Best Art Schools in the US 2023/2024: An Updated List

Tuesday, November 7, 2023

Even with global efforts to fund education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, why do you think a degree in art (fine art and performing art) is still marketable?

Even with global efforts to fund education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) programs, why do you think a degree in art (fine art and performing art) is still marketable? Without a doubt, technology is shaping every aspect of life, including occupations. For instance, a person is willing to break their pocket to receive a laser high-precision surgery rather than the one performed by a human. Do you think the same applies to art?

While an AI tool can draw many lovely sculptures or 3D paintings within no time, it can’t replace an artist. Usually, a person requires a lot of hours to come up with a single portrait or image. Due to this reason, a supply deficit of paintings or sculptures exists in the art and design industry, which translates to high prices. For example, a former Goldman Sachs partner, gallerist Robert Mnuchin, bought a 1986 large, silver reflective rabbit sculpture for $91.1 million in May 2019. This business deal emphasizes the importance of fine art schools in the contemporary world. 

Considering the lucrative entrepreneurship and corporate opportunities in this field, you might want to acquaint yourself with the best art schools in the US that you can join or advise your friend or family for the same. 

Top 10 Art Schools in the US Based on Merit and Affordability

1. Yale University, School of Art

If you’re looking for an Ivy League School in the USA to undertake postgraduate studies in fine arts, you should consider enrolling at Yale University. You can decide to follow in the footsteps of Mickalene Thomas, Lisa Yuskavage, and John Currin to gain a professional reputation in contemporary art when you pursue your master’s degree in this learning institution. 

You don’t have to pursue a postgraduate to be a Yale Student. You can choose to do a BFA or BA in sculpture, photography, print-making, painting, and graphic design at the School of Art at Yale University. 

Although the tuition fee for Yale is approximately $62,250 annually, it might not be strenuous as you can receive up to $63,523 in aid. 

2. University of Southern California, Roski School of Art and Design

With everyone striving to gain a competitive edge in the job market, you might want to undertake two degrees simultaneously. The best choice for you would be the University of Southern California. As you pursue your first degree, you can enroll at Roski School of Art and Design in the same institution and undertake a BFA in Art or Design.

Every year, you’ll need to part with $64,726 per year. However, you can apply for $45,262 financial aid that benefits about 71% of students. So, what is the reason stopping you from enrolling in this best art school in the US?

3. Savannah College of Art and Design

It’s understandable that you can be passionate about art and design but uncertain about a specialization or major to pursue. If you’re one of those individuals, you can look through more than 100 art degrees in fashion, art history, advertising, and animation offered at Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD). 

Considering that you might apply for at least two undergraduate programs in SCAD, you can choose to order an essay online from CustomWritings.com. You require the professional help of this paper writing service as you might not want to miss the affordable tuition fee of about $39,605 per year. What’s more, you’ll most likely be among 98% of applicants who receive financial help in this top-ranked college.

SCAD is also one of the reputable visual art schools where you can send your application papers for consideration. 

4. The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art

In case you dream of spending your college life in New York City, you shouldn’t hesitate to apply for one of the undergraduate programs in fine arts, with specific specializations in photography, painting, graphic design, film video, and drawing. 

Besides being one of the best art and design schools in the US, you’ll enjoy different types of perks, such as high graduation rates, notable retention, and affordability. Even though you require about $46,820 to pursue an undergraduate at Cooper Union, you might pay less than the stipulated amount as each student receives approximately $39,305 in grants. 

5. Rhode Island School of Design

Your chance to study art in practical environments such as museums and attending trade summits and exhibitions lies in your decision to join the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). In this most prestigious college, you’ll require a budget of $57,505 since only 37% of applicants get about $37,480 in financial aid. 

6. Massachusetts College of Art and Design

Undoubtedly, you can’t list the best art schools in the US without mentioning the Massachusetts College of Art and Design (also known as MassArt). You can choose your preferred major or specialization from 18 undergraduate programs, such as painting, metalsmithing, jewelry, illustration, architecture, and animation, among others.

You only require about $40,960 and $14,570 for in- and out-of-state to pay for the tuition in a year, respectively. The good thing about studying at public art schools, including MassArt, concerns access to scholarship and financial aid opportunities. 

7. Maryland Institute College of Art

You can’t deny the perks that come with enrolling in a college located in the most artistic city. You’ll have easy access to internship and employment opportunities. As such, you can register at Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA), where you’ll have a chance to visit incredible museums such as the American Visionary Art Museums, the Walter Art Museum, and the encyclopedic Baltimore Museum of Art, among others. 

You must prepare about $53,815 to study in MICA. However, you’ve a guarantee of getting $25,767 in financial aid. 

8. Otis College of Art and Design

How many top-rated professionals have you ever encountered in Toy Design? Regardless of your answer, you should consider applying for this 4-year program at Otis College of Art and Design.  

With about $52,460, you can comfortably study at this college, as you’ll receive about $21,017. 

9. University of Texas at Austin

American students can take advantage of automatic admission to the University of Texas different majors in art and design. As a Texas resident, you’ll only need to pay $11,698.

10. Carnegie Mellon University, School of Art

If you study fine art at Carnegie Mellon University (CMU), you’ll be among a few individuals who pride themselves on putting CMU on the global map of the best art schools in the US. 

You’ll need about $61,344 yearly to study for your art degree at CMU. You can get a financial award of $43,966 if you’re lucky to be among 47% of successful applicants. 

Other Best Art Schools in the US

The Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts 

As one of the top art schools in the US, the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual prides itself on offering professional studio programs in design, art, and architecture because of its proximity to the Mildred Lane Kemper Museum. 

Minneapolis College of Art and Design

At Minneapolis College of Art and Design, you can pursue a degree in traditional subjects like painting and drawing.

Conclusion 

Regardless of the college’s admission requirement, you should always know that you can receive acceptance to pursue your degree of choice. This company will not only assist you in your writing personal statements but also hold your hand throughout your academic journey. For Instance, an expert can assist you with reference materials for an art analysis essay that you need to write. 

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Anna Melnykova, "Palace of Labor (palats praci), architector I. Pretro, 1916", shot with analog Canon camera, 35 mm Fuji film in March 2022.

Anna Melnykova, "Palace of Labor (palats praci), architector I. Pretro, 1916", shot with analog Canon camera, 35 mm Fuji film in March 2022.

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