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623 Best Bachelor's Arts, Design & Architecture Universities in the United States

Of the 623 Bachelor's Arts, Design & Architecture universities in the United States, Harvard University ranks highest at #5 in the QS World University Rankings 2026. It is followed by Cornell University (QS World #13) and University of Chicago (QS World #13). Across the whole list there are 1,659 courses to choose from.

623 universities · ranked best first

how we rank
272Ranked
RW Roger Williams University logo
#811 in United States United States

Roger Williams University

Public University · 4 courses in Bachelor's Arts, Design & Architecture

Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#811 in United States · by research impact
81,901 citations · h-index 119
276Ranked
CC Columbia College (MO) logo
#818 in United States United States

Columbia College (MO)

Public University · 6 courses in Bachelor's Arts, Design & Architecture

All 6 courses →
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#818 in United States · by research impact
79,137 citations · h-index 121
284Ranked
HC Hampshire College logo
#841 in United States United States

Hampshire College

Public University · 6 courses in Bachelor's Arts, Design & Architecture

All 6 courses →
Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#841 in United States · by research impact
73,227 citations · h-index 117
287Ranked
AP Austin Peay State University logo
#845 in United States United States

Austin Peay State University

Public University · 4 courses in Bachelor's Arts, Design & Architecture

Tuition (indicative)
Founded
Students
International
Admissions open
#845 in United States · by research impact
71,406 citations · h-index 92

How these universities are ranked

46 of these universities hold a QS World position, from #5 (Harvard University) to #593 (University of Central Florida); they are listed first, in that order. Below them, universities follow their research output: Harvard University is cited most (146,463,495 citations). 16 universities have neither a QS position nor a research record yet and appear at the end, marked "Not yet ranked".

Public, private and where they are

618 are public and 5 private (99% public). By location, Massachusetts (4), New York (4) and Florida (2) account for the most of those we can place. The oldest is Harvard University, founded in 1636. Ohio State University-Main Campus is the largest, with 45,638 students.

Levels, lengths and start dates

Within the subject, the largest areas are Arts, Design & Architecture (1,589), Fine Arts (36), Multimedia Design (8) and Graphic Design (6). The usual length is 4 years and null. 98% are full-time and 25 can be studied online. Start dates lean to Fall (100% of courses with a stated intake) and Spring (100% of courses with a stated intake). Pratt Institute offers the widest choice, with 27 of these courses.

What it costs

We hold indicative fees for 26 of these universities. University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez is the least expensive at USD 5,274 a year and Columbia University the most at USD 66,000; the middle of the range is about USD 34,783. Check each university's own fee page before you budget — figures change every year.

Frequently asked questions

What are the top universities for Bachelor's Arts, Design & Architecture in the United States?

Harvard University (QS World #5), Cornell University (QS World #13) and University of Chicago (QS World #13) lead this list. QS World positions come first; the rest are ranked by research impact.

Which is the cheapest university for Bachelor's Arts, Design & Architecture in the United States?

Of those with published fees, University of Puerto Rico-Mayaguez is the least expensive at about USD 5,274 a year. Fees are indicative — confirm on the university's site.

How many public universities offer Bachelor's Arts, Design & Architecture in the United States?

618 public and 5 private universities are on this list.

How long does a Bachelor's Arts, Design & Architecture course take in the United States?

Most listed courses run 4 years, with null the next most common.

When do Bachelor's Arts, Design & Architecture courses start in the United States?

Fall is the main intake — 100% of courses with a stated start date begin then, and Spring is the second.

Can I study Bachelor's Arts, Design & Architecture online with a university in the United States?

25 of these courses are listed as online.

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