The 7 Best Product and Industrial Design Schools in the US

The United States is home to many of the world’s leading industrial design programs, offering students a well-rounded education that involves creativity, technical expertise, and hands-on experience. These programs are known for their rigorous curricula, cutting-edge facilities, accomplished faculty, and strong connections to the industry.

In this blog, we’ll be sharing the top industrial design schools as well as relevant insights on their tuition costs, degree programs, and key offerings.

• What Are the Best Industrial Design Schools in the US?
• What Is an Industrial Degree All About?
• What Does a Product Designer Do?
• What Are the Job Prospects for an Industrial Design Degree?
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Takeaways

What Are the Best Industrial Design Schools in the US?

The following list features some of the best product and industrial design schools in the US—each offering unique strengths and opportunities for aspiring product designers.

1. Pratt Institute

Acceptance rate: 53%

Average tuition cost: $51,700

As an Industrial Designer at Pratt, you will play a pivotal role in shaping a more just and sustainable future through your creations. Your work will span diverse areas—from furniture and sneakers to digital experiences and interfaces—transforming ideas into tangible products that enrich our world.

Pratt offers two programs, a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in Industrial Design. The Pratt Institute’s School of Design prepares you to become a: 

• designer
• artist
• educator
• entrepreneur
• researcher
• corporate leader

You can learn a diverse range of skills through a curriculum that encourages exploration and professional growth. You’ll start with foundational courses in: 

• drawing
• color theory
• 3-D form
• model making
• digital skills
• design studios

These courses develop critical thinking, problem-solving, and environmental responsibility. In your junior and senior years, specialized studios will allow you to focus on your areas of interest, such as:

• product design
• furniture
• tabletop design
• food design
• athletic gear
• exhibition design

2. Arizona State University

Acceptance rate: 90%

Average tuition cost: $31,100

Arizona State University’s Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts offers undergraduate and graduate product design programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Design in Industrial Design
• Master of Science in Design
• Master of Industrial Design (2 or 3 year program)
• Doctor of Philosophy in Design, Environment and the Arts

You could explore a broad facet of design as a design studies major or learn traditional and computer-aided design and prototyping skills as an industrial design major.

InnovationSpace is a collaborative venture among the schools of design, engineering and business that is used to promote sustainable design using integrated innovation and biomimicry techniques. Its product development projects are supported by corporations like Procter & Gamble, Dow Corning and Intel. 

3. Carnegie Mellon University

Acceptance rate: 11.3%

Average tuition cost: $63,800

Carnegie placed 24th in the 2024 rankings of Best Colleges and National Universities. At the School of Design, you could learn to design consumer products, industrial or medical equipment, or focus on human factors design. Your major will require studio courses. You’ll access the MPD Studio and the MPD Lab for project collaboration.

Carnegie offers the following degrees:

• Bachelor of Design (BDes)
• Master of Design (MDes) in Design for Interactions
• Master of Integrated Innovation
• Doctor of Philosophy in Design

4. Ohio State University

Acceptance rate: 52.7%

Average tuition cost: $30,200

Ohio State University placed in the top 0.3% in the world based on the Center for World University Rankings in 2024. Its Institute for Ergonomics provides research opportunities for safe and effective work environment and consumer product design. 

You might apply computing solutions to design problems using OSU’s Advanced Computing Center for the Arts and Design, or employ human-centered techniques to address behavioral responses to design. The Office of International Affairs sponsors a Study Abroad Expo, and industrial design exchange programs are available with universities in the Netherlands, Germany, Korea, Taiwan, Brazil, Finland and Hong Kong. 

Available degrees include:

• Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design
• Bachelor of Science in Visual Communication Design
• Master of Fine Arts in Design Research and Development

5. Georgia Institute of Technology – Main Campus

Acceptance rate: 17%

Average tuition cost: $28,100

Industrial design at Georgia Tech focuses on enhancing your role in creating meaningful connections between people and technology. Its curriculum integrates aesthetic, functional, utilitarian, economic, sustainable, social, and cognitive considerations to equip the next generation of designers with the tools needed to tackle 21st-century challenges.

As part of a top-ranked research institute, its programs offer an evidence-based approach to design and provide valuable hands-on learning opportunities. With access to eleven research labs, fabrication and prototyping shops, design studios, and multidisciplinary collaborations, you will gain practical skills applicable across various industries.

Goergia Institute of Technology offers two degree programs: a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in industrial design. 

Its Bachelor of Science in Industrial Design (BSID) program combines Georgia Tech’s renowned focus on scientific rigor with a tradition of expansive, creative conceptual development. This is further enhanced by integration with computer science courses and access to their research labs. These elements will inspire you to address challenges and develop innovative design solutions that are forward-thinking.

In its Master of Industrial Design (MID) program, graduate students from diverse backgrounds come together with a shared passion for creative problem-solving and empathy-driven design. The studio environment is a space where students engage in sketches, mind maps, and inspirations, creating a productive yet playful atmosphere. This approach, combined with regular research and exhibition opportunities, ensures that you are deeply engaged with and prepared for the evolving design industry.

6. Otis College of Art and Design

Acceptance rate: 83%

Average tuition cost: $69,600

Otis specializes in the education of artists and designers. Located in America’s creative capital, Los Angeles, Otis is also the city’s first independent professional art school. In 1918, General Harrison Gray Otis, the publisher of the Los Angeles Times, shared his home for “the advancement of the arts.” Since then OTIS has trained artists and designers in American culture and in the business world.

In the Otis College BFA in Product Design program, you’ll engage in a diverse array of projects that will help you develop your unique design voice and refine your skills. Its multidisciplinary studio environment encourages curiosity and cultivates the skills essential for creating products and experiences in both physical and digital forms that people interact with daily.

The Otis College BFA in Product Design offers the intersection of art, design, business, and entrepreneurship. The program integrates 2D, 3D, and 4D digital and physical skills through hands-on studio projects and professional opportunities, teaching you how to design products that enhance the human experience and advance culture.

In the BFA program, sophomores, juniors, and seniors work within the same studio space, promoting collaboration. Student work spans a wide range of products and industry sectors, including:

• apparel
• consumer electronics
• educational products
• experiential design
• eyewear
• fashion accessories
• footwear
• furniture
• health and wellness
• home appliances
• home goods
• interiors
• jewelry
• lighting
• medical products
• mobility solutions
• packaging
• pet products
• sports equipment
• transportation
• travel accessories
• UX & UI design

7. California College of the Arts

Acceptance rate: 76%

Average tuition cost: $80,000

California College of the Arts’s (CCA) Industrial Design program emphasizes inclusion while integrating diverse human sensory experiences and cultural backgrounds alongside critical dialogue on social justice and equity.

You’ll learn how core principles such as form follows function and circular design are linked to conversations that place people at the center. In many of its industry and community partnerships, you’ll engage in meaningful dialogue on themes of diversity and inclusion.

You can explore your ideas by designing solutions for complex problems in CCA’s new state-of-the-art studios, labs, and shops. You can also learn new ways of prototyping with sustainable materials, functional forms, robotics, and intelligent digital machines, while you develop your critical thinking and creative problem-solving skills.

Through diverse techniques, including generative ideation, sketch modeling, 3D printing, vacuum forming, laser machines, and ceramic and metal craft shops, you can learn to work with all possible materials and prototyping methods.

Corporate-sponsored workshops and studios are a hallmark of the Industrial Design program of CCA. You’ll gain experience by working on real projects and products and developing design solutions for some of the most innovative companies in the Bay Area and around the world. Recent partners include Google, Samsung, Lenovo, Lucid, Adobe, Audi, Bosch, Intel, Workday, and Volkswagen.

What Is an Industrial Degree All About?

If you’ve ever admired the sleek lines of a sports car, the ergonomic comfort of a well-designed chair, or the intuitive interface of your smartphone, you’ve witnessed the work of industrial designers.

For those passionate about blending art, technology, and problem-solving, an industrial design degree provides a gateway to this dynamic and impactful field.

Industrial design school

An industrial design school is an educational institution that equips you for careers in product development and innovation. These programs offer a mix of artistic creativity and technical expertise, teaching you to design functional, manufacturable products through hands-on learning experiences.

The curriculum typically includes sketching, 3D modeling, prototyping, and manufacturing processes, while providing access to advanced equipment and industry partnerships. Industrial design schools aim to graduate professionals capable of creating innovative, user-centered products that balance aesthetics, functionality, and sustainability.

Industrial design degrees

Industrial design education offers a variety of degree paths to accommodate different career goals and specializations. These include:

• two-year Associate degrees
• four-year Bachelor’s degrees (BFA, BA, or BS)
• advanced graduate degrees like the MFA, MID, or MS

Some institutions also offer dual-degree programs, such as an MS/MBA. Regardless of the degree type, industrial design programs typically combine: 

• hands-on studio work
• technical skills training
• design theory
• professional practice

A Bachelor’s degree in Industrial Design, offered as a BFA, BA, or BS, is a four-year program that prepares students for careers in product design and related fields. The curriculum includes design theory, technical skills, and hands-on projects, covering areas such as sketching, 3D modeling, prototyping, and manufacturing processes.

While all degrees focus on creating functional and aesthetically pleasing products, the BFA emphasizes artistic aspects, the BA incorporates a broader liberal arts education, and the BS focuses more on technical elements.

Advanced graduate degrees, such as the Master of Fine Arts (MFA), Master of Industrial Design (MID), and Master of Science (MS), provide specialized, in-depth study for designers looking to enhance their skills and career prospects. These programs typically span 2-3 years, focusing on advanced design theory, research methodologies, and innovative problem-solving techniques. The MFA emphasizes artistic and creative aspects, often culminating in a thesis project or exhibition.

What Does a Product Designer Do?

Product designers, also known as industrial and commercial designers, create the everyday goods that we use. These roles combine elements of art, engineering, and business to develop a wide range of products, from toys and furniture to medical equipment and automobiles. As a product designer, you are responsible for the product’s appearance, functionality, quality, and safety.

Designing new products typically requires extensive research, which may involve studying existing products, understanding client requirements, or both. This research can include reviewing design publications, visiting suppliers and manufacturers, analyzing consumer trends, and attending trade shows.

Once the research is gathered, you create sketches or diagrams of your designs, either by hand or using computer software. More detailed final renderings are often produced using computer-aided design (CAD) tools. You may also be involved in testing the product before it moves to production.

Product designers commonly work in design firms, large corporations, manufacturing companies, or smaller design consultancies. Freelance work is also an option, allowing you to secure design contracts independently. Long hours are sometimes required, especially when facing deadlines, and you may need to adjust your schedule to accommodate clients, including attending meetings in the evenings or on weekends.

What Are the Job Prospects for an Industrial Design Degree?

The return on investment (ROI) for an industrial design degree is generally positive, though it can vary significantly based on factors like the specific school, location, and individual career trajectory.

While the job market for industrial designers is competitive and projected to grow slowly (around 2-5% from 2022 to 2032), graduates can expect median annual salaries between $75,000 and $110,000, with the potential for higher earnings in senior positions or specialized industries.

Inside the product design field, common jobs include:

• Product designer. Responsible for designing the user experience (UX) and user interface (UI) of products
• Industrial designer. Focuses on the physical appearance and usability of products
• UX/UI designer. Specializes in creating intuitive and aesthetically pleasing interfaces for digital products
• Design researcher. Conducts user research to inform design decisions
• Design strategist. Develops overall design strategies aligned with business goals

Outside the product design field, common related jobs are:

• Graphic designer. Creates visual concepts using computer software or by hand
• Web designer/developer. Designs and develops websites and web applications
• Marketing manager. Plans and executes marketing campaigns, often collaborating closely with designers
• Project manager. Oversees projects from inception to completion, ensuring they meet deadlines and objectives
• Content creator. Produces written, visual, or multimedia content for various platforms

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are some alternative career paths for an industrial design degree holder?

You can also venture into architecture, art directing, interior design, and business and management if you have an industrial design degree.

2. Do I need prior experience to enter a product and industrial design school?

Generally, no. Most industrial design schools do not require prior experience for admission. Instead, they focus on creativity, passion, and potential. However, a portfolio is often a key part of the application process, showcasing your creative abilities and design thinking skills. This portfolio can include a variety of creative work, not limited to industrial design projects.

3. Do I need to have a portfolio to be an industrial or product designer?

Generally speaking—yes. You typically need a design portfolio, which is often the key factor in securing a job. Some employers may also require prior work experience, which is sometimes integrated into bachelor’s degree programs through internships.

Takeaways

• The top product and industrial design schools in the US are: Pratt Institute, Arizona State University, Carnegie Mellon University, Ohio State University, Georgia Institute of Technology, Otis College of Art and Design, and California College of the Arts.
• If you’re passionate about blending art, technology, and problem-solving, pursuing an industrial design degree would be a great option for you.
• Excited to apply to the top product and industrial design schools? We’re here to help. At AdmissionSight, we have more than a decade of guiding students throughout the competitive college admissions process.