Graphic design students in California never run short of ideas and inspiration in this Pacific Ocean-bordering state. From the northern to the southern end of the state, there are over 100 universities, colleges and institutions that offer the most advanced graphic design programs available. At these top-rated schools, students gain the intricate skill set needed to be successful in the graphic design job market. Many schools are accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design, including:
The Academy of Art University in San Francisco
The Art Center College of Design in Pasadena
California College of the Arts in San Francisco and Oakland
The Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising in Los Angeles, Irvine, San Diego and San Francisco
DeVry University, with online and many on-site locations situated across the state
California College in San Diego, offering an exclusively online graphic design program
The most popular city for graphic designers is Santa Ana, with a median salary of $53,270. Sacramento is home to the highest paying graphic designers at $73,140.
With over 800 miles of coastline along the Pacific Ocean, California is distinctive and full of energy. It mingles the fast-paced atmosphere of city life in places like Sacramento, Los Angeles and Hollywood with the majestic wilderness of national parks such as Yosemite, Redwood Forest and Death Valley. The iconic Golden Gate Bridge, the sophisticated wine country of Napa Valley and the miles of pristine beaches attest to the limitless possibilities California has to offer.