Top Art and Design Universities in the US: Fees, Eligibility, Rankings

The United States is home to some of the world’s best universities for art and design, offering a rich blend of creative education, cultural diversity, and industry opportunities. 

Whether you're interested in visual arts, graphic design, industrial design, or fashion, U.S. institutions provide a broad range of programs to cater to every artistic passion. 

In this article, we explore the top art and design universities in the U.S., covering their fees, eligibility requirements, and rankings to help guide your educational journey.

1. Rhode Island School of Design (RISD)

Ranking: 1st in the US for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Fees: $50,000 - $55,000 per year (undergraduate programs)
Eligibility:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• SAT/ACT scores (optional).
• Portfolio submission showcasing artistic ability.
• IELTS score of 6.5 or higher for international students.

Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) in Providence is one of the most prestigious art and design institutions globally, known for its comprehensive undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as fine arts, graphic design, industrial design, and architecture. RISD offers an intense and rigorous creative education, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and industry connections. Its notable alumni include prominent artists, designers, and architects, ensuring that students are well-prepared for successful careers in the creative industries.

2. Pratt Institute

Ranking: 2nd in the US for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Fees: $45,000 - $50,000 per year (undergraduate programs)
Eligibility:

• A completed high school education equivalent to the U.S. high school diploma.
• SAT/ACT scores (optional).
• Portfolio submission of recent works.
• English proficiency test score (TOEFL or IELTS) for international students.

Located in Brooklyn, New York, Pratt Institute is a leading design school that offers programs in architecture, graphic design, industrial design, and fine arts. Known for its commitment to blending creativity with technical skills, Pratt Institute offers an excellent environment for students to thrive in the arts. The proximity to New York City also provides students with access to a global art and design community, internships, and job opportunities.

3. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)

Ranking: 3rd in the US for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Fees: $45,000 - $50,000 per year (undergraduate programs)
Eligibility:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Portfolio submission showcasing creative work.
• IELTS score of 6.5 or higher for non-native English speakers.

SAIC is one of the most renowned art schools in the U.S., offering a wide range of programs in visual arts, fashion design, digital media, and architecture. Located in Chicago, the institute emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach to art and design education, allowing students to explore various fields while developing their own artistic voices. With its rich history and close ties to the Art Institute of Chicago, one of the world’s top art museums, SAIC provides students with a unique opportunity to study in a vibrant cultural environment.

4. California Institute of the Arts (CalArts)

Ranking: 4th in the US for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Fees: $45,000 - $50,000 per year (undergraduate programs)
Eligibility:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• SAT/ACT scores (optional).
• Portfolio showcasing artistic or design skills.
• English proficiency (TOEFL or IELTS) for international students.

California Institute of the Arts (CalArts), located in Valencia, California, is known for its avant-garde approach to art education and its strong programs in animation, fine arts, graphic design, and theater. The university places a strong emphasis on creative experimentation, allowing students to push the boundaries of traditional art forms. CalArts is particularly renowned for its animation program, producing some of the top animators in the industry, thanks to its proximity to Hollywood and strong industry partnerships.

5. University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Ranking: 5th in the US for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Fees: $40,000 - $45,000 per year (undergraduate programs)
Eligibility:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• SAT/ACT scores (optional).
• A strong portfolio demonstrating artistic ability.
• IELTS score of 6.5 or higher for international students.

UCLA’s School of the Arts and Architecture is one of the top choices for students pursuing art and design education in the U.S. The university offers a wide range of programs in disciplines like graphic design, digital media, painting, and sculpture. With its emphasis on innovation and creative research, UCLA provides students with opportunities to work with some of the most respected artists and designers in the world. The university’s location in Los Angeles also ensures that students can easily network with industry professionals.

6. Yale University

Ranking: 6th in the US for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Fees: $50,000 - $60,000 per year (undergraduate programs)
Eligibility:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Strong portfolio submission (for art-related programs).
• IELTS score of 7.0 or higher for non-native English speakers.

Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut, is an Ivy League institution known for its exceptional art programs. Yale’s School of Art offers graduate programs in fields such as painting, sculpture, graphic design, and photography. The school is committed to fostering intellectual and artistic growth, encouraging students to explore their creativity while engaging with critical and theoretical perspectives. Yale’s prestigious reputation and rigorous curriculum make it one of the most sought-after destinations for aspiring artists.

7. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD)

Ranking: 7th in the US for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Fees: $36,000 - $40,000 per year (undergraduate programs)
Eligibility:

• A high school diploma or equivalent.
• Portfolio showcasing creative work.
• IELTS score of 6.0 or higher for international students.

Located in Savannah, Georgia, SCAD is one of the largest and most well-known art and design schools in the U.S. It offers a broad array of undergraduate and graduate programs in fields such as animation, interior design, graphic design, and fashion. SCAD is recognized for its strong industry connections, with numerous partnerships in the entertainment, design, and fashion industries, providing students with abundant opportunities for internships and employment.

8. Parsons School of Design

Ranking: 8th in the US for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Fees: $48,000 - $53,000 per year (undergraduate programs)
Eligibility:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Portfolio submission (required for most programs).
• IELTS score of 6.5 or higher for international students.

Parsons School of Design, part of The New School in New York City, is internationally recognized for its innovative programs in art, design, and architecture. With a focus on sustainability, social justice, and cutting-edge technology, Parsons offers courses in areas such as fashion design, architecture, graphic design, and product design. The school’s location in the heart of one of the world’s fashion and design capitals provides students with unmatched opportunities for internships and collaborations with leading industry professionals.

9. Princeton University

Ranking: 9th in the US for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Fees: $50,000 - $55,000 per year (undergraduate programs)
Eligibility:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• IELTS score of 7.0 or higher for non-native English speakers.

Princeton University, though primarily known for its academic excellence, also offers strong programs in the arts through its Department of Art and Archaeology. Princeton’s focus is on a rigorous, interdisciplinary approach to art, allowing students to study both the practical aspects of art creation and its theoretical foundations. With a rich history and a commitment to fostering creativity, Princeton is an excellent choice for students interested in combining art with academic rigor.

10. University of California, Berkeley

Ranking: 10th in the US for Art and Design (QS World University Rankings 2024)
Fees: $40,000 - $45,000 per year (undergraduate programs)
Eligibility:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Portfolio submission (for art and design programs).
• IELTS score of 6.5 or higher for international students.

UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design offers world-class programs in architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design. The university's interdisciplinary approach to design encourages collaboration across fields, and students benefit from its strong emphasis on sustainability and social responsibility. Berkeley’s prestigious reputation and proximity to Silicon Valley provide students with access to numerous opportunities in both the design and technology sectors.

The United States offers an incredible range of opportunities for students looking to pursue a career in art and design. From world-renowned institutions like RISD and Pratt Institute to innovative schools like CalArts and SCAD, the U.S. is home to many of the best art and design universities globally. While the fees may vary, all of these universities offer top-notch education, industry connections, and a vibrant creative environment that will set you on the path to success.

Choosing the right art and design school requires considering factors such as program offerings, faculty, location, and industry ties. With the information in this guide, you can make an informed decision and embark on an exciting and rewarding journey in the world of art and design.