Compare 245 accredited UX design and user experience bachelor's degree programs using data from IPEDS 2024 and BLS 2024. Our rankings analyze graduation rates, portfolio outcomes, industry partnerships, and career placement.
$104,000 median salary · 94% graduation rate
Ranked #1 among UX design bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (96.4/100): 94% graduation rate, $104,000 median salary, $10,512 in-state tuition, 76 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$104,000 median salary · 92% graduation rate
Ranked #2 among UX design bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (89.7/100): 92% graduation rate, $104,000 median salary, $69,904 in-state tuition, 1 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$104,000 median salary · 85% graduation rate
Ranked #3 among UX design bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (88.7/100): 85% graduation rate, $104,000 median salary, $11,869 in-state tuition, 74 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$104,000 median salary · 85% graduation rate
Ranked #4 among UX design bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (86.3/100): 85% graduation rate, $104,000 median salary, $14,975 in-state tuition, 40 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$104,000 median salary · 86% graduation rate
Ranked #5 among UX design bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (84.1/100): 86% graduation rate, $104,000 median salary, $20,066 in-state tuition, 45 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$104,000 median salary · 78% graduation rate
Ranked #6 among UX design bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (75.4/100): 78% graduation rate, $104,000 median salary, $60,042 in-state tuition, 23 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$104,000 median salary · 75% graduation rate
Ranked #7 among UX design bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (72.1/100): 75% graduation rate, $104,000 median salary, $11,685 in-state tuition, 67 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$104,000 median salary · 52% graduation rate
Ranked #8 among UX design bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (69.5/100): 52% graduation rate, $104,000 median salary, $4,560 in-state tuition, 66 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$104,000 median salary · 69% graduation rate
Ranked #9 among UX design bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (67.6/100): 69% graduation rate, $104,000 median salary, $46,175 in-state tuition, 10 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
$104,000 median salary · 66% graduation rate
Ranked #10 among UX design bachelor's programs by Hakia Score (60.6/100): 66% graduation rate, $104,000 median salary, $34,360 in-state tuition, 4 graduates a year. Federal data, IPEDS 2024 and BLS.
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
| 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.
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.
A UX Design bachelor's degree requires no prior programming or technical experience. According to the National Center for Education Statistics, over 70% of students entering technical degree programs have no prior coding background. Programs are designed to take complete beginners to job-ready professionals over four years.
What to Expect Your First Year:
Research from Computing Research Association shows that students who engage with tutoring services and study groups in their first year have 23% higher retention rates. Most universities offer dedicated support including office hours, peer tutoring, and programming labs. Success comes from consistent practice, not prior experience.
Bachelor's programs require 40-60 credit hours of general education courses alongside your UX Design major. These requirements, mandated by regional accreditation bodies, ensure graduates develop well-rounded communication and critical thinking skills valued by employers.
Common General Education Requirements:
Pro tip: Many schools allow AP/IB credits or CLEP exams to satisfy gen-ed requirements, potentially saving $3,000-$10,000 in tuition. Check your target school's transfer credit policies before enrolling.
Top UX Design programs provide extensive support infrastructure to help students succeed. According to EDUCAUSE research, students who use campus resources are 34% more likely to graduate on time.
Essential Campus Resources:
When evaluating programs, ask about student-to-advisor ratios. The NACADA recommends no more than 300:1 for effective academic advising, though top tech programs often achieve 150:1 or better.
UX Design internships offer the highest compensation of any undergraduate major, with an average hourly wage of $24.76 according to the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) 2024 Report. Top-tier companies pay significantly more, often 3-5x the average rate.
Top Employers for UX Design Interns:
53% of interns receive full-time job offers from their internship employers (NACE 2024). For paid internships specifically, the conversion rate jumps to 70-75%. Most applications open August-October for the following summer, start preparing early.
For salary expectations after graduation, see our UX designer salary guide.
Conduct user research, usability testing, and data analysis to inform design decisions and validate product concepts.
Lead end-to-end product design from concept to launch, working closely with product managers and engineers to create comprehensive user experiences.
Focus on how users interact with digital products, designing micro-interactions, animations, and interface behaviors.
Design comprehensive service experiences across multiple touchpoints, often working on enterprise or government projects.
Create and maintain design systems and component libraries used across product teams, ensuring consistency and efficiency.
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.
Choosing between a bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or coding bootcamp depends on your career goals, timeline, and budget. Each path offers distinct advantages for entering the UX Design field.
Bachelor's Degree (4 years, $40K-$160K)
Associate's Degree (2 years, $10K-$30K)
Coding Bootcamp (12-24 weeks, $10K-$20K)
For a detailed ROI comparison, read our analysis: Bootcamp vs Master's Degree: Which Has Better ROI?
A bachelor's in UX Design provides an excellent foundation for graduate study. According to the Computing Research Association, 25% of CS bachelor's graduates pursue advanced degrees within five years of graduation, with master's holders earning 20-30% more than bachelor's-only peers.
Preparing for Graduate School During Your Bachelor's:
Graduate Degree Options:
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.
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.
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.
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.
National salary data for ux design graduates, factored into institutional scores based on job market strength.
Overall quality using all four factors weighted as shown above. Ideal for students seeking the strongest academic experience.
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.
Ranked primarily by net cost (tuition minus average institutional aid), with quality factors as tiebreakers. Best for cost-conscious students.
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.