Top Art Schools
For budding artists hoping to make a career out of their passion, attending a top art school can make that dream a reality. Competition in the art world is dense, and, oftentimes, jobs are hard to come by, but a degree from a top art program can make a world of difference. That being said, it is difficult to determine just what makes any school the best, and, ultimately, it comes down to which art school is best for each student. However, there are a number of criteria you should consider when selecting a top art program.
Academy of Art University is the nation's largest private art and design university with nearly 16,000 students. Established in 1929, the university offers accredited AA, BFA, BA, MFA, MA, and M.Arch programs in 15 areas of art and design emphasis...
Read More GET FREE INFO
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh - Online Division
The Art Institute of Pittsburgh – Online Division is the leader in online creative arts education. Offering 16 academic online degree programs, we’re here to help you get the education you need to launch or enhance your creative career...
Read More GET FREE INFO
Digital Media Arts College offers accelerated Degrees in Animation or Graphic Design, incredible 24 hour facilities, first semester design on computers, and an intimate "Artist Designed" environment. An education with DMAC will prepare you for careers within video game design...
Read More GET FREE INFO
Creativity. Imagination. Original ideas. The entertainment and creative industries thrive on fresh original stories, design, music and art. But no matter where your passion lies, one of the keys to a sustainable career in the future will be the ability to think creatively and have the skills to bring your ideas to life in a meaningful way...
Read More GET FREE INFO
Location
For many students, location will be a top priority when selecting a top art school. If you can’t move far from home, prefer a certain climate, or hope to have access to art related jobs near your school, then considering the location of top art programs will be of necessity. Other things to consider include whether a school is located in a rural, urban, or suburban area, the cost of living in the city, and whether or not housing is both provided and affordable.
Cost and Assistance
While no good art school is cheap, it is important to consider the cost and to look at what each college has to offer. Talk to the school’s financial aid office and find out if loans and scholarships are available and if you are eligible for them. Be realistic about the cost, and figure out how much money you will be expected to pay out of pocket. Some schools forgive large portions of art school tuition that are not covered by scholarships. That being said, make sure you also look at the non-monetary benefits of each art program. For instance, going to a school with successful, well-known alumni makes the school, and your degree, look more promising to prospective employers. Also, successful alumni can often provide job and internship opportunities. Other things to consider include job and internship placement services, loan repayment programs, continuing education opportunities, quality of the facilities and materials available to you, and the supplies and discounts provided to students.
People
Most of your time in art school will be spent learning from members of the college’s faculty. Therefore, it is important to choose an art school that has educators whose work and teaching styles you admire. Your instructors will shape your future, and good instructors can make a world of difference in terms of the skills and education you acquire. Having quality professors, with whom you share interests in specific disciplines, will ensure that you are prepared to enter the art industry as a professional upon graduation.
Choosing a top art school, while challenging, will undoubtedly be one of the most rewarding decisions of your life. If you thoroughly consider each school's location, cost, assistance, and faculty, you will be able to find a college that is both functional and affordable. Most importantly, with a bit of research and a good deal of soul searching, you will be able to choose the art program that is best for you.
