My friend's daughter just finished her Master's in theater design in Kansas City after doing her bachelor's at Wayne State in Detroit. She starts her new job teaching at Binghampton in a month or so! In the meantime, she's designing a set for Suessical but I'm not sure where that production is. She had also attended one year of grad school in Maryland, but their style didn't fit with hers. I guess you have to do some research to find out where you fit well.

Radford University has a great tech program

I'm actually a theater major (Tech & Design concentration) so I'm going to bring in my two cents.

If she's looking at a big name school, she'll need a portfolio, lots of experience, and stellar recommendations. But, a big name isn't everything. Going to a less competitive school has its advantages. Typically at college/university with large/competitive theater departments it is hard to be involved with productions (on a higher level) in your first years (especially in the tech/design aspects). At smaller universities with small but respectable theater departments it can be easier to be involved with productions your first year and work up to design credits in later years.

Also, universities in larger cities would be beneficial to your sister; being involved in production work outside the academic setting is also very important when looking for a job after graduation. Being in Cleveland around a decent theater community has really helped me see the 'real life' side of theater as a profession. The academic setting isn't always would things work in the real world. The larger a city the more theaters/companies, generally. Theater is all about who you know and who can recommend you, so working at a variety of theaters and with a variety of directors is a big advantage.

Since she's still early in her college search, she may want to try and find an intership in her concentration area/s next summer. http://backstagejobs.com has listings for internship opportunities all over the country. You should encourage her to apply, or simply research the opportunities available to her.

University of Hartford's, Hartt School of Theatre, music, and dance is one of the best in the country. It is really pricey but they give out wonderful scholarships.

Carnegie Mellon has produced a myriad of stars on both side of the curtain and camera. It is extremely competitive to get in and once you are in, there are still cuts every semester. However, if you can survive you will have an excellent education and connections. CMU alums tend to hire their own especially for the behind the scenes positions.They have big drama-specific alumnae associations only in both NY and LA
Carnegie Mellon is a private school but no more expensive than other top tier schools. You get what you pay for.

Clarion U of PA has a good theater department... I havent been in school for a while so I cant give more specifics. I know we have won awards and such - the theater department's webpage is here: CU Theater

Clarion's Website