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(Photo Courtesy of Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media)DePaul was recently named one of Graphic Design USA's top design schools of 2025. Each year, GDUSA recognizes institutions that stand out in developing not only strong technical design skills but also the creative vision needed to succeed in today's fast-evolving design landscape. The selected schools go beyond teaching the fundamentals; they cultivate innovation, support emerging talent and equip the next generation of creatives to make a meaningful impact in the real world.
“We're pleased to be included in GDUSA's list of top design schools," says Heather Snyder Quinn, assistant professor of design and Chair of Graphic Design. “As higher education continues to evolve, access to information about diverse programs is more important than ever."
GDUSA praised DePaul for fostering a vibrant design community and offering exceptional opportunities for collaboration, networking and internships. They also cited students' access to cutting-edge resources including advanced labs, makerspaces, studios and extended reality (XR) facilities as beneficial to preparing students for a postgraduate career.
“Our program is unique because it is situated in the city of Chicago and gives our students a grounding in the humanities, including history, ethics, and rhetoric," Quinn says. “Design is situated in the Jarvis College of Computing and Digital Media, where our students can learn more extensively about AI and other emerging technologies."
In addition to on-campus resources, DePaul offers unique global learning experiences in Japan and Scandinavia, giving students exposure to international design trends and practices.
This March, GDUSA named two DePaul seniors, Tyler Hausser and Aaliyah May, to its prestigious 2025 list of Graphic Design Students to Watch, underscoring the program's excellence. These students described the design program as both rigorous and inspiring, praising the diverse range of courses offered by the School of Design.
If you're interested in seeing the innovative work of students in the program, the annual School of Design Capstone Showcase is coming up on June 12 at the Chicago Design Museum. The event is open to the public and features student work including typography, digital/interaction design, branding, illustration, motion graphics, package design, programming and digital fabrication.
To learn more about the graphic design program, visit the School of Design website.