What Is It Known For?
The Modern College of Design has carved out a specialized niche in graphic and web design education since Tim Potter founded the institution in 1983. This private four-year college focuses exclusively on preparing creative professionals for design careers through associate and bachelor’s degree programs.
The college maintains its reputation through small enrollment numbers and personalized instruction. With 189 students in 2023, the intimate learning environment allows for intensive hands-on training that larger institutions cannot provide. Faculty work closely with students to develop both technical skills and creative problem-solving abilities.
Degrees & Certifications
The college offers programs in two categories:
Associate Degree Options:
- Graphic Design
- User Experience Design
- Motion Graphics & Video Design
Bachelor’s Degree:
- Design Leadership
Class Schedules
The Modern gives you options with accelerated, part-time, and online formats. Online classes let you study whenever works best for your schedule, though they haven’t specified evening class times.
All associate degree students must complete an externship placement. You’ll work at real businesses like design firms, tech companies, agencies, corporations, small businesses, or nonprofit organizations. This hands-on experience connects what you learn in class with actual professional work environments.
Is It a Good School?
Yes, the Modern College of Design is a legitimate institution. It maintains accreditation through the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC).
Acceptance Rate
The college operates with a 92% acceptance rate, making admission accessible to most qualified applicants.
How Much Does Tuition Cost?
Tuition for Associate Degree Programs totals $62,256 for two years and four semesters, while the Bachelor’s Completion Program costs $52,679 for the same duration. The school offers a net price calculator on their website so you can get a better idea of what your total costs might be based on which program you pick.
Programs & Courses
Professional Services
- Graphic Design
Technology
- Web Development
- Video Game Design
Campus Locations
Kettering 1725 East David Road Kettering, OH 45440
Reviews
Based on local Google reviews and available institutional data, The Modern College Of Design in Kettering, OH, is viewed by its graduates as a highly personal and career-focused institution, but it faces significant, recurring criticism regarding its high cost, financial aid limitations, and administrative instability.
Overall Score: 4.3/5 Stars
Common Praises
Career and Real-World Focus: Graduates consistently praise the college for preparing them for the “real world” of design. The education is described as a “great education-work blending” that emphasizes practical, industry-relevant skills.
Highly Personalized and Hands-On Learning: Reviewers love the small class sizes and hands-on learning environment. Students report that professors “know you by name” and have the time to meet individual needs, creating a personal and supportive atmosphere.
Strong Community: Students appreciate the close-knit, family-like feel of the college, noting that they know “all of your classmates after your first year.”
Common Criticisms
Excessive Cost and Lack of Financial Aid: This is the most serious and recurring criticism. Students and parents state the “Price is way too high to justify going here.” A parent specifically complains the school “Does not offer financial aid” (Note: Institutional data indicates the Average Annual Cost is $34,709 and that the school is a private, for-profit institution, which often limits federal aid options).
Administrative and Quality Concerns: Several reviews raise deep concerns over stability and quality, mentioning a “Poor experience from before they changed names multiple times,” “Low quality instruction,” and “Ousting staff who cared.” One review claims the school is “Only in it for the money” and “Does not assist in locating employment.”
Low Graduation Rate: A parent review specifically calls out a “low graduation rate,” contrasting it sharply with the school’s promise of student success through small classes. (Note: Public institutional data reports a 61% graduation rate).
Momentum
The positive and negative feedback is nearly balanced, but the criticisms are severe and focus on core administrative and financial issues. Recent reviews (from the last two months and the last year) continue to highlight both the personalized, hands-on benefit and the frustration with the cost/value proposition. The consensus suggests The Modern College of Design provides a valuable, intimate educational experience, but potential students must weigh this against the high tuition cost and administrative instability warnings.