, on 150 acres in a town of the same name. Morrisville offers more than 75 degree programs, both bachelor's and associate's, in agriculture, technology, business, social sciences, and liberal arts...
I think that it is a wonderful college. It offers many different degrees and programs. They also have professors that really understand the students and are very helpful as well.
” – Cheyanne from Earlville, NY
CUNY New York City College of Technology is a public institution located in the Brooklyn borough. The school offers professional certifications as well as bachelor’s and associate’s degrees. CUNY New York City College of Technology provides tech...
I haven't started the credit course classes but I attended the summer classes. The professors really know how to teach you. If your professor isn't the best teacher then there is a tutor who will work with you until you understand your work. You will...
” – Kristine from Brooklyn, NY
Ulster County Community College is a 2-year institution and part of the State University of New York system. SUNY Ulster offers courses in nine academic departments as well as the only local Police Basic Training program through its Kingston Center...

Berkeley College is a for-profit college with three campuses in and around New York City as well as four campuses in New Jersey. Berkeley is home to schools of Business, Professional Studies, and Health Studies conferring 14 bachelor’s degrees. In...

Rockland Community College is a 2-year institution in upstate New York’s Hudson Valley and a part of the State University of New York system. SUNY Rockland offers 40 associate degree programs and 10 certificates and the college partners with area...

CUNY Kingsborough Community College is a 2-year public institution based in Brooklyn, NY. The school overlooks the Atlantic Ocean and has its own private beach that is open for students in the summer. Many students choose to major in data processing...
I just finished my first semester and I have learned a lot in just 12 weeks. From the beginning to the end you get everything done on time without any problem. The professors are very helpful and teach you everything you need to know within your...
” – Lashima from Bronx, NY
Mohawk Valley Community College is the first 2-year community college established in New York State. MVCC has two campuses featuring degrees and certificates in over 90 areas of study and is part of the State University of New York system. In order...
I visited many colleges and found this one to be the most comfortable fit for me. A small (but not too small) college, where I feel that I will not get lost in the crowd academically. I am looking forward to coming to MVCC!
” – Gabrielle from Parish, NY
Centrally located in New York State, Herkimer County Community College sits on nearly 500 acres overlooking the Mohawk Valley. Offering more than 40 associate degrees and certificate programs, students can choose a major in art, business...
If you take bare-minimum classes, that is exactly what you will get out of your experience here. If you take challenging classes, you will be taking classes with other serious students who are looking to learn, and not just to get a degree.
” – Martha from Schenectady, NY
Nassau Community College is a two-year public institution situated in East Garden, New York. It is the largest community college campus in the state and has an open admissions policy. Popular fields of study include nursing, fashion and apparel...
Most Professors have a masters degree and most importantly experience in their field. For example, I took a personal finance course over the summer and my professor was a financial advisor or planner. Either way, she had first hand knowledge of the...
” – Edwina from Uniondale, NY
Suffolk County Community College is a 2-year institution in Selden, New York, that grants associate degrees and certifications. The college offers credit for students with life experiences. Programs offered include culinary arts and food service...
Most of the classrooms are small which is a big plus because that way you can have more one-on-one time with the professors. Not only that, but there is a lot of extra help provided around the campus.
” – Julia from NY
CUNY Graduate School and University Center is rated as a Doctoral University with Highest Research Activity and set in Midtown Manhattan. The graduate school is home to several research centers and promotes interdisciplinary research and...

Onondaga Community College is a public, 2-year institution established in Syracuse, New York, and is a member of the SUNY school system. Along with its nearly 50 associate degree and certificate programs, OCC maintains articulation agreements with...
Studying engineering science has been challenging and rewarding. A great place to start prior to transfering to a 4 year college.
” – David from Fulton, NYBy State
- Alabama
- Alaska
- Arizona
- Arkansas
- California
- Colorado
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Idaho
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Iowa
- Kansas
- Kentucky
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- Minnesota
- Mississippi
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- Nevada
- New Hampshire
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- New York
- North Carolina
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Oklahoma
- Oregon
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- South Dakota
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Utah
- Vermont
- Virginia
- Washington
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
- Wyoming
By Major
- Accounting / Finance
- Aerospace Engineering
- Agriculture
- Anthropology
- Architecture
- Art
- Biology / Pre Med
- Business
- Chemical Engineering
- Chemistry
- Communication / Journalism
- Computer Science
- Cosmetology
- Criminal Justice
- Culinary
- Dentistry
- Design
- Economics
- Engineering
- English / Literature
- Environmental Science
- Film
- Global Studies
- History
- International Studies
- IT
- Kinesiology
- Liberal Arts
- Marine Biology
- Math
- Medical
- Music
- Nursing
- Nutrition
- Pharmacy
- Philosophy
- Physics
- Physiology
- Political Science
- Pre Law
- Psychiatry
- Public Health
- Religious Studies
- Social Work
- Sports Management
- Statistics
- Teaching / Education
- Theater
- Veterinary