Choosing the right art school can be daunting. You want a program that not only nurtures your creative talents but also offers solid academic foundations, strong financial support, and long-term value. Let’s explore some of the top undergraduate art schools in the U.S. and why they’re worth your consideration. Also, follow our steps on how to choose.
Academics and Affordability at Art Schools
An art degree can lead to a fulfilling career in fine arts, graphic design, theater, music, and more. Top art schools provide a rich blend of studio work, hands-on projects, and liberal arts education that sharpen both your creative and critical thinking skills. In addition to fostering talent, these institutions emphasize networking, internships, and exhibition opportunities to help students break into their respective industries.
However, pursuing a degree in the arts can come with a high price tag. The good news is that many of the best art schools offer robust financial aid, including need-based and merit-based scholarships. Some schools, particularly private institutions, offer significant financial support to attract and retain talented students, making a world-class art education more accessible.
When evaluating schools, it’s essential to look beyond the upfront costs. Think long-term: the right art program can open doors to exciting career opportunities in creative industries, making the investment worthwhile.
Top Art Schools by Academics
Here’s a look at 10 outstanding art schools for undergraduates:
Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
RISD is consistently ranked among the best art colleges in the world, offering a rigorous curriculum that combines studio work with liberal arts education. With its proximity to Brown University, RISD students can also take courses there, broadening their academic experience.
- Location: Providence, RI
- Type: Private
- Top Majors: Graphic Design, Industrial Design, Fine Arts, Illustration
School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
SAIC is known for its interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to explore different art forms freely. With access to the Art Institute of Chicago, students are constantly surrounded by world-class artwork, providing inspiration and learning opportunities.
- Location: Chicago, IL
- Type: Private
- Top Majors: Fine Arts, Art History, Fashion Design, Photography
California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
Founded by Walt Disney, CalArts has a strong reputation for its animation and performing arts programs. The school emphasizes experimentation and innovation, allowing students to push the boundaries of their creative disciplines.
- Location: Valencia, CA
- Type: Private
- Top Majors: Animation, Theater, Film/Video, Graphic Design
Parsons School of Design
Part of The New School, Parsons offers cutting-edge design and arts programs. Located in New York City, students benefit from the school’s connections with major design firms and the vibrant arts scene.
- Location: New York, NY
- Type: Private
- Top Majors: Fashion Design, Graphic Design, Architecture, Product Design
Pratt Institute
Pratt’s Brooklyn campus is a hub for creativity and innovation, known for its architecture, fine arts, and industrial design programs. The school offers a range of interdisciplinary opportunities, allowing students to collaborate across fields.
- Location: Brooklyn, NY
- Type: Private
- Top Majors: Architecture, Industrial Design, Fine Arts, Illustration
University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) School of the Arts and Architecture
UCLA offers a dynamic environment for art students, combining a strong liberal arts education with professional training. With proximity to Hollywood and major galleries, students can access numerous internship and networking opportunities.
- Location: Los Angeles, CA
- Type: Public
- Top Majors: Theater, Film and Television, Fine Arts, Architecture
Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
SCAD is known for its state-of-the-art facilities and career-oriented approach to arts education. The school emphasizes preparing students for creative careers in fashion, film, animation and more.
- Location: Savannah, GA
- Type: Private
- Top Majors: Animation, Fashion Design, Interior Design, Illustration
New York University (NYU) Tisch School of the Arts
NYU’s Tisch School offers one of the world’s most prestigious film, theater, and dance programs. Located in the heart of New York City, students are immersed in a rich cultural landscape and have access to numerous internship and performance opportunities.
- Location: New York, NY
- Type: Private
- Top Majors: Film/Television, Dance, Drama, Interactive Media Arts
Yale School of Art
Yale’s School of Art offers an intimate, highly selective environment where students receive personalized mentorship from renowned faculty. The program is particularly strong in painting, photography, and sculpture.
- Location: New Haven, CT
- Type: Private
- Top Majors: Painting/Printmaking, Photography, Sculpture
Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)
MICA is a leading institution for artists and designers, known for its commitment to community engagement and social justice through the arts. The school offers a range of programs and emphasizes collaboration and interdisciplinary work.
- Location: Baltimore, MD
- Type: Private
- Top Majors: Graphic Design, Fine Arts, Illustration, Animation
Top 40 Art Schools By Academics
Academic Rank College City State Type Admit Rate SAT Avg ACT Avg
1 Rhode Island School of Design Providence RI Private 17.42 1420 31
2 School of the Art Institute of Chicago Chicago IL Private 78.96
3 California Institute of the Arts Valencia CA Private 25.28
4 Parsons School of Design at The New School New York NY Private 51.83
5 Pratt Institute Brooklyn NY Private 53.17 1310 28
6 University of California, Los Angeles Los Angeles CA Public
7 Savannah College of Art and Design Savannah GA Private 72.72 1130 24
8 New York University New York NY Private 9.41
9 Yale University New Haven CT Private
10 Maryland Institute College of Art Baltimore MD Private
11 Otis College of Art and Design Los Angeles CA Private 83.29
12 Ringling College of Art and Design Sarasota FL Private 67.37
13 California College of the Arts San Francisco CA Private 69.68
14 School of Visual Arts New York NY Private 91.32
15 Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art New York NY Private 22.35 1460 33
16 Fashion Institute of Technology New York NY Public 57.61
17 Art Center College of Design Pasedena CA Private 75.06
18 Cornish College of the Arts Seattle WA Private 62.76
19 Laguna College of Art & Design Laguana Beach CA Private 50
20 Columbus College of Art & Design Columbus OH Private 79.25
21 Kansas City Art Institute Kansas City MO Private 58.48
22 The University of the Arts Philadelphia PA Private 80.41
23 Virginia Commonwealth University Richmond VA Public 92.89
24 Pacific Northwest College of Art Portland OR Private 68.48
25 Maine College of Art Portland ME Private
26 Minneapolis College of Art and Design Minneapolis MN Private 65.52
27 Cleveland Institute of Art Cleveland OH Private 56.28 1100 23
28 University of North Carolina School of the Arts Winston-Salem NC Public
29 Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design Milwaukee WI Private 67.99
30 Montserrat College of Art Beverly MA Private 79.21
31 Institute of Art and Design at New England College Manchester NH Private 57.87
32 Tufts University Medford MA Private 10.13
33 Savannah College of Art and Design - Atlanta Atlanta GA Private
34 Academy of Art University San Francisco CA Private 100
35 Miami Dade College-New World School of the Arts Miami FL Public
36 Purchase College, State University of New York Purchase NY Public 72.83
37 Temple University Philadelphia PA Public 82.92 1240 28
38 Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis Indianapolis IN Public 81.39 1160 25
39 Alfred University Alfred NY Private 48.3
40 Columbia College Chicago Chicago IL Private 91.17
Top 5 Art Schools for Merit-Based Aid
Merit-based scholarships can make a top-tier art education more accessible, even if you don’t qualify for need-based aid. Here are five schools that offer generous merit-based scholarships:
- SCAD – Known for its extensive merit-based scholarships, SCAD offers financial awards based on academic achievement, artistic talent, and leadership.
- Parsons School of Design – Offers various scholarships for high-achieving students, recognizing both academic excellence and artistic talent.
- Pratt Institute – Provides substantial merit aid to students who demonstrate exceptional artistic ability and academic performance.
- CalArts – Awards merit-based scholarships to students based on their portfolio and creative potential.
- UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture – Offers a mix of need-based and merit aid, particularly for in-state students.
Top Art Schools by Cost
College Academic Rank Type COA (in-state for public schools) Avg need-based aid Avg merit aid
New York University 8 Private $93,184 $59,903 $40,607
Tufts University 32 Private $92,167 $56,540 $1,000
California College of the Arts 13 Private $87,623 $40,274 $16,811
Yale University 9 Private $87,580 $66,890 $0
Rhode Island School of Design 1 Private $85,986 $40,502 $10,129
Art Center College of Design 17 Private $85,058
Pratt Institute 5 Private $83,781 $35,380 $21,726
Parsons School of Design at The New School 4 Private $82,747 $28,724 $14,221
California Institute of the Arts 3 Private $77,885 $35,000 $6,250
Ringling College of Art and Design 12 Private $76,570 $28,314 $10,709
School of Visual Arts 14 Private $75,208 $20,057
The University of the Arts 22 Private $74,352 $41,527 $18,703
School of the Art Institute of Chicago 2 Private $73,830
Maryland Institute College of Art 10 Private $71,470
Pacific Northwest College of Art 24 Private $65,661 $34,206 $21,250
Kansas City Art Institute 21 Private $65,576 $30,856 $23,521
Otis College of Art and Design 11 Private $65,088 $8,628 $17,410
Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art 15 Private $65,000 $48,805 $25,248
Minneapolis College of Art and Design 26 Private $63,564 $31,092 $16,859
Cleveland Institute of Art 27 Private $62,260 $33.955 $19,083
Alfred University 39 Private $61,152 $35,039 $24,216
Savannah College of Art and Design - Atlanta 33 Private $58,488
Savannah College of Art and Design 7 Private $57,999 $16,554 $9,841
Milwaukee Institute of Art and Design 29 Private $57,672 $27,648 $15,775
Maine College of Art 25 Private $57,568
Laguna College of Art & Design 19 Private $54,298
Montserrat College of Art 30 Private $53,580
Columbus College of Art & Design 20 Private $52,274 $26,973 $13,721
Cornish College of the Arts 18 Private $50,134
Academy of Art University 34 Private $47,722 $11,158 $4,718
Columbia College Chicago 40 Private $34,980 $20,594 $10,522
University of California, Los Angeles 6 Public $31,532 $26,566 $7,455
Temple University 37 Public $31,044 $15,393 $6,793
Virginia Commonwealth University 23 Public $26,789 $15,645 $6,293
Fashion Institute of Technology 16 Public $25,316 $12,699 $893
Purchase College, State University of New York 36 Public $23,330 $12,174 $2,330
University of North Carolina School of the Arts 28 Public $21,367 $15,552 $9,308
Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis 38 Public $20,774 $13,741 $6,098
Miami Dade College-New World School of the Arts 35 Public $11,937
Institute of Art and Design at New England College 31 Private
Best Value Art Schools
Finding value in an art education means balancing costs with long-term career opportunities. Here are five art schools known for offering excellent value:
- UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture – Offers a world-class education at a lower cost, especially for in-state students.
- RISD – Though it’s a private institution, RISD provides substantial financial aid to offset high tuition costs.
- Pratt Institute – Offers competitive merit-based scholarships that make its top-tier programs more affordable.
- MICA – Known for its community-driven approach, MICA combines affordability with strong job placement rates in the creative industries.
- NYU Tisch School of the Arts – While NYU is known for high tuition, Tisch offers substantial aid and numerous internship opportunities to support students.
Lesser-Known Art Schools Offering High Value
While the big names often dominate, some smaller schools offer excellent education and strong value for your investment. Here are five lesser-known art schools worth considering:
- Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) – Located in Columbus, Ohio, CCAD provides a personalized education with small class sizes and hands-on mentorship. Merit scholarships are also widely available to help offset costs.
- Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) – Known for its intimate, studio-focused learning environment, KCAI offers strong community engagement and many internship opportunities with local arts organizations.
- The University of the Arts (UArts) – In the heart of Philadelphia, UArts encourages cross-disciplinary learning, blending traditional and modern art practices. It offers strong financial aid packages to help make art education more accessible.
- Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) School of the Arts – A top-ranked public art school, VCU Arts provides affordable tuition with a well-rounded, research-focused curriculum that equips students for various career paths in the arts.
- Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) – Located in Portland, Oregon, PNCA emphasizes sustainability and social impact in its programs. A wide range of scholarships helps students manage costs while pursuing a socially conscious art education.
How to Select the Right Art School for You
To find the right art school, reflect on your goals and preferences. Then research art schools that serve your goals – and your budget. That means exploring financial aid options. Build a college list, then research further to narrow it down. Then you’ll start applying.
Here are step-by-step instructions to select the right art school for you:
- Identify Your Artistic Goals
Start by considering what you want to achieve with your art education. Do you want to focus on fine arts, graphic design, animation, or perhaps theater or fashion design? Clarifying your artistic interests will help you narrow down schools that specialize in the areas most aligned with your goals. - Research Programs and Majors
Look into the specific programs and majors offered at each school. Some schools, like RISD and SCAD, offer a wide range of disciplines, while others, like CalArts, might specialize more in performing arts or animation. Make sure the school has strong faculty and resources in the area you want to study. - Consider Location
The location of a school can influence your opportunities for internships, networking, and exposure to creative industries. Schools in cities like New York, Los Angeles, or Chicago may provide better access to industries like film, fashion, and fine arts. Decide if proximity to these hubs is important for your career goals. - Evaluate Financial Aid Options
Art school can be expensive, so understanding the financial aid packages offered is key. Investigate both need-based and merit-based scholarships. Schools like Pratt Institute, Parsons, and SCAD are known for providing generous merit scholarships based on artistic talent and academic performance. - Visit Campuses (Virtually or In-Person)
If possible, visit the campuses you’re interested in, either virtually or in-person. Take the time to explore the facilities, talk to current students, and get a feel for the school’s culture. Pay attention to things like studio space, equipment, and exhibition opportunities. - Look at Class Sizes and Faculty Interaction
Consider the student-to-faculty ratio and how much one-on-one mentorship you’ll receive. Smaller schools or programs, such as those at Yale School of Art or Kansas City Art Institute, may offer more personalized instruction and mentorship, which can be critical to your development as an artist. - Assess Career Services and Alumni Networks
Explore the career services offered by each school. Schools with strong alumni networks, such as NYU Tisch and CalArts, can provide valuable industry connections and job placement support after graduation. Ask about internship opportunities and how the school helps students transition into their careers. - Balance Cost and Long-Term Value
Compare tuition and fees, but don’t just look at the sticker price—factor in the financial aid available, and consider the return on investment. Schools that offer substantial scholarships or lower in-state tuition, like UCLA, may provide a better value in the long run. - Explore Interdisciplinary and Collaborative Opportunities
Many art schools allow students to experiment with multiple disciplines. If you’re interested in blending fields like fine arts and graphic design, or fashion and architecture, look for schools like SAIC or Parsons that encourage interdisciplinary work. - Trust Your Instincts
After you’ve done your research and visited schools, trust your gut feeling. Choose a school that feels like the right fit for your creative style, goals, and personal preferences. The right environment will help you grow both as an artist and as an individual.
Bottom Line
Choosing the right art school requires careful consideration of academics, financial aid, and overall value. Whether you’re looking for a program that offers generous merit scholarships or one that delivers a strong return on investment, these top art schools provide a variety of options to help you achieve your creative and career goals. By balancing the financial and academic aspects, you can find the art school that fits your needs and sets you up for a successful career in the arts.
FAQ on Art Schools
Are private art schools more expensive than public ones?
Private art schools often have higher tuition, but many offer substantial financial aid packages, including both need-based and merit-based scholarships. Public schools like UCLA can provide high-quality education at a lower cost, especially for in-state students, making them a more affordable option for many.
What kind of financial aid is available at top art schools?
Most top art schools offer a combination of need-based aid and merit-based scholarships. Schools like RISD, SCAD, and Parsons provide merit scholarships for academic and artistic excellence, while others like UCLA offer need-based aid, especially for in-state students.
How important is location when choosing an art school?
Location can greatly impact your experience, especially if you’re interested in industries like fashion, film, or theater. Schools in major cities like New York (Parsons, NYU Tisch) or Los Angeles (UCLA) offer access to cultural hubs, industry professionals, internships, and career opportunities in creative fields.
What are the benefits of attending a lesser-known art school?
Lesser-known art schools like Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) or Kansas City Art Institute (KCAI) often provide more personalized attention, smaller class sizes, and a strong sense of community. They may also offer lower tuition and generous financial aid, making them a great value for students looking for a quality education without the high cost.
How can I make art school more affordable?
Look for schools that offer robust financial aid packages, including need-based aid, merit scholarships, and work-study programs. Lesser-known schools often provide generous scholarships and lower tuition rates. Research schools like MICA or PNCA, which offer financial assistance and affordable tuition while maintaining strong academic programs.
Do art schools offer career support?
Yes, most top art schools emphasize career development through internships, exhibitions, and networking opportunities. Schools like Pratt Institute, RISD, and SCAD are known for connecting students with industry professionals and offering extensive career services to help students transition into the workforce.
What are the long-term benefits of attending a top art school?
Attending a top art school often leads to stronger professional networks, higher job placement rates, and access to internships or career opportunities in high-demand fields like animation, graphic design, and fashion. Schools with strong alumni networks, like NYU Tisch and CalArts, also provide valuable connections that can boost your career prospects.
Are there art schools that focus on sustainability and social impact?
Yes, schools like Pacific Northwest College of Art (PNCA) emphasize sustainability and social consciousness in their programs. These schools integrate environmental awareness and community engagement into the curriculum, making them ideal for students interested in using art as a tool for positive change.
Can I double major or study interdisciplinary programs at art schools?
Many art schools encourage interdisciplinary studies. Schools like the School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC) and Parsons allow students to explore multiple disciplines and even take courses at affiliated institutions, expanding their educational horizons beyond traditional art boundaries.
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