Top 10 Photography Colleges

Making a list of the top 10 photography colleges involves many variables that rank differently in importance among various aspiring art students.  The considerations for selecting the right school for a particular student includes such factors as school location, cost, available financing options, and experience and quality of the faculty.  Other determining factors may include the desired campus environment, whether rural or urban, and extra non-academic opportunities offered, including sports programs.

There are several characteristics of a good Art School with a photography program you will want to keep in mind during your search. One important consideration is the type of faculty who will instruct you. When considering a photography college, you want to find out as much as you can about your potential instructors.  How many professors are there at this college and what are their levels of experience? For how long have they developed their own photography skills in the outside world?

Another factor to consider is what kind of job placement system the school offers.  What is their track record for locating students in permanent positions after graduation?  Also during the time of a student's course studies, are there internship programs available through the college to various employers so that students can get real world experience as part of their course work?

In your search for the top 10 photography colleges you will want to consider the issue of finances. Make an investigation of the different cost factors involved, including tuition, housing, and expenses required for materials. Also determine what the different colleges' qualifications are for giving out grants and scholarships.

Are the facilities of the school up to date and do they provide for their students the chance to utilize the latest in technology?  As well, does the school incorporate a depth of artistic study that surrounds the photography field, including computer graphic design and other types of interior and exterior design courses complimenting the students study and overall understanding of the photography field?

The types of classes a student would take in a top level college photography program include Photographic Design, Lighting, Studio Photography, Business of Photography, Digital Image Illustration and Introduction to Photojournalism. As a compliment to a student's schedule of photographic courses, he may want to also take other elective courses that broaden his perspective of entering a career in the art industry.  These may include some advertising courses such as Fundamentals of Media Communication and Advertising Case Studies.