
Best Design Colleges & Programs in Pennsylvania
How are the Top Design Programs Chosen in Pennsylvania
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Founded in 1740 by Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is a private Ivy League institution in Philadelphia. UPenn hosts 12 schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 90 academic fields of study. Additionally, UPenn’s Gothic-style...
I think it's the perfect school for me.
” – Katherine from Murrieta, CA
Swarthmore College is a private liberal arts institution in Pennsylvania that was founded in 1864. The college was founded by the Religious Society of Friends (Quakers) and its "most selective" admissions process is also need-blind. The 425-acre...
Swarthmore is one of the toughest colleges in the country, but it pays off. Aside from major intro classes like Psch 1 and Bio 1&2, class sizes are very small. Professors are brilliant and AVAILABLE--unlike profs at huge research universities, they...
” – Some Swattie
Carnegie Mellon University stands among the world's most renowned educational institutions, and we tap into our diverse community and world-leading digital technologies across business, engineering, the sciences, the humanities and the arts to chart...
The amount of things you learn throughout your classes is amazing to me. Just this past 2 weeks, I've learned so many things about programming that it has made a noticeable change in how I approach problems.
” – Mathew from Jensen Beach, FL
Founded by a local industrialist and philanthropist, Lehigh University is a 4-year private school in eastern Pennsylvania’s Lehigh Valley. Lehigh is home to colleges of Business, Engineering, Arts & Sciences, Health, and Education granting...
Even though I'm taking mostly prerequisite classes right now, they are more advanced than anything I'd taken in high school and the teaching styles of the professors are conducive to learning. The learning that occurs on campus isn't limited to...
” – Stacy from Hope Valley, RI
Pennsylvania State University, Penn State, is a land-, sea-, and space-grant university with a main campus in University Park. This public research institution was founded in 1855 and is one of the largest universities in the US by student body. Its...
Penn State is a first class University. Professors are both well informed and intriguing. Even the biggest lecture classes can seem like an engaging one on one meeting. The class listings also are very various and allow for much customization in...
” – Eric from Winburne, PA
Founded in 1876, Juniata College is a 4-year liberal arts college in central Pennsylvania affiliated with the Church of the Brethren. Instead of conventional majors, Juniata features Programs of Emphasis which challenge students to develop their own...
I'm looking to major in Biology, and this looks like a great place to go for it. The program is very diverse, and surprisingly varied for a school of its size. I haven't gotten to sit in on classes (I've been accepted, and they're at the top of my...
” – Megan from New Market, MD
Built for a future that has yet to be defined, Jefferson is crossing disciplines to bring unrivaled innovation and discovery to higher education. Through boundary-breaking collaboration, research and hands-on, experiential learning, we equip...
This school is very well developed. You learn alot of information needed for your major. Many opportunities are offered. Have excellent internship programs to help you have an idea of what to expect after graduation. Many clubs and organizations...
” – Adji from Philadelphia, PA
Founded in 1846, Saint Vincent College is a private institution operated by Benedictine monks. The college combines Catholic and Benedictine tradition with a liberal arts and sciences curriculum. Rated as having “selective” admissions, the college is...
I chose to come to St. Vincent because I knew that I wanted to major in the sciences. They have a new state of the art science center and the teachers here really know what they are talking about.
” – Sara from Scottdale, PA
With a campus overlooking its eponymous river, Susquehanna University is a 4-year institution in central Pennsylvania featuring a liberal arts curriculum and pre-professional studies. Susquehanna is home to schools of Business and Arts & Sciences...
The faculty at SU is wonderful. Everyone wants you to succeed. If going to class and taking notes aren't enough, professors are more than willing to take time out of their schedules to sit down with you to discuss the material until you truly...
” – Megan from Wilkes-Barre, PA
Temple University, founded in 1884, is a public, four-year high research university located in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Home to more than 37,000 students, Temple offers more than 600 academic programs in 17 schools and colleges, on several...
Whether it is a boring topic or not the faculty at Temple University makes sure that you learn the information in a fun or interesting manner.
” – Brooke from Philadelphia, PA
Affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, Elizabethtown College is a private institution in south central Pennsylvania. Elizabethtown confers degrees in 56 academic fields of study and offers 100 minors and concentrations. With a focus on...
The campus is absolutely gorgeous. It's great spending time after a theatre class just laying out on the Dell sunbathing and catching up with friends. Everyone here is extremely friendly and helpful; you'll never feel alone.
” – Beth
Messiah College is a private liberal arts and sciences institution based in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania. It was founded by the Brethren in Christ Church and has a “more selective” admissions process. Students are required to sign a Community Covenant...
Mostly my classes have been small enough to be able to get to know the teacher, yet large enough to have a discussion that has representatives from many different worldviews. Even the lecture classes have been small, especially considering what...
” – Messiah Student, Health and Exercise Science Major
Founded in 1812, Lycoming College is a private, liberal arts institution established in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. In order to graduate, each student is required to fulfill an Enhanced Academic Experience, which can consist of a cooperative program...
The faculty at Lycoming College really want you to learn and to succeed in class. They are all open to questions and are willing to do whatever it takes to help you.
” – Jonath from Mifflinburg, PA
Named for a prominent 19th century philanthropist, Drexel University is a 4-year private research university in Philadelphia. Drexel offers bachelor’s degrees in over 80 academic majors with an emphasis on experiential learning. Additionally, the...
I have just finished my first year at Drexel and I already feel like I am learning a lot. The classes are challenging, but the professors are extremely helpful. For example, I took AP Calculus at my high school and did okay, but I didn't feel I was...
” – Megan from Lester, PA
Founded in 1856, Albright College is a 4-year liberal arts college in eastern Pennsylvania and the oldest institution of higher learning in its home county. Albright confers bachelor’s degrees in over 45 academic majors and also features an...
All of the professors are extremely helpful and they really want you to succeed which is great. Many of the tests have reviews beforehand that tell you exactly what is on each test and most of the time there are no tricks when the actual test comes...
” – Meghan from Bowmansville, PA
Geneva College is a Christ-centered institution founded on the traditions of the Reformed Christian faith with a “selective” admissions process. The liberal arts college is based in Beaver Falls, Pennsylvania, and operates a second campus in...
The professors are all so nice and caring. They are very easy to get to know personally, thanks to small class size.
” – Current Student
Lebanon Valley College is a private school based in Annville, Pennsylvania, affiliated with the United Methodist Church. The school offers multiple accelerated undergrad/master’s programs that allow students to earn dual degrees in 4-6 years. LVS...
Lebanon Valley excels in all of its programs! As I am currently planning on majoring in Physical Therapy, I will continue onto the next phase of graduate study in only 3 years! This school cuts off one entire year of schooling, condenses it, but...
” – Jennifer from Taneytown, MD
Founded by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Erie, Gannon University is a 4-year Catholic liberal arts college in northwest Pennsylvania and one of 11 Diocesan universities in the United States. Gannon grants bachelor’s degrees in 64 academic fields of...
The professors at Gannon are great. They will work with you and around your schedules to make sure that you are up to par and where you need to be. I find it great that there are certain classes that everyone has to take and they are often very...
” – Elizabeth from Mc Donald, PA
At York College of Pennsylvania, we believe that a life of passion and purpose is built by learning and experiencing every day. At York College, our approach to education is practical and experiential, focusing on real-world experiences that allow...
so far i have only taken core classes but they were very useful to my major. The college will not put you in classes you don't need.
” – Hilary from West Deptford, NJ
Named for an original signer of the Declaration of Independence, Robert Morris University is a 4-year private school in the greater Pittsburgh area. RMU hosts schools of Business, Engineering, Humanities, and Nursing granting degrees in over 80...
RMU has very very nice facilities, especially with their medical engineering programs. Everyone there is willing to help and friendly.
” – Stephanie from West Newton, PA
Wilkes University is a private four-year institution in Wilkes-Barre Pennsylvania offering 45 in-demand majors, including engineering, business, nursing and pharmacy. With a beautiful campus, state-of-the-art facilities, vibrant student life, small...
The classes are small, so better one on one with teachers. Teachers are very personable and helpful. Can get tutors for free or see teachers during office hours for help. Study sessions are also available to review and discuss information for...
” – Samantha from Wilkes Barre, PA
Marywood University is a liberal arts institution affiliated with the Roman Catholic church that’s located in Scranton, Pennsylvania. Marywood University’s 115-acre campus houses three colleges, the College of Arts & Sciences, the College of...
The professors here are amazing. They are friendly and well-versed in the subjects that they teach. When they say you can come to them if you have any problems or need any extra help, they sincerely mean it.
” – Suzanne from Meshoppen, PA
Originally founded as a business training college, Point Park University is a 4-year liberal arts college and the only university in downtown Pittsburgh. Point Park is home to five colleges and schools offering bachelor’s degrees in over 70 academic...
As a student enrolled in the Cinema & Digital Arts major I feel as though I have learned a tremendous amount about film making. The four year program is set up in a very structured manner that encompasses full learning potential. Point Park is also...
” – Joseph from Cochranton, PA
Mercyhurst University is a private Catholic liberal arts institution situated in Erie, Pennsylvania. Mercyhurst offers a liberal arts curriculum and all students must complete a core curriculum that includes 15 classes. Noted programs include data...
The teachers are great and really care about you personally.
” – Molly from Cranberry, PA
The Immaculata University is a Catholic university in Malvern, PA, that was founded by the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. The Christian core values of charism and tradition permeate the more than 60 majors available at Immaculata...
While on my visit to Immaculata, I was able to have an opportnity to talk to one of the Professors about my major. I was told that a classroom could be from 5-11 people tops! Thats' an AMAZING ratio! So if you need extra help or attention, your more...
” – Ebonee from Blackwood, NJ
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Erie-Behrend College is a public institution located in suburban Erie, PA. PSB is a residential college and has one of the largest campuses in the Penn State System. Mechanical engineering, e-commerce, and...
Although what you learn depends mostly on you the teachers also have a part in how a student learns. At Penn State the teachers take extra time out of their day to assist you along with most of the other staff. Everyone is willing to help and be...
” – Danielle from Erie, PA
Originally founded as a women’s college, Seton Hill University is a coeducational Catholic liberal arts college in western Pennsylvania. Seton Hill is home to five schools conferring undergrad degrees in over 80 academic majors. In addition, all...
The student to teacher ratio is about 16:1. You will have more of an opportunity to have one on one learning experience. Also there are no teaching assistants or student teachers, they are all professionals.
” – Madeline from Hudson, OH
Formerly known as the Philadelphia Bible Institute, Cairn University is a Christian college in eastern Pennsylvania. Cairn is home to six schools conferring undergraduate degrees in over 40 Christ-centered majors. In addition, Cairn offers Christian...
Not only am I learning more than I ever did at a Charter high school (which is a school that focuses on academics), but I'm learning how to think and how to question.
” – Kelly from Newark, DE
Millersville University of Pennsylvania is a 4-year public school in southeastern Pennsylvania and a part of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. Millersville encompasses colleges of Arts & Humanities, Business, Science, and Education...
Millersville Universities professor provide you with an the tools you need to succeed. The professors strive to build a relationship with you so that they get to learn the type of student that you are. Also because the classroom settings are small...
” – Aida from Philadelphia, PA
The Mansfield University of Pennsylvania is a public, 4-year institution established in 1857, and is one of 14 universities in the Pennsylvania State system. The college offers over 80 major and minor areas of study, with programs resulting in...
The people and teachers are awsome which makes it a wonderful environment to learn and meet new people.
” – Nazareth, PA
Founded as a normal school in 1893, East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania is a 4-year public school in the Poconos region of eastern Pennsylvania. ESU is home to colleges of Arts & Sciences, Education, Business, and Health Sciences granting...
I see it through my french and the french cinema class I took. Everytime I watch a movie I notice things I never would have noticed before this class. And I can't wait for my Spring Semester classes.
” – Nathaly from East Stroudsburg, PA
Founded by the Sisters of Divine Providence, La Roche University is a 4-year Catholic institution in Pittsburgh. LaRoche offers bachelor’s degrees in over 50 academic majors grounded in the Catholic Intellectual Tradition. As a Catholic university...
La Roche College is a small, yet bustling school. Professors and students throughout the school are friendly, always smiling, and eager to help in anyway they can. I transferred here but have never felt more at home!
” – Sarah from Brackenridge, PA
Wilson College is a private liberal arts school affiliated with the Presbyterian Church. It is located in rural Chambersburg, Pennsylvania, and home to a community-supported organic farm. Noted programs at the school include equestrian studies...
Wilson College is a small school so everybody knows everybody, and you will see a familiar face everywhere you go. We form friendships right away and there is a lot of community involvement. Our professors are willing to help any way they can when a...
” – Student Class of 2013
College of Art & Design is an independent, nonprofit organization offering baccalaureates for women and co-educational degrees at the graduate level. Founded in 1848, Moore was the first women’s art school in the nation. The college features a Writer...
I cannot believe how much I have learned so far at Moore. I must say that the first year is absolutely critical. I saw the improvement within the first semester. The teachers are great. They are all accomplished artists themselves, therefore...
” – Rachel from Clayton, NJ
With campus along the shores of the Monongahela River, California University of Pennsylvania is a public school in southwest Pennsylvania. Cal U confers bachelor’s degrees in over 100 academic programs and students have the option of enrolling in...
At California University of P.A. you will come across many professors that push you to not only learn but understand what you are learning and apply it in your everyday life. Cal U professors are among the best I have ever come across and seem to...
” – Jay from pittsburgh, PA
The University of the Arts is a private visual and performing arts institution. It was founded in 1876 and is one of the oldest art schools in the nation. Popular majors include dance, illustration, and music performance. The university provides an...
My major is photography and in high school that was the only art class that I took with the exception of crafts. At University of the Arts I am learning all different forms of art that I wouldn't be able to learn anywhere else.
” – Brittney from Warminster, PA
At IUP, you’ll find yourself at the heart of a community as unique as you are. Where students and professors come from a few miles down the road, from more than 50 different countries around the world, and from everywhere in between. Here, learning...
All of my professors push me to do my best. They offer help at any time of the day. I never used to enjoy Chemistry, let alone do well in it, I was very scared that I wouldn't be able to make it as a physical therapy major. My Chem 111 Professor made...
” – Laura from PA
The Pennsylvania College of Art and Design is an art school located in Lancaster. PCA&D guides young and aspiring artists and awards degrees in a number of disciplines ranging from illustration to photography to digital media. Students are also...
Look for the Technology Requirements. It will be a Laptop and Camera requirement. Many colleges are trying to have their students up to date with technology so they can progress in the changing work world and environment. The tech requirements are...
” – Chalkley from Lancaster, PA
Professors at Cabrini College do everything they can to help students succeed. There are plenty of resources, such as the library, writing center, and math resource center, available to students all the time. The campus is fairly small so students...
” – Crystal from Newark, DE
Founded in 1837, Cheyney University of Pennsylvania is the first historically black university in the nation and a member of the Thurgood Marshall Fund. This public institution is home to a planetarium and aquaponics greenhouse, and features a...
By attending you have a lot of learning experiences whether its in the class room or on campus. Being there i learned that no matter what problem you have there will always be someone there to help.
” – Rachael from Virginia
Pennsylvania College of Technology is an applied technology college and part of the Pennsylvania State University system. Penn College operates a main campus in Williamsport, PA, as well as four satellite campuses in the northern region of the state...
This schools professors know what they're talking about. I have learned a lot in just my first semester! Every major has a ton of hands on training.
” – Kyle from Sunbury, PA
Pennsylvania State University-World Campus is the internet hub for all Penn State online classes. Penn State World confers degrees and certificates in over 150 academic programs entirely online. In addition, Penn State World does not require students...

Established in 2001, Harrisburg University of Science and Technology is a private, 4-year institution located in the state of Pennsylvania. Academic courses at HU operate on a trimester calendar and utilize each of the college’s many state-of-the-art...
Students in the forensics field do a pig dig where a class murders a dead pig and buries it. they then go out to find a pig body from the previous year's class to analyze it and find a cause of death. this is just an example of how much this school...
” – Laura from Monongahela, PA
Founded in 1915, Harcum College is a residential institution offering a variety of associate degree options. Situated in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania, 12 miles south of Philadelphia, it was the first college in the state to confer associate degrees and...

The Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts is a private, joint museum and educational institution established in Philadelphia. PAFA offers several types of BFA and MFA programs in five areas of study: drawing, illustration, painting, printmaking, and...
The small size classes allow for more focused concentration to get projects done. There is a close network of students and instructors. The school's location is great. Major museums such as the Rodin museum, The Barnes Foundation, and The...
” – Matilda from Philadelphia, PA
Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology is a two-year residential technical college and the only one of its kind in Pennsylvania. The school’s mission is to provide an education to “economically and socially disadvantaged” students. Only students who...
Thaddeus Stevens is a small and comfortable campus. Most of all your class are under 30 students, which allows for plenty of one on one time. Most of the teachers are fun and always come excited ready to teach.
” – Ronald from New Holland, PA
Originally founded as a school of engineering, Pittsburgh Technical College is a technical and vocational school in the Pittsburgh metro area. PTC is home to 10 career-focused schools offering over 30 academic programs granting bachelor’s degrees...

Community College of Allegheny County is a public, 2-year institution located throughout Pennsylvania in Pittsburgh, Oakdale, West Mifflin, Washington, Monroeville, and Braddock Hills. With over 150 academic programs leading to a variety of career...
I attended CCAC after a year at an expensive private 4-year college. If it was an option I would still be at CCAC. The Community College stereotype is one that needs to be re-written. The classes at CCAC were the exact same quality as anywhere else...
” – Nicole from Allison Park, PA
The Community College of Beaver County is a 2-year institution in western Pennsylvania. CCBC grants degrees and certificates in programs from 11 academic departments including Aviation Sciences and Energy & Advanced Manufacturing. For students...
The Community College of Beaver County is a great school for students who are looking to save some money with a low tuition. Community Colleges often get a reputation of being easy; however, they are just as challenging as four-year colleges. CCBC...
” – Jessica from Monaca, PA
The Community College of Philadelphia is a public, 2-year institution established in the state of Pennsylvania. Along with the main campus, the college is also home to three regional centers throughout Philadelphia. CCP offers more than 70 associate...
I like it a lot and I'm really learning.
” – Robert from Phila, PABy State
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