Best Art Schools

Defining what is the "best" has always been a tricky endeavor. And if you came here hoping for a definitive answer to which art school has proven itself worthy of the title, then we're not going to lie to you: we don't have an answer. At least not one that comes in the form of a university's name.

Recognizing the best choice for an art school is a deeply personal matter, and we can't choose one to suit your individual preferences without getting into your head. What we can offer here is an incomplete list of certain qualities that the best art schools seem to share. It is by no means the final authority in the matter, and you may tack on as many other conditions that you look for in your perfect art school, but here are some features that truly make a college stand out.

FLEXIBILITY

A key in any college experience, flexibility is even more important if you're an art major. Whatever field you choose to specialize in, the arts are strongly multidisciplinary area of study. Even if you're a film major, that class on artistic black-and-white photography could inspire you to create the next great short documentary; if abstract painting is your forte, then a graphic design studio might give you new insight into balancing colors and shapes on your canvas. Choose an art school that gives you enough freedom to pursue your major while dabbling in a little bit of everything else, because when creativity comes into question, all of the extras are indispensable.

STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO

When it comes down to it, you go to art school to learn from the experience and talent of your professors. So seek out a college where the student-teacher ratio is low enough that you can cultivate a real relationship with your professors. Not only can they provide you with invaluable advice and insight into your lessons, but they can lend a helping hand in landing you a job or internship in the future.

GREAT ENVIRONMENT

Great environment can be interpreted in a multitude of ways: the campus itself, the intimacy of the student body, the approachability of the teachers, the weather patterns in the area, the quality of the nearby restaurants. Whatever make an environment great for you, make sure that the place you'll be studying is also somewhere that inspires you and makes you comfortable. If you know that perpetually gray skies or a lack of good pizza will depress you and dull your artistic fire, then don't apply! It's not the best fit for you.

STICKS WITH YOU

The best art colleges will do more than just spit you out with a diploma in your hand. They'll stick with you, whether it be through alumni networks that help you find a company to work in after graduation, or a famous name that draws in clients in the future. At the very least, don't pick one that you know has a bad track history, and if you're lucky, your art school will do enough for you in the future that the tuition you put into your education pays for itself.

Colleges that meet these criteria may not be universally accepted as the "best," but these factors will put them pretty far up there. Do your homework and find the art school that holds the potential of being the best school for you!