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Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus
Bachelor's in UX DesignOn-campus
Atlanta, GAPublic
$104,000 median salary · 94% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 94% graduation rate
- $104,000 median salary
- $10,512 in-state tuition
- 76 graduates annually
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Key Takeaways
- 1.UX Designers earn a median salary of $104,500 with 16% projected job growth through 2032 (BLS OES 2024)
- 2.Top-ranked UX Design programs include University of Central Florida, Purdue University-Main Campus, University of Southern California based on graduation rates, program strength, and career outcomes
- 3.Best value: University of Central Florida offers ux design education at $4,478/year with 93% graduation rate
- 4.50 accredited UX Design programs analyzed using IPEDS 2024 completion data
Best UX Design Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's
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University of Southern California
Bachelor's in UX DesignOn-campus
Los Angeles, CAPrivate nonprofit
$104,000 median salary · 92% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 92% graduation rate
- $104,000 median salary
- $69,904 in-state tuition
- 1 graduates annually
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University of Washington-Seattle Campus
Bachelor's in UX DesignOn-campus
Seattle, WAPublic
$104,000 median salary · 85% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- $104,000 median salary
- $11,869 in-state tuition
- 74 graduates annually
#4
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Bachelor's in UX DesignOn-campus
Champaign, ILPublic
$104,000 median salary · 85% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 85% graduation rate
- $104,000 median salary
- $14,975 in-state tuition
- 40 graduates annually
#5
Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus
Bachelor's in UX DesignOn-campus
University Park, PAPublic
$104,000 median salary · 86% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 86% graduation rate
- $104,000 median salary
- $20,066 in-state tuition
- 45 graduates annually
#6
Drexel University
Bachelor's in UX DesignOn-campus
Philadelphia, PAPrivate nonprofit
$104,000 median salary · 78% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 78% graduation rate
- $104,000 median salary
- $60,042 in-state tuition
- 23 graduates annually
#7
University of Cincinnati-Main Campus
Bachelor's in UX DesignOn-campus
Cincinnati, OHPublic
$104,000 median salary · 75% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 75% graduation rate
- $104,000 median salary
- $11,685 in-state tuition
- 67 graduates annually
#8
Kennesaw State University
Bachelor's in UX DesignOn-campus
Kennesaw, GAPublic
$104,000 median salary · 52% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 52% graduation rate
- $104,000 median salary
- $4,560 in-state tuition
- 66 graduates annually
#9
Thomas Jefferson University
Bachelor's in UX DesignOn-campus
Philadelphia, PAPrivate nonprofit
$104,000 median salary · 69% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 69% graduation rate
- $104,000 median salary
- $46,175 in-state tuition
- 10 graduates annually
#10
Robert Morris University
Bachelor's in UX DesignOn-campus
Moon Township, PAPrivate nonprofit
$104,000 median salary · 66% graduation rate
Program Strengths
- 66% graduation rate
- $104,000 median salary
- $34,360 in-state tuition
- 4 graduates annually
Best UX Design Programs - Top 10 Bachelor's, Complete Program Data
#1. Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus — Bachelor's UX Design
Hakia ranks Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's bachelor's ux design program #1. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Atlanta, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $10,512/year | Graduation Rate: 94% | Median Salary: $104,000 | Score: 96.4
#2. University of Southern California — Bachelor's UX Design
Hakia ranks University of Southern California's bachelor's ux design program #2. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Los Angeles, CA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $69,904/year | Graduation Rate: 92% | Median Salary: $104,000 | Score: 89.7
#3. University of Washington-Seattle Campus — Bachelor's UX Design
Hakia ranks University of Washington-Seattle Campus's bachelor's ux design program #3. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Seattle, WA | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,869/year | Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Salary: $104,000 | Score: 88.7
#4. University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign — Bachelor's UX Design
Hakia ranks University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's bachelor's ux design program #4. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Champaign, IL | Type: Public | Tuition: $14,975/year | Graduation Rate: 85% | Median Salary: $104,000 | Score: 86.3
#5. Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus — Bachelor's UX Design
Hakia ranks Pennsylvania State University-Main Campus's bachelor's ux design program #5. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: University Park, PA | Type: Public | Tuition: $20,066/year | Graduation Rate: 86% | Median Salary: $104,000 | Score: 84.1
#6. Drexel University — Bachelor's UX Design
Hakia ranks Drexel University's bachelor's ux design program #6. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Philadelphia, PA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $60,042/year | Graduation Rate: 78% | Median Salary: $104,000 | Score: 75.4
#7. University of Cincinnati-Main Campus — Bachelor's UX Design
Hakia ranks University of Cincinnati-Main Campus's bachelor's ux design program #7. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Cincinnati, OH | Type: Public | Tuition: $11,685/year | Graduation Rate: 75% | Median Salary: $104,000 | Score: 72.1
#8. Kennesaw State University — Bachelor's UX Design
Hakia ranks Kennesaw State University's bachelor's ux design program #8. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Kennesaw, GA | Type: Public | Tuition: $4,560/year | Graduation Rate: 52% | Median Salary: $104,000 | Score: 69.5
#9. Thomas Jefferson University — Bachelor's UX Design
Hakia ranks Thomas Jefferson University's bachelor's ux design program #9. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Philadelphia, PA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $46,175/year | Graduation Rate: 69% | Median Salary: $104,000 | Score: 67.6
#10. Robert Morris University — Bachelor's UX Design
Hakia ranks Robert Morris University's bachelor's ux design program #10. Degree: Bachelor's. Delivery: on-campus. Location: Moon Township, PA | Type: Private nonprofit | Tuition: $34,360/year | Graduation Rate: 66% | Median Salary: $104,000 | Score: 60.6
Best UX Design Programs - Compare Top 5 Bachelor's
| School | Location | Type | Tuition | Grad Rate | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 University of Central Florida | Orlando, FL | Public | $4,478 | 93% | 84.6/100 |
| #2 Purdue University-Main Campus | West Lafayette, IN | Public | $9,718 | 83% | 79.6/100 |
| #3 University of Southern California | Los Angeles, CA | Private | $66,640 | 92% | 74.8/100 |
| #4 The University of Texas at Dallas | Richardson, TX | Public | $14,564 | 77% | 72.2/100 |
| #5 The University of Texas at Austin | Austin, TX | Public | $11,678 | 89% | 68.8/100 |
Data from IPEDS 2024. Tuition shown is in-state for public schools.
| Rank | Program & School | Delivery | Annual Tuition | Grad Rate | Median Salary | Hakia Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| #1 | Bachelor's in UX Design Georgia Institute of Technology-Main CampusAtlanta, GA · Public | On-campus | $10,512 | 94% | $104,000 | 96.4 |
| #2 | Bachelor's in UX Design University of Southern CaliforniaLos Angeles, CA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $69,904 | 92% | $104,000 | 89.7 |
| #3 | Bachelor's in UX Design University of Washington-Seattle CampusSeattle, WA · Public | On-campus | $11,869 | 85% | $104,000 | 88.7 |
| #4 | Bachelor's in UX Design University of Illinois Urbana-ChampaignChampaign, IL · Public | On-campus | $14,975 | 85% | $104,000 | 86.3 |
| #5 | Bachelor's in UX Design Pennsylvania State University-Main CampusUniversity Park, PA · Public | On-campus | $20,066 | 86% | $104,000 | 84.1 |
| #6 | Bachelor's in UX Design Drexel UniversityPhiladelphia, PA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $60,042 | 78% | $104,000 | 75.4 |
| #7 | Bachelor's in UX Design University of Cincinnati-Main CampusCincinnati, OH · Public | On-campus | $11,685 | 75% | $104,000 | 72.1 |
| #8 | Bachelor's in UX Design Kennesaw State UniversityKennesaw, GA · Public | On-campus | $4,560 | 52% | $104,000 | 69.5 |
| #9 | Bachelor's in UX Design Thomas Jefferson UniversityPhiladelphia, PA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $46,175 | 69% | $104,000 | 67.6 |
| #10 | Bachelor's in UX Design Robert Morris UniversityMoon Township, PA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $34,360 | 66% | $104,000 | 60.6 |
| #11 | Bachelor's in UX Design Lebanon Valley CollegeAnnville, PA · Private nonprofit | On-campus | $50,600 | 65% | $104,000 | 60.1 |
| #12 | Bachelor's in UX Design Franklin UniversityColumbus, OH · Private nonprofit | Online | $9,552 | 11% | $104,000 | 59.9 |
| #13 | Bachelor's in UX Design Pennsylvania State University-World CampusUniversity Park, PA · Public | On-campus | $15,356 | 34% | $104,000 | 55.4 |
Showing all 13 ranked programs.
UX Design Bachelor's Programs Overview
User Experience (UX) design is one of the most critical disciplines in technology, with companies like Apple, Google, and Airbnb attributing much of their success to superior user experience. The BLS projects 13% job growth for UX design (user experience design)ers through 2032, significantly faster than average, driven by the continued expansion of digital products and services.
Modern UX design programs integrate psychology, design principles, technology, and business strategy. Students learn user research methodologies, wireframing and prototyping tools like Figma and Adobe XD, usability testing, and design systems. The most competitive programs emphasize real-world experience through industry partnerships, internship programs, and portfolio development.
This comprehensive ranking analyzes 245 accredited programs using IPEDS 2024 data combined with industry outcome metrics. We evaluate factors including graduation rates, student-faculty ratios, portfolio quality, industry partnerships, and career placement rates. Related degree options include software engineering for technical UX roles, data science for UX research positions, and specialized UX design master's programs for advanced study.
$68,000
Starting Salary
$95,000
Mid-Career
+0.13%
Job Growth
23,900
Annual Openings
Career Paths
UX Researcher
SOC 19-3051Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and validate product concepts.
Median Salary:$85,430
Product Designer
SOC 27-1024Lead end-to-end product design from concept to launch, working closely with product managers and engineers to create comprehensive user experiences.
Median Salary:$95,000
Interaction Designer
SOC 27-1024Focus on how users interact with digital products, designing micro-interactions, animations, and interface behaviors.
Median Salary:$82,400
Service Designer
SOC 27-1024Design comprehensive service experiences across multiple touchpoints, often working on enterprise or government projects.
Median Salary:$89,600
Design Systems Lead
SOC 27-1024Create and maintain design systems and component libraries used across product teams, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
Median Salary:$108,000
UX Design Bachelor's Programs by State
Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs in California
- Total Programs
- 42
- Median Tuition
- $28,500
Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs in New York
- Total Programs
- 28
- Median Tuition
- $35,600
Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Texas
- Total Programs
- 19
- Median Tuition
- $22,100
Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Pennsylvania
- Total Programs
- 15
- Median Tuition
- $31,200
Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Illinois
- Total Programs
- 12
- Median Tuition
- $26,800
Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Florida
- Total Programs
- 11
- Median Tuition
- $18,900
Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Ohio
- Total Programs
- 10
- Median Tuition
- $19,500
Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Georgia
- Total Programs
- 8
- Median Tuition
- $21,300
Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Washington
- Total Programs
- 7
- Median Tuition
- $24,700
Best UX Design Bachelor's Programs in Massachusetts
- Total Programs
- 6
- Median Tuition
- $42,100
Financial Aid and Funding for UX Design Programs
UX design students have access to various funding sources including federal financial aid, institutional scholarships, and industry-specific awards. Many design programs offer merit-based scholarships for portfolio quality, and several technology companies sponsor diversity initiatives in design education. Students should explore comprehensive financial aid resources and consider programs with strong job placement rates to optimize return on investment.
The National Art Education Association and Adobe offer scholarships specifically for design students, while organizations like Women in UX provide funding for underrepresented groups. Many employers also offer tuition reimbursement programs for employees pursuing design degrees, making part-time study an attractive option for working professionals.
Frequently Asked Questions About UX Design Programs
What's the difference between UX design and graphic design programs?
UX design programs focus on user research, interaction design, and creating functional digital experiences, while graphic design emphasizes visual communication and brand identity. UX programs include psychology, user research methods, and prototyping tools, preparing graduates for technology companies. Graphic design programs concentrate on typography, layout, and visual aesthetics for various media. Many programs now offer hybrid approaches, but career outcomes differ significantly between fields.
Do I need artistic skills to succeed in a UX design program?
While basic visual skills help, UX design relies more heavily on research, problem-solving, and analytical thinking than traditional artistic ability. Programs teach necessary design skills including typography, color theory, and composition. Many successful UX designers come from psychology, engineering, or business backgrounds. The most important qualities are curiosity about user behavior, logical thinking, and communication skills.
How important is the school's location for UX design career opportunities?
Location significantly impacts internship opportunities, networking, and job prospects. Major tech hubs like Silicon Valley, Seattle, Austin, and New York offer more UX positions and higher salaries. However, remote work has expanded opportunities, and many companies now hire globally. Students should consider regional industry clusters, cost of living, and their preferred work environment when choosing programs.
What portfolio requirements should I expect in a UX design program?
Strong UX programs require 4-6 major projects demonstrating different skills: user research, wireframing, prototyping, visual design, and usability testing. Portfolios should show complete design processes from problem identification through solution validation. Most programs emphasize case studies explaining design decisions and iterations. Professional presentation skills and storytelling are crucial components of portfolio development.
Are online UX design degree programs as effective as on-campus programs?
High-quality online UX design programs can be equally effective for learning core skills and theory. However, on-campus programs often provide better networking opportunities, face-to-face critique sessions, and industry connections. The best online programs include synchronous collaboration, virtual design studios, and local internship partnerships. Success depends on program quality, student self-discipline, and access to design tools and software.
What starting salary can I expect after graduating from a UX design program?
Starting salaries for UX design graduates range from $55,000-$85,000 depending on location, company type, and skills. Major tech companies in Silicon Valley and Seattle offer $70,000-$90,000+ for new graduates. Smaller cities and non-tech industries start at $55,000-$70,000. Graduates from top-ranked programs and those with strong portfolios and internship experience command higher starting salaries.
How does UX design job growth compare to other tech fields?
UX design shows strong growth prospects with 13% projected job growth through 2032, faster than average for all occupations. This compares favorably to software engineering (25%) and data science (35%) but reflects the field's maturation. Demand is driven by continued digital transformation, mobile app growth, and increased recognition of design's business value. Specialized areas like VR/AR design and service design show particularly strong growth.
Should I pursue a UX design degree or bootcamp for career change?
The choice depends on your timeline, budget, and background. Bootcamps offer faster entry (3-6 months) and practical focus, ideal for career changers seeking immediate employment. Degree programs provide deeper theoretical foundation, broader skill development, and stronger alumni networks, leading to better long-term career prospects. Consider your learning style, financial situation, and career goals when deciding between options.
How We Rank UX Design Degree Programs
Based on 742 programs from IPEDS 2024
Ranking 13 bachelor's ux design programs by graduation rate, selectivity, outcomes, and price, Georgia Institute of Technology-Main Campus's Bachelor's in UX Design comes out first. The Hakia Score is computed from IPEDS 2024 and BLS data with no paid placement. 1 of them can be earned fully online.
Ranking Factors
Program Completions35%
Number of graduates per year in this specific field (CIP code). Larger programs indicate established departments with more resources, course offerings, and career services. Measured from IPEDS Completions data.
Graduation Rate25%
Percentage of students completing their degree within 150% of expected time (6 years for bachelor's, 3 years for associate's). Higher rates indicate better student support and program quality. Source: IPEDS Graduation Rates survey.
Selectivity20%
Admission rate (lower = more selective). More selective institutions have stronger academic environments and more competitive graduates. For open-admission institutions, we use graduation rates as a proxy for quality.
Career Outcomes20%
National salary data for ux design graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Ranking Categories
Best Programs
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
Online Programs
Same methodology, filtered to schools with fully online or hybrid options (IPEDS Distance Education data). Some schools may have lower graduation rates due to different student demographics.
Most Affordable
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
Data Sources
- IPEDS 2024 — Institutional characteristics, completions, graduation rates
- BLS OEWS 2024 — National and metro salary data by occupation
- CIP Code Mapping — Programs identified using Classification of Instructional Programs codes
Taylor Rupe
Co-founder & Editor (B.S. Computer Science, Oregon State • B.A. Psychology, University of Washington)
Taylor combines technical expertise in computer science with a deep understanding of human behavior and learning. His dual background drives Hakia's mission: leveraging technology to build authoritative educational resources that help people make better decisions about their academic and career paths.