School and Ranking Information
Students wishing to study graphic design or animation within 25 miles of Pittsburgh will find that two community colleges, one private school and one public school offer degrees in these subjects. For both four-year and two-year degrees, we consider the best option to be the following school because of the number of programs it offers, its available facilities and national accreditation.
- Winner: California University of Pennsylvania (Cal U) is located in the town of California, about 21 miles south of Pittsburgh. The Department of Art and Design and the Applied Engineering and Technology Department each offer undergraduate programs for those interested in animation and graphic design.
School Info Chart
| Category | California University of Pennsylvania |
|---|---|
| Rankings | Best Northeastern College* |
| Location | California, PA |
| School Type | 4-year; public |
| Tuition & Fees (2021-2022) | Undergraduate: $11,108 (in-state); $15,726 (out-of-state)** |
| Graphic Design Degrees Offered | Associate's; Bachelor's |
| Graphic Design Degrees Awarded (all levels) in 2020-2021 | 6** |
| Most Popular Graphic Design Degree Level in 2020-2021 | Bachelor's** |
| Undergraduate Graduation Rate (in 150% of normal degree time) for 2015 Entering Class | 48%** |
| Noteworthy | Cal U's graphics and multimedia program is accredited by ACCGC*** |
Sources: *Princeton Review, **NCES College Navigator, ***California University of Pennsylvania
California University of Pennsylvania
- Students in the graphics and multimedia bachelor's program have the opportunity to complete an internship before graduation
- Cal U's sophisticated multimedia lab features digital and color offset presses, a digital prepress and a screen-flexography lab
- The graphics and multimedia program boasts a 100% employment placement rate
California University of Pennsylvania enrolls more than 6,800 students annually in undergraduate and graduate programs. Cal U offers approximately 130 undergraduate programs, including its graphics and multimedia major and graphic design major.
The Associate of Science in Graphics and Multimedia program focuses on the development of technical and creative skills, as well as business and management knowledge. Students explore a range of technologies in classrooms and labs, including digital media, time-based media, graphics processes and flexography. Hands-on projects are expected to be of industry standard.
In the graphics and multimedia bachelor's program, students explore a wealth of traditional and leading-edge graphic processes, including desktop and web publishing, design, layout, time-based media and lithography. The program also emphasizes business principles, cost estimating, management skills and technical service.
The Bachelor of Science in Graphic Design program focuses on developing not only technical knowledge and creativity, but also on fostering problem-solving skills and critical thinking. Design courses include drawing, 2-D and 3-D design, color theory and typography. Video, radio, TV and the web are among the mediums explored through studio classes and labs.
