Applying to art school is more than chasing prestige—it’s about finding the program that aligns with your creative vision, learning style, and career goals. In this guide, we break down the top U.S. art schools for 2025 based on reputation, alumni outcomes, and portfolio expectations. Whether you’re building your list or narrowing it down, this post gives you a full picture: rankings, tuition costs, acceptance rates, and what each school really looks for in a portfolio.

Top 10 Art Schools in the U.S. (2025 Rankings Overview)

Rank	School	Location	Type	Acceptance Rate	Portfolio Required?
1	RISD	Providence, RI	Private	19%	Yes
2	CalArts	Valencia, CA	Private	25%	Yes
3	Parsons	New York, NY	Private	35%	Yes
4	Pratt	Brooklyn, NY	Private	57%	Yes (optional majors)
5	SAIC	Chicago, IL	Private	77%	Yes
6	MICA	Baltimore, MD	Private	65%	Yes
7	SVA	New York, NY	Private	72%	Yes
8	SCAD	Savannah, GA	Private	79%	Optional
9	UCLA (Arts)	Los Angeles, CA	Public	10%	Yes
10	Carnegie Mellon (Art)	Pittsburgh, PA	Private	17%	Yes

What Top Art Schools Look for in a Portfolio

Each program values slightly different things, but here’s what they share:

Strong fundamentals (drawing, composition, form)
Conceptual depth (your "why")
Process and experimentation
Media range, but with cohesion
Original voice

“RISD values process just as much as product.”

Want to build a portfolio that reflects that? Start here.

Tuition & Cost Breakdown for Top Art Schools

School

Tuition

Estimated Total (with Housing)

Scholarships?

RISD

$59,400

~$83,000

Yes

CalArts

$57,500

~$81,000

Limited

Parsons

$50,800

~$76,000

Yes

SAIC

$52,900

~$78,000

Want to reduce that sticker price? Read: How Much Does Art School Cost? and Scholarships for Art School

Which Schools Are Best For…?

Animation: CalArts, SCAD, SVA
Illustration: RISD, MICA, Pratt
Industrial Design: Pratt, RISD, ArtCenter
Photography: Parsons, SAIC
Art History & Theory: Columbia, Brown, Yale (with supplements)

Curious about which programs have the strongest reputation in product and spatial design? Explore the best industrial design schools for 2025.

Looking to combine rigorous academics with creative expression? See our roundup of top universities for art history majors.

Portfolio Submission Platforms Compared

  
      School
      Platform
      Max Files
      Format Notes
    

  
      RISD
      SlideRoom
      20
      Include sketchbook PDF
    

      Parsons
      SlideRoom
      20
      Include artist statement
    

      SAIC
      SlideRoom
      15–20
      Include process work
    

      SCAD
      Custom Portal
      20
      Video or 3D optional
    

      UCLA
      UC App + Supplement
      Varies
      Academic + art component
    

How to Choose the Right School for You

Compare curriculum style (studio-heavy vs. liberal arts)
Visit campuses (or attend virtual tours)
Research faculty and alumni careers
Think about city vs. campus vibe
Still deciding between fine arts and design? Here’s how to choose the right major as a creative student.

Success Story: From Local Art Class to RISD

One of our students came from a local community art class. With strategic coaching, portfolio sequencing, and personal statement support, she was accepted into RISD—and earned a merit scholarship. See more stories.

FAQ

RISD consistently ranks #1 for its rigorous curriculum and portfolio expectations.
Most top-tier ones do. Some programs (like liberal arts colleges with art majors) may not.
Selective ones like RISD and UCLA can be very competitive. A strong, authentic portfolio is key to make a unique impression.
Varies widely. Portfolio quality often outweighs GPA.
MICA, SAIC, and Pratt have generous merit aid. Always appeal your financial aid offer.

Ready to Build Your Portfolio for These Schools?

Let’s make your top-choice school a reality. Explore our 1:1 coaching services or book a consultation to get started.

Torsten Flaegel

Best Art Schools in America 2025: Rankings & Portfolio Requirements

Top 10 Art Schools in the U.S. (2025 Rankings Overview)

What Top Art Schools Look for in a Portfolio

Tuition & Cost Breakdown for Top Art Schools

Which Schools Are Best For…?

Portfolio Submission Platforms Compared

How to Choose the Right School for You

Success Story: From Local Art Class to RISD

FAQ

What is the best art school in the U.S.?

Do all art schools require a portfolio?

Are art schools hard to get into?

What GPA do you need for art school?

Which schools give the most scholarships?

Ready to Build Your Portfolio for These Schools?

College Application Deadlines & Early Action Dates for Art Programs (2025–2026 Guide)