10 Best Art Schools in the US Top-Ranked

Some art schools help students do more than learn—they help them build real careers. 

Across the U.S., a few schools stand out for their strong programs in design, fine arts, animation, and more. These schools are known for great teachers, successful graduates, and creative environments.

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In this list, you’ll find the best art schools in the US. Each one offers something unique for students who want to grow as artists. 

Note: Rankings are based on the latest U.S. News & World Report data for graduate fine arts programs. Acceptance rates are approximate and can vary by program and year.

UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture

The UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture provides an immersive environment that nurtures creativity while offering cutting-edge resources. 

Students have the opportunity to explore a variety of disciplines, including design, visual arts, and architecture, within a vibrant urban setting. 

With world-class museums, galleries, and performance spaces, UCLA is an ideal place for those seeking a blend of artistic freedom and professional development.
Notable Alumni: Kerry James Marshall, Barbara Kruger, Andrea Zittel

Yale University – School of Art

Yale’s School of Art is renowned for its rigorous programs and distinguished faculty. 

The school offers graduate-level degrees in disciplines such as painting, photography, and sculpture, focusing on the development of conceptual and technical skills. Yale's artistic community encourages bold experimentation and academic exploration, fostering the next generation of innovative artists.
Notable Alumni: Eva Hesse, Chuck Close, Sheila Hicks

School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)

SAIC stands as one of the most prestigious art institutions in the country, offering diverse programs ranging from fine arts to film and art therapy. 

Located in Chicago, students benefit from access to the city’s world-class museums and galleries. 

The school emphasizes interdisciplinary work, encouraging students to explore multiple forms of art and engage in experimental projects that push the boundaries of creativity.
Notable Alumni: Jeff Koons, Cynthia Rowley, Nick Cave

Virginia Commonwealth University – School of the Arts (VCUarts)

VCUarts is one of the nation’s leading art schools, known for its strong programs in sculpture, painting, and design. 

The school promotes a collaborative, hands-on approach to learning, and its urban campus offers students a dynamic environment to hone their craft. 

VCUarts is highly regarded for preparing students for professional careers in both fine arts and commercial arts.
Notable Alumni: Dale Chihuly, Boris Bally, Amie Oliver

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

Founded by Walt Disney, CalArts is known for its cutting-edge programs in animation, experimental art, and digital media. 

CalArts encourages students to explore unconventional ideas, blending artistic expression with innovation. 

The school’s unique curriculum fosters creative freedom, and its faculty includes influential artists and industry professionals.
Notable Alumni: Tim Burton, John Lasseter, Brenda Chapman

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

RISD is one of the most respected art schools in the world, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs in fine arts, design, and architecture. 

The school emphasizes studio-based learning and a rigorous approach to both technical and conceptual work. 

RISD’s partnerships with nearby Brown University provide additional academic opportunities, making it an ideal place for interdisciplinary study.
Notable Alumni: Seth MacFarlane, Shepard Fairey, Nicole Miller

Maryland Institute College of Art (MICA)

MICA is known for its strong focus on both creative exploration and community engagement. With programs in graphic design, illustration, and interactive arts, the school promotes a hands-on approach to learning. 

Students have access to dynamic urban spaces for internships, exhibitions, and public art projects, positioning MICA as a great option for those looking to combine artistry with impact.
Notable Alumni: Jeff Koons, Abbi Jacobson, Amy Sherald

Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute offers a comprehensive education in the arts, with strong programs in architecture, design, and fine arts. 

Located in Brooklyn, New York, the school provides a creative environment immersed in one of the world’s most vibrant cultural hubs. 

Pratt’s emphasis on both individual expression and collaborative projects prepares students for careers in diverse creative fields.
Notable Alumni: Robert Mapplethorpe, Betsey Johnson, Paul Rand

Parsons School of Design (The New School)

Parsons is one of the leading design schools, offering programs in fashion, interior design, and digital media. 

The school’s strong ties to New York City’s design industry offer unparalleled opportunities for internships, collaborations, and exposure to top designers and artists. 

Parsons encourages students to explore innovation and sustainability while focusing on real-world problem-solving.
Notable Alumni: Donna Karan, Tom Ford, Alexander Wang

Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

SCAD offers a vast array of programs, including animation, fashion design, and architecture. The school’s large international student body benefits from state-of-the-art facilities and faculty who are leaders in their fields. 

SCAD’s unique locations in Savannah, Atlanta, and Lacoste (France) provide diverse cultural experiences and academic opportunities, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an expansive creative education.
Notable Alumni: Ashley Longshore, India Amarteifio, Daniel Arsham

Best Art Schools in the U.S. for Animation

If you're interested in animation, these schools are highly regarded. They offer innovative programs and creative environments. Students gain strong industry connections, preparing them for success in animation and digital media.

• California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
• Ringling College of Art and Design
• University of Southern California (USC)
• Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
• School of Visual Arts (SVA)

Best Art Schools in the U.S. for Painting

These institutions offer outstanding painting programs, allowing students to refine traditional and contemporary techniques while exploring various artistic practices.

• Yale University School of Art
• Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
• Pratt Institute
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
• California College of the Arts (CCA)

Best Art Schools in the U.S. for Photography

For those interested in photography, these top art schools provide world-class facilities and guidance from experts in both fine art photography and commercial photography.

• Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
• School of Visual Arts (SVA)
• California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)
• Columbia College Chicago
• Pratt Institute

Best Art Schools in the U.S. for Illustration

Illustration students will benefit from strong programs at these schools, where they’ll develop their artistic voice while learning diverse techniques in both traditional and digital mediums.

• School of Visual Arts (SVA)
• California College of the Arts (CCA)
• Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
• Ringling College of Art and Design
• Pratt Institute

Best Art Schools in the U.S. for Undergraduate Programs

These schools offer comprehensive undergraduate art programs, allowing students to explore a range of mediums while providing the foundation needed for various art-related careers.

• University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)
• Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)
• Pratt Institute
• Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)
• School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)
  
  

In Conclusion

Choosing the right art school is an important step toward your creative future. Whether you're drawn to painting, animation, photography, or illustration, the schools listed above offer top programs to help you develop your skills and build a successful career in the arts.

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