Best Art Schools
Any student planning to pursue art as a career is likely to consider applying to art colleges. Art colleges offer art-focused college majors, providing students with an environment to seriously study their craft and hone their skills. Whether you’re pursuing pottery, film, digital art, or painting, the best art schools will ensure that you’re able to explore your passions. In this guide, we’ll showcase some of the best art schools and provide guidance on applying to art colleges.
You’ll find information about:
- What to look for when researching art colleges
- The top 20 best art schools in the country
- Some of the best art schools in popular states, including the best art schools in California and New York
- The best art schools in the world (outside of the U.S.)
- How to choose the best art schools for you
- Tips for applying to art colleges, and more!
While applying to the best art colleges can be intimidating, CollegeAdvisor is here to help. Keep reading to learn more about the best undergraduate art schools and how you can perfect your application!
What is an art school?
An art school is an institution where art is the primary focus. Generally, art colleges offer coursework in fields such as painting, ceramics, or film. However, art colleges vary widely in their size, programs, and specialties. For instance, some of the best art colleges are housed within art departments at larger universities. These art programs tend to favor breadth over depth. Other art colleges are standalone, specialized schools, such as the School of Visual Arts in New York City. These types of schools provide students with an art-focused education within an art-focused community.
When you begin your college search, think of what offerings you want from art colleges, like animation or photography. Then consider your college must-haves and would-like-to-haves. These can help you choose the best art colleges for your list. For example, if you want to go in-state or close to home, you might start by researching “art colleges near me.”
Applying to Art Colleges
For the most part, applying to art colleges will be similar to any other college application. However, a key difference is the portfolio requirement. A portfolio is a collection of your work that relates to your chosen major. Students often submit paintings, creative writing, acting performances, and graphic design pieces. Most of the best art schools in the world will require a portfolio.
It’s important to remember that application requirements for art colleges still overlap in many ways with those of other institutions. Namely, you’ll need academic transcripts, essays, letters of recommendation, and, in some cases, standardized test scores when applying to art colleges. Make sure to prepare your application properly: don’t rely entirely on your portfolio.
Admissions benchmarks and the average admitted student profiles vary among art colleges. Some of the best art schools in the U.S. base decisions heavily on academic achievement. Others place most of their emphasis on your portfolio and artistic achievements with less regard for classroom performance. Try researching “art colleges near me” to get a better sense of the admissions requirements you may encounter.
Exploring Art School Concentrations
If you’re unsure of your college major, applying to art colleges can be daunting. Many of the best art schools offer highly specific art programs, and it can be hard to know exactly what you’re interested in. Whether you’re looking at “art colleges near me” or only at art colleges in California—there’s a lot to explore.
Researching the best art colleges can help you discover the art colleges that align with your specific interests. Design schools such as The New School’s Parsons School of Design, unsurprisingly, tend to focus on various design disciplines from fashion to products and interiors. Some of the best art schools in the U.S. have a school dedicated to visual arts that offers college majors like sculpture or painting.
As you’ll also realize, some of the best art colleges in the world are incredibly niche or only offer one specific area of study. As such, they may be too specific for most students. So, be sure to explore each college major thoroughly to be sure their programs align with your interests.
Many art colleges encourage students to explore many different media, like animation, photography, design, and performance. Some of the best art colleges offer foundational years or core courses, such as Otis and MCAD. If you’re unsure of which art colleges are right for you, picking schools that encourage exploration may be best. In this way, you can gain an understanding of the principles of art and design through various disciplines before specializing.
Why choose art school?
Now, let’s discuss some of the many benefits of attending fine art colleges and earning a formal art degree. Many of the best art schools in the world contain specific resources that would be challenging to access at traditional schools. Art colleges are designed for students who wish to pursue art careers, and the best art schools in the U.S. make this possible.
The best art schools in the U.S. offer resources such as specialized equipment, studio space, and opportunities to network with fellow artists. Moreover, the best art schools all have strong reputations and industry connections that open doors to students during their studies and after graduation. For example, the Parsons School of Design allows students to study in an urban setting with opportunities to learn from and make connections in New York’s vibrant art industry.
With that said, even the best art schools in the world are not the best fit for every student. Many art colleges only offer art-focused programs, making a college major change challenging. If you’re looking for flexibility, consider larger schools with the best art colleges housed within them. In fact, searching for “art colleges near me” may reveal a stellar art department in your local university. The best colleges for your goals may not be formal art colleges, and that’s okay! Researching your options thoroughly is the best way to know for sure.
What makes an art college great?
The best art schools will help nurture a student’s artistic abilities. But, they will also help them prepare for the future. While some of the best colleges have art programs, the best art colleges have dedicated faculty committed to hands-on learning. Furthermore, the best art colleges in the world allow students to develop strong foundational techniques and collaborate with their peers.
Learners at the best art schools in the world have access to elite facilities, materials, and equipment. In addition, the best art schools and best fine arts colleges have strong alumni and industry networks to support students’ careers.
When researching art colleges, remember to look very carefully at rankings—don’t assume a high ranking means a good fit. For example, the Davidson College ranking is high among National Liberal Arts Colleges. However, the Davidson College ranking for their art program may not seem particularly impressive. While the Davidson College ranking may not outshine the best art schools, Davidson may suit students who want to explore beyond art.
While it may be tempting to only apply to the best art colleges in the world, your choice should be well-informed. For many, cost is also an important factor when deciding the best art schools for their needs. Consider which art colleges are affordable, or provide funding such as financial aid. Don’t discount searching for “art colleges near me”—you may find that the best art colleges are in your backyard!
20 Best Art Schools
We’ve compiled a list of the 20 best art schools for you to consider as you apply to college. While this is not a formal ranking, we believe that these are some of the best art colleges out there. This list of art colleges is based on a collection of rankings and lists from art-focused organizations, such as Art & Object and the Art Career Project. These organizations evaluate art schools based on factors such as academic experience, selectivity, and financial aid.
This list can serve as a great jumping-off point for any students interested in applying to art colleges. These colleges include some of the best art schools in the world, and then some. Here are 20 of the best art schools:
Top 20 Art Schools
1. Rhode Island School of Design
Often considered one of the best art schools, the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) is located in Providence, RI. RISD is among the best art schools in the U.S. year after year. And, it is widely considered one of the best art schools in the world. With an acceptance rate of 19% and an undergraduate enrollment of just over 2,000, RISD is a competitive choice for students applying to art colleges. RISD offers programs in Graphic Design, Textiles, Ceramics, and more, as well as joint degree programs with nearby Ivy League member Brown University.
2. School of the Art Institute of Chicago
Currently ranked #2 in Best Fine Arts Colleges per U.S. News, the School of the Art Institute of Chicago offers a wide range of fine art and design college majors. With degrees in areas from Books & Publishing and Fashion Design, SAIC is a great option for students with a niche major in mind. With its 81% acceptance rate and undergraduate enrollment of about 2,800 students, SAIC stands strong among fine art colleges.
3. Yale University, School of Art
As one of the best colleges in the U.S., it’s no surprise that Yale’s School of Art ranks highly on our list. Located in New Haven, CT, Yale offers a B.A. in Art. Art majors will be able to explore a wide variety of mediums and art disciplines. This makes Yale a great choice for students who are interested in art colleges but are unsure of their college major. With an acceptance rate of 5% and an undergraduate enrollment of just over 6,600, Yale is one of the best art schools in the world. (And one of the most competitive.)
4. NYU Tisch School of the Arts
Up next is NYU Tisch School of the Arts, located in New York City. Famous for their acting programs, NYU is one of the best art schools in the world. Located within one of the world’s artistic hubs, NYU is undeniably one of the best art colleges in New York. With an overall acceptance rate of 12%, as well as nearly 30,000 undergraduate students, NYU is a large, competitive university.
5. California Institute of the Arts
Found in Santa Clarita, CA, the California Institute of the Arts (CalArts) has a strong track record in the visual and performing arts. One of the best art schools in California, CalArts offers over 70 different art-focused degree programs. With a 29% acceptance rate and fewer than 10,000 undergraduate students, the California Institute of the Arts is one of the smaller art colleges in California. If you’re looking for one of the best art colleges in California, you can’t go wrong with CalArts.
6. Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Some may be surprised to see MIT here, but MIT’s art programs rank it among the best art schools in the U.S. MIT is one of the world’s most selective schools, accepting only 4% of applicants into its 4,600-person undergraduate student body. At MIT, students can major in Dance, Architecture and Design, Media Arts, and many other arts programs. In particular, students have plenty of opportunities to explore cross-disciplinary topics and courses in the arts.
7. Pratt Institute
Widely considered one of the best art schools in the world, the Pratt Institute is next on our list. One of the best colleges for fine arts, the Pratt Institute offers many different degree programs from interior design to ceramics. From Pratt’s Brooklyn campus, students can tap into New York’s many art resources. Pratt has an acceptance rate of 45% and is home to just over 3,700 undergraduate students.
8. Savannah College of Art and Design
Despite its name, the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) has campuses in both Savannah and Atlanta. It is also considered by many to be one of the best art schools in the world. SCAD offers over 100 unique programs to help students explore their artistic potential, from brand management to fragrances to UX design. SCAD is a medium-sized school with almost 14,000 undergraduates and an acceptance rate of 82%.
9. Carnegie Mellon University College of Fine Arts
Located in Pittsburgh, PA, the Carnegie Mellon University College of Fine Arts is one of the best fine arts colleges around. Students can get a BFA at Carnegie Mellon by studying college majors from dramaturgy to sculpture & installation. With an interdisciplinary approach, it’s no surprise Carnegie Mellon is home to one of the best art schools in the U.S. If you can beat its 11% acceptance rate and join the 7,500 undergraduates that call it home, Carnegie Mellon may be a great fit for you.
10. Maryland Institute College of Art
Found in Baltimore, MD, the Maryland Institute College of Art offers 14 college majors and 23 minors. The Maryland Institute College of Art is one of the best undergraduate art schools for students interested in a wide range of arts programs. You can explore your interests in an intimate setting since MICA only has about 1,500 undergraduates. With an acceptance rate of 86%, MICA is not only among the best fine art colleges, but it’s also quite accessible.
11. Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts
Located in Richmond, VA, the Virginia Commonwealth University School of the Arts is the next college on our list. VCU offers a public university option for students considering the best art schools. One of the more affordable art colleges on our list, VCUarts offers many different programs such as dance, visual arts, and art education. Currently ranked #4 in Best Fine Arts Colleges (graduate school) per U.S News, VCUarts is a great option to consider.
12. Princeton University
Often considered one of the best colleges overall, it’s no wonder that Princeton University’s art programs are highly ranked. As one of the world’s best colleges, Princeton is also home to one of the best art colleges in the world. Offering programs in creative writing, dance, and music composition, Princeton is one of the best art schools in the U.S. Princeton is notoriously competitive, with an acceptance rate of 6% and an undergraduate enrollment of just over 5,600.
13. University of Pennsylvania
The next school on our list is the University of Pennsylvania, located in Philadelphia, PA. Considered one of the best colleges in the US, UPenn offers several art programs. ranging from music and theatre arts to architecture. With its highly-ranked programs, UPenn is definitely one of the best art schools in the U.S. With an acceptance rate of 7% and an undergraduate class of just over 9,700, UPenn is a midsize, extremely selective institution.
14. Otis College of Art and Design
Considered one of the best art schools in California, the Otis College of Art and Design offers an immersive foundation program. Unique from other art colleges in California, this program places fire-year students in the studio to learn the fundamentals of a variety of art forms. This system makes the Otis College of Art and Design one of the best art colleges in California and beyond. With an acceptance rate of 83% and an undergraduate enrollment of just over 1,200, Otis is one of the best fine art colleges for students looking for a smaller community.
15. University of Texas at Austin
The next school on our list of best art schools is the University of Texas at Austin. UT Austin offers a formal College of Fine Arts with programs like jazz, studio art, and music performance. Its wide variety of well-crafted programs makes UT Austin one of the best colleges for fine arts. Out of the many art colleges, UT Austin stands out for their many college majors and unique location. With an undergraduate body of over 41,000 and a 31% admit rate, UT Austin is one of the biggest and best fine arts colleges around.
16. Massachusetts College of Art and Design
Found in Boston, MA, the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (MassArt) is one of the best art schools in the Northeast. In the same spirit as Otis, MassArt features a Foundation Year for freshmen, encouraging exploration and building foundational skills. As one of the premier art colleges, MassArt is one of the best undergraduate art schools for students looking to explore a variety of college majors. MassArt has an acceptance rate of 79% and under 2,000 undergraduates, making it one of the best colleges for art exploration in a close-knit environment.
17. Bard College
Found in Red Hook, NY, Bard College is next on our list of best art schools. Bard has their own Conservatory focusing on performing arts, making it stand out amongst other fine art colleges. Bard is one of the best fine arts colleges in the Northeast for students interested in studying performance. With an acceptance rate of 60% and an undergraduate enrollment of just over 2,100, Bard is one of the best colleges for fine arts around.
18. Minneapolis College of Art and Design
Out of all the art colleges on our list, the Minneapolis College of Art and Design (MCAD) is one of the best art schools in the Midwest. MCAD offers many unique college major options, such as comic arts, furniture design, and creative entrepreneurship. Considered one of the best colleges for fine arts, MCAD is also one of the best colleges for students interested in experimentation. One of the smallest art colleges, MCAD has an undergraduate enrollment of just over 600 and an acceptance rate of 66%.
19. Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University
Located in St. Louis, MO, the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University is one of the best art colleges for students interested in architecture. Considered one of the best art schools in the U.S., the Sam Fox School offers unique resources and support for future architects. With an overall acceptance rate of 11% and an undergraduate enrollment of over 8,100, Washington University is among the more elite art colleges on our list.
20. Temple University Tyler School of Art
The last school on our list of best art schools is the Tyler School of Art at Temple University. Located in Philadelphia, PA, Temple offers programs ranging from Ceramics to Horticulture. One of the more specialized fine art colleges available, Temple has an acceptance rate of 80% and a total undergraduate enrollment of just over 24,100. Temple University rounds out our list of best art schools in the U.S.
Now that you’ve reviewed our list of the best art schools, what’s next? First, we’ll talk about the hardest art school to get into. Then, we’ll highlight even more great art colleges in California, New York, and the world.
What is the hardest art school to get into?
Out of all the different art colleges, Harvard is the hardest to get into when looking strictly at acceptance rates. That is to say, Harvard has the lowest acceptance rate among all schools that offer a degree in fine arts, according to U.S. News. However, as this figure does not focus solely on art & design schools, it may seem skewed. And it might be, depending on your goals.
You may notice that Harvard did not make our best art schools list, which isn’t to say that Harvard is not one of the best art colleges. With its overall stellar reputation, you can be assured that Harvard is home to one of the best art schools in the world. With a school of visual arts, theatre and dance, and music, Harvard’s programs help make it one of the best art schools.
However, while Harvard has an exceptionally low acceptance rate (currently 3%), it’s important to know that many art colleges have varying application processes. For example, supplying additional art materials with your application is optional at Harvard. However, at schools like the Parsons School of Design, students are required to submit a portfolio consisting of 12-20 examples of work. A portfolio is required at many of the best art schools, which may end up selecting for more skilled artists.
If you’re looking for even more of the best art schools to consider, you’re in luck. Up next, we’re looking at art colleges in California.
Art Colleges in California
Location is an important factor when determining the best art schools for you. While you may be tempted to just search “art colleges near me,” some of the best art schools in the U.S. may be outside your home state. There are plenty of excellent art colleges all over the nation, which we highlighted in our 20 Best Art Schools list.
However, you may be looking at specific geographic areas for art school. If you’re interested in the West Coast, chances are you’re looking at art colleges in California. For this reason, we’ve decided to include a California-specific list.
Looking back, you’ll notice two California schools were on our top 20 list. California Institute of the Arts and Otis College of Art and Design are two of the best art schools in California. For students looking at art colleges in California, here are 5 more fantastic art colleges to consider:
Top California Art Schools
ArtCenter College of Design
With its two main campuses located in Pasadena, CA, this innovative school is one of the best art schools in California for many reasons. Teaching students how to create art that incites change is at the forefront of ArtCenter’s mission statement. The school offers 11 undergraduate degrees which each promise to lay the foundation students need to lead successful, creative careers in the arts. Compared to other art colleges in California, the undergraduate enrollment is small at about 2,000. Small studio classes are led by artists and designers who make up the faculty—another reason it’s among the best fine art colleges.
USC Roski School of Art & Design
With a location in the heart of Los Angeles, it’s no wonder that many students searching for the best art schools in California flock to USC’s Roski School of Art and Design. Students will be welcomed into a tight-knit, supportive community that encourages raising intriguing questions and expressing your answers through art. Roski offers a variety of undergraduate degrees: BFA Art, BFA Design, and BA Art. In recent years, Roski tied for #53 on U.S. News’ list of Best Fine Arts Programs, ranking it among the best colleges for fine arts.
California College of the Arts
Considered one of the best art schools in the U.S., CCA incites learning through making. The education students gain at CCA not only supports expression through art and design but also aims to advance culture and society. San Francisco serves as an extended campus for this school’s students. Students may choose among 22 undergraduate programs, all of which are interdisciplinary with a focus on social responsibility.
UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture
Another one of our best art colleges in California is also located in Los Angeles. You’ve probably heard of UCLA, but did you know they have one of the best undergraduate art schools in the nation? Students can choose from five different programs of study within the school: architecture and urban design, art, design media arts, world arts and culture/dance, and visual and performing arts education. Art students make up an important part of this public university’s undergraduate population, bringing unique perspectives and creative expression to campus.
California Institute of the Arts
Not only one of the best art schools in California, the California Institute of the Arts is internationally renowned. Since 1970, CalArts has been producing alumni who go on to make social and cultural impacts through their art. The California Institute of the Arts offers over 70 degrees to choose all within the arts, exploring fields such as Character Animation and Integrated Media. If you’re ready to tap into your creative talents, then CalArts is sure to bring it out as it’s one of the best colleges for fine arts!
Now that we’ve looked at five of the best art schools in California, let’s turn our attention to the East Coast. Up next, we’ll visit another state that tends to be a favorite among artists: New York.
Art Colleges in New York
For those interested in the best art colleges on the East Coast, you may have already searched “art colleges in New York”. NYC is considered a haven for all kinds of aspiring artists and creative types. So, it’s really no wonder the city is home to some of the best art schools in the U.S. Moreover, NY state offers some of the best colleges for fine arts even outside of the “city that never sleeps.” Of course, some of the schools on our Top 20 Best Art Schools list are in fact located in New York, such as the Pratt Institute. However, we’re highlighting 5 additional art colleges in New York:
As you search for the best art schools in the U.S., here are some of the best art colleges in New York to consider:
Top New York Art Schools
Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Arts
This school offers a unique combination of programs for motivated students. Their offerings fall within three schools of architecture, engineering, and art. Another unique aspect of The Cooper Union is the fact that it’s a “free center of learning.” As such, the school values fair access to education for all—and provides it for those interested in a rigorous education in the arts, architecture, or engineering. And, its location in NYC offers students access to a wide range of internship and professional experience.
Columbia University School of the Arts
While well known for its MFA programs, Columbia University also offers a variety of undergraduate programs for those interested in gaining a BA. Degree paths include creative writing, film and media studies, theatre, and visual arts. Some programs’ courses are taken at Columbia’s partner school, Barnard College. Of course, the surroundings will surely serve as inspiration as the school’s campus is located right in the heart of NYC.
The New School Parsons School of Design
The city will be the students’ playground yet again at Parsons School of Design. Undergraduate offerings include 12 different disciplines ranging from fashion design to photography. Collaborative projects make up a large part of the curriculum and students are encouraged to tailor their education to their interests. However, all undergraduates at the Parsons School of Design will share the same first-year experience before delving into their chosen majors.
School of Visual Arts
Take one look at the School of Visual Arts website and you know you are entering a creativity-forward education path. The School of Visual Arts offers BFAs in a variety of disciplines within the visual arts. Alumni of the School of Visual Arts are well connected in some big-name organizations (Vice, Pixar, DreamWorks, and more!). As such, students are set up for a successful, fulfilling, and most importantly, creative career path.
CUNY Hunter College
Hunter College is a part of CUNY, which is a group of some of the best public colleges in NYC. While many of the other art colleges in New York focus solely on art programs, Hunter College offers plenty of different undergraduate programs. The School of Arts and Sciences offers one of the top arts educations offered by art colleges in New York. While you may not find fashion design or animation here, you’ll find programs in creative writing and film and media studies.
There are many reasons to attend art colleges in New York. Whether considering the Pratt Institute or one of our additional art colleges in New York, you can’t go wrong. However, you may also be interested in looking beyond the best fine arts colleges in the nation. So, let’s continue expanding our search to the best art schools outside of the country.
Best Art Schools in the World
Of course, some of the best art schools in the U.S. also rank among the best art schools in the world. However, if you’re not interested in art colleges in New York, California, or any other state, this section is for you. We’re going to highlight 5 of the best art schools in the world.
Here are our picks for the Top 5 Best Art Schools in the world (outside of the U.S.).
Top Worldwide Art Schools
Royal College of Art
Located in London, England, this public research university only offers postgraduate degrees. So, if your undergraduate college major had something to do with art and design, and you’re looking for more, then the Royal College of Art could be an excellent choice. Students will certainly expand their knowledge of art and design as well as learn how to transform it into the career of their dreams. In fact, 95% of graduates say their current position is a direct consequence of their RCA degree.
University of the Arts London
Also located in London, and offering plenty of undergraduate options, is the University of the Arts London. This university offers courses in art, design, communication, screen, fashion, media, and performing arts. So, you’ll find plenty to choose from at UAL if you’re still deciding on your art college major. Arguably as important as NYC in the international arts scene, London is an excellent city in which to study any college major—particularly a creative one. The city is sure to inspire creativity, and the school will hone your skills as you delve into your studies at UAL.
Design Academy Eindhoven
When you’re thinking of the best fine arts colleges, the Netherlands may not be the first thing that comes to mind. However, the Design Academy Eindhoven (located in the Netherlands) offers excellent undergraduate and graduate options for those set on their college major being something in the arts. DAE has about 700 students from 40 different nations. So, if you’re looking for diversity and cultural exchange, this school may be a top contender in your best art colleges list. Students are encouraged to work together and form connections as they navigate their creative education, and eventual career, in the arts.
Politecnico di Milano
If you’re interested in fashion, then the idea of studying in Milan, Italy will probably spark your interest. However, the Politecnico di Milano offers its students courses not only in design but also in engineering and architecture. While we consider it one of the best art colleges in the world, when you graduate from this technical institution, you’ll have the equivalent of a Bachelor of Science. So, if you’re into the art of architecture, engineering, and urban design, then this is the school for you!
Aalto University
Students will find another science and art blended community at our final pick for the best art colleges in the world. Aalto University is located in Finland. There are plenty of undergraduate programs to choose from that are taught in English as well—so don’t stress if you don’t know Finnish! Students may choose a college major in three distinct areas offered at the university: art and design, business and economics, and technology and engineering. Be sure to apply during the short application window as this is a popular choice for those looking for the best art schools in the world.
If you’re looking for international schools a little closer to the U.S., this next section is for you.
What is the best art school in Canada?
Continuing in the international sector, let’s look to Canada for some more of the best art colleges in the world.
Here are five more of the best art schools in the world, all in Canada:
Top Canadian Art Schools
Emily Carr University of Art + Design
Located in Vancouver, the Emily Carr University of Art + Design is the only university in British Columbia completely dedicated to art, media, and design programs for undergraduate and graduate students. Students interested in an art college major from this school will graduate with one of three Bachelor’s degrees: Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Media Arts, or Bachelor of Design. From ceramics to critical + cultural practice, you’ll be able to find a college major that’s a perfect fit for you and your artistic and educational interests.
OCAD University
As the largest art, design, and media university in Canada, OCAD University offers the prospective “art” college major a myriad of educational pathways. Located in Ontario, Toronto, students are drawn to the school and the land for its rich history. OCAD is one of various best art schools in the world that offers both undergraduate and graduate programs. With 22 undergraduate programs to choose from including environmental design, illustration, and indigenous visual culture, students are sure to find something that aligns with their artistic background.
Concordia University
Similar to OCAD, Concordia is located on Indigenous lands. However, Concordia University is in the beautiful and student-friendly city of Montreal. Students are encouraged to create their own educational path by customizing their curriculum to fit their interests, needs, and goals. While you’ll encounter more than just the art college major at Concordia, the university’s art program makes it one of the best art schools in the world. You’ll be free to create your “ideal” college major here, so check it out!
University of Toronto
Another Toronto school tops our list of the best art schools in Canada. This large public research institution offers many undergraduate programs. And, as one of the top schools in the nation, gaining a degree from the University of Toronto will set you up for success. Musicians will be excited by the University of Toronto’s offerings which include a Bachelor of Music and Bachelor of Music in Performance. However, if you’re not a musician, and are interested in the best fine art colleges, this school may not be for you as other “art” college major offerings are limited.
Alberta University of the Arts
AUArts has plenty of reasons you should attend. (Small class sizes, great facilities, experienced artists as faculty, diverse programs, and location to name a few.) Located in Calgary, students will have access to not only the university’s many resources but the city’s as well. Don’t underestimate the inspiration you can draw from the beautiful mountain backdrop. For those looking for the best fine art colleges, you’ll find AUArts won’t disappoint. They have 11 concentrations for those looking for the best colleges for fine arts.
Now that we’ve discussed some of the best art schools in the world, let’s focus back in on the U.S. Up next are some great schools with a unique approach to the arts.
Liberal Arts Colleges with Good Art Programs
Rather than going by location and searching for “art colleges near me,” consider turning your attention to your overall educational experience. In particular, you might consider exploring art majors offered at liberal arts colleges.
While technically not the best art schools in the U.S., many liberal arts colleges provide students with excellent art programs. In fact, if you’re not positive that even the best fine art colleges are for you, but you’re interested in the arts, attending a liberal arts school might be the perfect solution! You’ll get to explore other disciplines while exploring your artistic side. You might find that a college major that combines art and humanities is more your speed—or potentially even a double major! The options are truly endless when pursuing an art degree at a liberal arts school.
With that in mind, let’s check out some of our picks for the best undergraduate art schools, (which are technically liberal arts colleges):
Top Liberal Arts Colleges with Art Programs
Williams College
With a rich and diverse artistic community, those looking for the best art schools in the U.S. will be pleased by the offerings found at this private, liberal arts school in Massachusetts. Art, music, theatre, dance, and creative writing are all areas in which art students can choose to focus during their time at Williams College. However, no matter the college major, students will find a creative and close campus community here.
Wesleyan University
Also located in the Northeast, Wesleyan University offers students an open curriculum with over 45 majors to choose from. No student should feel confined to a singular, strict college major when studying here. For those interested in the arts, this can be an exciting prospect to take advantage of varying courses and disciplines. Film studies is just one of the many college majors that might be of interest to an art student.
Skidmore College
Located in Saratoga Springs, NY, Skidmore College is a small, liberal arts school with just over 2,700 students. “Creative thought matters” is one of their greatest beliefs at Skidmore, which makes it one of our picks for the best undergraduate art schools. Artists studying here will be well-rounded. Students may choose from 10 concentrations. However, in the true spirit of a liberal arts education, they are encouraged to explore other disciplines.
Wellesley College
As a private, liberal arts women’s college in Massachusetts, Wellesley College offers its art students a unique learning environment. Art majors at Wellesley include studio art, art history, architecture, media arts + sciences, and cinema + media studies. The “art” college major is highly valued as a vital part of the liberal arts education here at Wellesley.
Davidson College
Located in North Carolina, Davidson is one of the best undergraduate art schools for many reasons. The Davidson College ranking is #16 in National Liberal Arts Colleges, according to U.S. News. Although, the Davidson College ranking shouldn’t be the only thing that catches your attention. Davidson is certainly one of the best fine arts colleges—even if you aren’t majoring in the fine arts! Art is an important part of the interdisciplinary education at this school. If you’re interested in applying, do all you can to stand out! The impressive Davidson College ranking and low acceptance rate (17%) make it a competitive college.
We’ve gone over the best art colleges in the world as well as the best art schools in the U.S. However, if you’re still wondering which school has the best art program, then one school tops our list.
What college has the best art program?
As a prestigious Ivy League university, it may come as no surprise that Yale University has an excellent art program. But, what makes it so great? Well, students will have access to some of the best faculty and are sure to become masters of their chosen art discipline. They’ll also be set up to continue their studies in Yale’s graduate program or start their career. As the base of the curriculum is liberal arts-focused, students will be able to apply their learnings across multiple disciplines.
There are hundreds of courses for undergraduates to choose from when completing their college major in the art program. However, one that stands out is this unique course called On Activism: The Visual Representation. Since art and societal issues are historically intertwined, this course might catch your eye as you explore your voice and what you want to say with your art.
Remember that applying to the best art colleges can be competitive, especially if you’re looking at a school like Yale. Start early and work on a portfolio to show admissions you’d be a great addition to the art program.
Choosing the best art school for you
We’ve looked at some of the best art schools in the U.S. and even the best art schools in the world. However, choosing the best fine arts colleges for you is a personal journey. Your “best art colleges” list may not match ours. And that’s perfectly fine!
When looking for your favorites, think about what’s important to you. Look at the best colleges for fine arts or best undergraduate art schools through your own lens. Does location matter? If you want to be close to home, search for the “art colleges near me”. Or, narrow it down by country, state, or city.
Consider other factors such as the campus size, curriculum requirements, networking opportunities, and class structure. Really do some digging on the arts program and the courses offered at any school of interest. Ideally, you’ll want to visit the top contenders on your list of best undergraduate art schools. That way, you’ll get a real feel for campus, be able to see the studios, and meet people within the department. (That being said, virtual tours and opportunities to connect with current students can be just as illuminating!)
5 Tips for Applying to Art Colleges
Whether you’re interested in art colleges in New York or Finland, the application process can be competitive. So, how can you boost your application to art colleges in order to stand out? To start, here are 5 tips for applying to art colleges to help ease the process:
Top Tips for Applying to Art Schools
Do your research
Use our lists of the best colleges for fine arts to jumpstart your search. Or, simply search “art colleges near me” if you want to stay local. Then look into program offerings, faculty, campus, etc. to see if different schools meet your needs, interests, and preferences.
Develop your skills
For those looking into the best colleges for fine arts, you’ll want to keep working at the skills you likely already have. Of course, art colleges will help you grow and develop, but that doesn’t mean you should stop creating! Keep practicing your art as you’re researching and applying to the best colleges for fine arts to stay motivated and inspired.
Get involved with extracurriculars
Just like most of the best colleges, the best art colleges want to see students who are involved. Participate in extracurriculars—whether they’re art-related or not! Exploring your interests and curiosities always provides more opportunities for inspiration.
Build a portfolio
To make your application stand out to the best art colleges, work on creating your portfolio. Get guidance from an art teacher or mentor if you need help choosing pieces. Just be sure your portfolio best represents you as an artist.
Don’t neglect grades or test scores
Just because you’re looking at the best art schools in the U.S. doesn’t mean you can slack off in academics. The best colleges (whether art, STEM, or liberal arts) still care about your academic performance.
Best art schools – Final Thoughts
From the Pratt Institute to Yale University and many in between, we’ve looked at some of the best art colleges—nationally and even internationally. We’ve explored different concentrations, the application process, benefits of studying at art colleges, and how to choose the best art colleges for you.
Remember that research is key when it comes to deciding on the best art colleges. It will take more than a simple “art colleges near me” or even “art colleges in New York” search to find your dream art colleges. However, you aren’t alone when it comes to choosing and applying to the best art schools in the U.S. CollegeAdvisor has plenty of free resources to help you navigate the process. You can also reach out for personalized guidance from one of our expert advisors to help you find and gain admission to the best art schools in the U.S.
This article was written by Sarah Kaminski and senior advisor Jess Klein. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.
