Best Art Schools in New York

Art Schools in New York

Art schools in New York are considered some of the best in the country. It’s true students interested in a major in the fine, performing, design, or culinary arts can pursue these interests at a variety of schools. However, students interested in pursuing an art major, a specialized artistic interest, and a future career in the arts, will likely benefit from attending one of the best art colleges for their specific interest. As it happens, many of the best colleges for fine arts and performing arts can be found in the state of New York. 

In this article, we will be exploring the best art colleges in New York. And, we’ll specifically look at the benefits of attending these best art colleges in New York. For context, we’ll go into the different types of college majors these schools offer within the arts. Then, we’ll discuss how you can take advantage of the specialized courses the best art colleges in New York offer. In addition, we’ll talk through strategies for applying to the best art schools in New York, including any specific requirements the best art schools in New York have for their applicants. 

Exploring the Art Major

There are many different ways to pursue a college major in art. Like with other art schools, this is certainly the case at the best art schools in New York. Of course, there is the traditional studio art major. However, even these vary widely based on a student’s choice of media and preferred method of expression.

Programs in performing arts, fashion design, and culinary arts are common at the best universities for art in New York. An art major can be a gateway to careers in design, music, theater, and entertainment. They can also prepare students to pursue a master’s degree at a school like the New York Academy of Art.

Therefore, before exploring the best art schools in New York, start by exploring the art major as a whole. Maybe you want to go to one of the best fashion design schools and pursue a job designing clothes for a fashion company. Or maybe you’re looking for the best colleges for fine arts because you want to create artwork displayed in one of the many art museums in New York. Or perhaps you’re already set on the New York Academy of Art! Your interests and desires greatly affect which art schools in New York you will research.

Exploring art schools

So, when you are reviewing lists of best art schools in New York, like this one, check to see whether the school you are looking at offers an art major in the field you are interested in. Many of the art colleges in New York are tailored to specific interests. But that doesn’t mean they won’t offer courses outside of their field of expertise. However, more specialized schools may not have the variety of resources another school would have.

For example, if you’re interested in digital art or animation, you will want to make sure that the schools you apply to have sophisticated studios and computing equipment, like those at the Pratt Institute.

One of the best ways to research art schools in New York is to look at the websites. Many art colleges in New York offer virtual tours, like this one at SVA. Virtual tours allow students to see the spaces they will be living or working in.

Additionally, we recommend that you reach out to possible mentors at the schools you want to attend. Speaking with faculty, or even current students, at art universities in New York is extremely valuable. Unlike general research, you can get an on-the-ground perspective of what an art school is really like.

Applying to Art Colleges

So, you’ve done your research into the art schools in New York and made a list of your top schools. The next step is to get your applications ready. Applications for many art schools in New York have specific requirements based on your intended major.

Submitting a portfolio

Those applying to many of the art schools in New York will likely need to submit a portfolio. For some programs, you may need to write essays explaining the techniques behind your pieces. Additionally, you’ll need to have high-quality photographs, both of which require time and effort.

For a studio art major, your portfolio might be a sampling of pieces that were created in high school. For fashion design schools, it could be sketches of clothing designs. Be sure to put your best foot forward when creating your portfolio. That means carefully following the guidelines outlined by each specific school. This guide from Format Magazine has some good general guidelines for you to follow.

Don’t be afraid to ask art teachers, mentors, or other trusted people for advice when putting together your portfolio. Curating a portfolio is a difficult task for any prospective art major. Therefore, having help during the process is essential to creating a strong final product.

In addition, make sure you are continuing to earn high grades in your other academic classes. Art schools in New York do see your transcript, and you’ll want to ensure you meet any minimum requirements. Looking for more information about how to strengthen your application? Check out this CollegeAdvisor guide for tips on how to approach your applications to art colleges in New York.

What art colleges are in New York?

When looking for the best art colleges, many students start with a general search for “art colleges near me.” Searching for “art colleges near me” may help you find art programs at local universities. However, it is less effective at finding the overall best art colleges in the country.

Many of the best art colleges in the country are located in cities with a strong arts culture. For this reason, the art schools in New York City are some of the best colleges for fine arts. With so many museums and galleries and opportunities for jobs and internships, NYC has a lot to offer. It’s no surprise the city is home to some of the country’s top arts programs. 

That being said, you do not have to live among the art museums in New York City to attend the best art colleges in New York. In fact, there are plenty of art colleges in New York that can be found outside of New York City! Keep in mind that, unlike some of the best art schools in New York City, these colleges offer many other academic programs in addition to the performing arts or studio art major.

Art colleges in New York State

Cornell University

Located in Ithaca, The Cornell College of Art, Architecture, and Planning houses the Ivy League school’s fine arts, design, and architecture programs. The college boasts approximately 570 total undergraduates, a student-faculty ratio of under 10-1, and top-ranked programs in real estate design and architecture. Applicants for all programs at the school must submit a portfolio of work. Admission is competitive, with an acceptance rate of about 10%.

Vassar College

Located in Poughkeepsie, Vassar College does not have a separate college for their arts programs as Cornell does. Instead, students apply to the college and then can choose to pursue a studio art major, drama major, music major, or film studies major to name a few. Vassar also provides students with a strong liberal arts education to supplement their college major coursework. The total enrollment at Vassar is 2,430 students with an acceptance rate of 19%

Hamilton College

Located in Clinton, Hamilton College is another school with an open curriculum and no set course requirements. This allows prospective art majors to fully explore their passion without having to satisfy a set of core academic requirements. Hamilton offers majors in Art, Cinema Studies, Theatre, Dance, Digital Arts, and more. Hamilton has around 2,000 students on campus and has a competitive acceptance rate of around 12%

Colgate University

Located in Hamilton, Colgate University is a storied liberal arts school in Upstate New York that also has a strong arts program. Like many other art universities in New York, their art department has both a studio art concentration as well as an art history concentration, so students can choose the track that best suits their interests. Colgate is slightly larger than Hamilton and Vassar with around 3,200 undergraduates on campus. But, it is similarly competitive with a 12% acceptance rate.

Skidmore College

Located in Saratoga Springs, Skidmore College also offers art programs within the confines of a liberal arts education. They have around 40 different fields of study, which is less than Colgate and Vassar. However, they do have a rather unique program in arts administration, combining arts courses with business to train students how to operate galleries. Skidmore has a total enrollment of 2,700 students and has a 23% acceptance rate.

Bard College

Located in Annandale-on-Hudson, Bard College offers several programs through its Division of the Arts. These include studio and performing arts, as well as specific concentrations in Dance, Film, and Photography–a form that rarely gets an entire major devoted to it! Bard has a liberal arts foundation anchored in distribution requirements that all students, including studio art majors, must take. Bard has one of the smallest total enrollments at around 1,900 students and an acceptance rate of around 60%.

University of Rochester

Located in its namesake city of Rochester, The University of Rochester has a total enrollment of 12,197 students, of which 7,201 are part of the College of Arts, Sciences, and Engineering. These include studio art majors, as well as programs in Music, Dance, and Creative Expression. These majors are all housed within the same college, which has an acceptance rate of about 40%.

If you live in New York City, you might have missed these schools by simply searching “art colleges near me.” So, if you’re not already set on a specific city in New York, be sure to give these art colleges a look!

Ten Best Art Schools in New York

Now that we’ve explored some of the best art universities outside of New York City, let’s take a look at the best art schools in New York City. New York City is an ideal place to pursue a studio art major, fashion design major, or any other program in the fine, performing, and culinary arts. 

For one thing, art museums in New York City, like the Metropolitan Museum of Art or the Museum of Modern Art allow students to experience amazing collections of art. These museums and many others also offer free tickets to students from certain art schools in New York City. So, if you’re wondering what museums are free in NYC, the answer for students at art schools in New York is almost all of them.

Many of the art schools in New York boast famous alumni, such as actor and singer Idina Menzel from Tisch Drama, fashion designer Marc Jacobs from Parsons School of Design, and singer, artist, and author Gerard Way from the School of Visual Arts. These famous artists and performers all got their start at some of the best art schools in New York City and after graduating, went on to have illustrious careers in their respective fields. 

So, if you’re thinking about the benefits of an art education surrounded by the best art museums in New York (and the world), this is the list for you!

Top ten best art colleges in New York City

1. Cooper Union College

With programs in Art, Architecture, and Engineering, Cooper Union College represents the combination of the Arts with courses in STEM. Students can pursue a variety of different art majors at Cooper Union, from drawing and painting to graphic design and film. Cooper Union is also a highly competitive school with only an 8% acceptance rate for art programs and a mere 4% acceptance rate for agriculture.

2. Columbia University

Although Columbia has many world-renowned programs, The Columbia School of the Arts deserves attention in its own right. Columbia University has over 20 different schools to its name, and the School of Art is one of the best! They offer undergraduate programs in Creative Writing, Film Studies, and Visual Arts, which can then be paired with one of their Master of Fine Arts degrees upon graduation. This is one of the most competitive art schools in New York because students must first be accepted to Columbia University, which only has a 4% acceptance rate.

3. Parsons–The New School

One of the best fashion design schools in the country is The Parsons School of Design. The Parsons School of Design, also called the New School, offers programs in a dozen different types of design, so students can choose which industry they want to pursue. Students at the Parsons School of Design are incredibly prepared for their careers. However, admission at the best fashion design schools is competitive and students must submit letters of recommendation in addition to a portfolio for consideration.

4. Pratt Institute

There are five different pathways that students can pursue at the Pratt Institute to kick-start their career in the arts. In addition to the typical studio art and design pathways, Pratt also offers a School of Information focused on data analytics and digital art for students who want to pursue careers in those fields. Pratt’s total undergraduate enrollment is 3,675 undergraduate students and about half as many graduate students.

5. School of Visual Arts

Home to many famous alumni, The School of Visual Arts (SVA) is one of the top art colleges in New York. They are also home to many different art programs, including strong animation, comic drawing, and film courses. They also have a famous printmaking shop where students have access to state-of-the-art printmaking tools using a variety of media. Enrollment at SVA is 3,442 students, with the highest concentration in the illustration and design programs.

6. Hunter College

As part of the CUNY system of schools, Hunter College offers courses in art, film, theater, music, and dance within their College of Arts and Sciences. The College of Arts and Sciences serves around 15,000 undergraduate students and is a top 5 ranked public university according to U.S. News. If you’re looking for art schools in New York that have strong art programs and large enrollment, Hunter is well worth a look!

7. Brooklyn College

Another school that is part of the CUNY family, Brooklyn College also has a strong fine arts program. Their school of visual, media, and performing arts has world-class faculty members, including famous artists who help mentor aspiring artists in many fields. They also have world-class theater and arts facilities to help students bring their artistic aspirations to life.

8. New York University

Home to both the Institute of Fine Arts and the Tisch School of Performing Arts, NYU has some of the most famous art programs of any of the art universities in New York. Many alumni have graduated from NYU’s Tisch School and gone on to careers in film and television. Meanwhile, the Institute of Fine Arts offers graduate programs in art preservation and curation. The total NYU enrollment is around 62,000 students and the acceptance rate is around 13%.

9. Fashion Institute of Technology

Offering both 2-year and 4-year programs in a variety of design fields, the Fashion Institute of Technology is one of New York’s premier fashion design schools. They have courses in a wide range of topics from design and illustration to business and fashion marketing. So, whatever aspect of fashion you are interested in, FIT has a program for you! FIT has a total enrollment of 7,075 students and a 53% acceptance rate.

10. City University of New York (CUNY)

With its massive collection of over 25 schools, the City University of New York is the largest University system in the state. CUNY colleges have nationally ranked top 10 programs in music, film/photography, performing arts, and painting. Many CUNY students will go on to earn master’s degrees at the New York Academy of Art. Enrollment at CUNY schools varies widely across the system and detailed statistics for each CUNY school can be found here.

Now, let’s learn a bit more about the top-rated art school in New York.

What is the Best Art School in New York?

Out of all the art universities in New York, the one with the highest ranking is Cooper Union. Indeed, their competitive acceptance rates and combination of Arts and STEM courses make it one of the most sought-after art schools in New York City. Cooper Union’s art programs incorporate history, engineering, social science, and humanities into the curriculum. Consequently, Cooper Union is one of the few art schools in New York to combine a rigorous studio art curriculum with a liberal arts base. 

So, if you are looking to apply to Cooper Union or any other art universities in New York, you will want your application to stand out from the rest. Art colleges in New York are extremely competitive and opportunities to attend these art schools in New York are highly sought after. We at CollegeAdvisor can help you at any stage of the application process for art colleges in New York. But first, let’s discuss why so many students choose to attend New York art schools.

Why attend art school in New York?

If you are a student looking to pursue a career in art, you might already be considering art schools in New York. It’s no wonder some art schools in New York City are among the most prestigious and innovative in the world. Art schools in New York offer unparalleled opportunities for aspiring artists, as the city is a thriving epicenter of arts and culture. Especially if you’re a New York native, you should be looking into “art colleges near me.” 

With world-class art museums and exhibitions and diverse artistic perspectives, NYC is a vibrant background for any arts education. Moreover, the best art schools in New York leverage these resources to provide valuable internship and networking opportunities.  New York City also has some top-tier art school facilities, like those at the Pratt Institute. Indeed, students attending art schools in New York will graduate feeling more than prepared to embark on a successful art career. 

Exploring NYC museums

A huge benefit to attending art schools in New York City is, of course, the local resources. The vast array of art museums in New York serve as endless sources of inspiration for young aspiring art students. From the Metropolitan Museum of Art to the Museum of Modern Art, art museums in New York present artists with unparalleled creative inspiration.

As a student, you might be specifically interested in knowing what museums are free in NYC. In fact, many art museums in New York offer free entry or pay-what-you-wish options, increasing accessibility for students attending art schools in New York. 

From Brooklyn’s vibrant art scene to renowned art museums in New York like the Met, the city offers art in every borough. New York holds endless opportunities for aspiring artists to network with art industry professionals and attend countless events. They can also gain exposure to a wide range of artistic styles and disciplines from the fine arts to fashion design schools.

As you can see, there are many location-specific benefits to consider when exploring art schools. With this in mind, researching art schools in New York is really a no-brainer if you’re looking to maximize the art major opportunities available to you! 

Famous Alumni from New York Art Schools

Another upside to attending art schools in New York is the long list of impressive alumni. Many alumni of art schools in New York have made significant, world-renowned contributions to the art world. 

For example, seminal artist Keith Haring was a graduate of the School of Visual Arts. Acclaimed fashion designer Betsey Johnson is a Pratt Institute alumna. NYU, renowned for its film and performing arts programs, is the alma mater of Lady Gaga and Spike Lee. These are just a few of the many notable alumni who attended art schools in New York City. Truly, New York has been home to some of the greatest creative minds.

It goes without saying that you don’t need to be a student to benefit from New York’s art scene. The legendary Andy Warhol graduated from Carnegie Mellon University School of Art in Pittsburg, Pennsylvania. However, he soon moved to New York City and became a central figure in the Pop Art movement. So even if you don’t attend one of the art schools in New York, there are always opportunities in town! You can even take a single course or workshop at some schools like the School of Visual Arts. 

Art colleges in New York have nurtured talent that has left a mark on art history, and they’re ready to inspire you. But maybe New York City isn’t quite right for you. There are still plenty of great art colleges in New York beyond NYC and the boroughs.

Other Art Schools in New York

We’ve highlighted many of the best art schools in the state of New York. However, there are certainly even more art schools in New York that you might want to consider. Here are three more New York schools to keep in mind when building your college list:

Other NY Art Schools

Alfred University

Located about two hours from Buffalo in southwest New York is Alfred University. This small, private school is home to approximately 1,600 undergraduates, some of whom choose to pursue their undergraduate major at Albert’s School of Art and Design. Ranked #10 in Best Fine Arts Programs and #1 in Ceramics, students at Albert can pursue BFAs in Art with a focus on ceramic art, drawing & painting, expanded media, or sculpture-dimensional studies.

SUNY New Paltz

If you want to be a little closer to NYC, our next school is just 90 minutes north of the city in the Hudson Valley region. SUNY New Paltz offers students the opportunity to combine a studio art major with other academic pursuits in their BS and BA Visual Arts programs. However, if students want to further specialize in a particular medium, they can apply to SUNY’s BFA program in ceramics, graphic design, metal, painting, photography, printmaking, or sculpture.

Union College

Not to be confused with Cooper Union, Union College is a small, liberal arts college located in Schenectady, NY. Arts/entertainment is one of the top career fields of recent graduates, many of whom completed their studies in Studio Fine Arts. Students at Union have access to studio space and resources through the Feigenbaum Center for Visual Arts. And, opportunities for field trips to regional attractions such as Mass MOCA, Storm King Art Center, and the many museums and galleries of NYC.

As you can see, there’s truly a vast array of art schools in New York to attend. Whether you’re considering the New York School of the Arts in NYC, Cornell in Ithaca, or one of these three art colleges, you can’t go wrong with any of the art schools in New York! 

In the rest of this guide, we’ll discuss art schools in New York City that are less typical. We’ll also discuss how to choose—and apply to—the best art colleges in New York for you. 

More “art” schools in New York

We’ve seen many “traditional” art schools in New York City, focusing on visual arts. However, there are many art schools in New York that offer disciplines beyond the art college majors we’ve talked about. Now, we’re going to look at a few more art colleges, this time with focuses on the culinary and performing arts.

Let’s start by looking at some of the best culinary art schools in New York. 

Culinary Schools in New York

First up is the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). Located in Hyde Park, New York, the CIA is one of the most prestigious culinary schools in the world. Its alumni include such figures as Anthony Bourdain and Cat Cora. It has an acceptance rate of 98% and a total undergraduate enrollment of 3,000. The CIA offers degree programs in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, food business management, and more. 

Located in NYC, the Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) offers programs in culinary arts, pastry and baking arts, culinary management, and more. ICE has a 100% acceptance rate and is home to more than 600 students. Students can explore flexible scheduling options before completing their final course: an off-site externship chosen based on their individual career goals.

Lastly, the Culinary Institute of New York (CINY) at Monroe College is located in New Rochelle, New York. CINY offers degrees in culinary arts, baking and pastry arts, hospitality management, and more. Monroe College has an overall acceptance rate of 60% and more than 8,000 students across all programs. 

Next, let’s look at some of the performing art schools in New York. 

Performing Arts Schools in New York

To start, we have one of the most highly-regarded performing arts schools in the world: the Juilliard School. Located in New York City, Juilliard is one of the most renowned performing arts schools in the world. It offers programs in dance, drama, and music. Juilliard has a highly selective acceptance rate of 10% and a total enrollment of 600 undergraduate students. 

Next is the Tisch School of the Arts at NYU. Tisch is in Manhattan’s Greenwich Village and offers a wide range of programs in drama, dance, film, television, and more. NYU has a highly selective acceptance rate of 13% overall and 28,000 students across all undergraduate degree programs. 

Lastly, CUNY is a public university system that serves the many different rich and diverse communities of New York City. With over 25 campuses spread throughout the city’s five boroughs, CUNY schools offer degree programs in the performing arts. CUNY has an acceptance rate of 62% and a total undergraduate enrollment of nearly 12,000 students. 

As you can see, there are many different art schools in New York with a diverse array of college majors for aspiring artists. Each of the art colleges in New York has its own unique list of offerings and opportunities for their students to explore. Based on your interests and ultimate decision, you can have the entire world of art and design before you.

Are you interested in pursuing artistic degree programs beyond the best colleges for fine arts? Check out our webinar series on visual arts and architecture, summer performing arts opportunities, and theater and music. 

Choosing the best art school for you

Building your college list, evaluating schools, and ultimately choosing which of the art colleges in New York to attend can be challenging. Therefore, you should consider the same kinds of factors we recommend when researching colleges of any kind. Take time to research aspects of each school like faculty expertise, curriculum, and facilities.

Determining your needs and goals 

When choosing the best art universities in New York for you, think about your ideal college experience. Do you want an urban campus? Are you searching for “art colleges near me,” or do you want to leave home? How much financial aid do you need? Are you looking only for fashion design schools, or do you want several college majors to choose from? If you aren’t sure what art major is right for you, maybe you’ll lean toward art schools within larger universities.

Do you want a degree in fine arts? If so, you may consider the best colleges for fine arts, like The New York Academy of Art. Located in Tribeca, the New York Academy of Art is ranked among the best colleges for fine arts by U.S. News.  If you want a degree in design schools, you should consider the Parsons School of Design. As part of the New School, the Parsons School of Design has no shortage of resources on- and off-campus to expand your horizons. 

Finding the right fit

Finally, if you get a chance, you should try to visit the campuses of the art universities in New York on your list. If you can, reach out to alumni and current students about their experiences. They can help you understand what art colleges in New York can offer you. A short conversation may lock in your dream school—or it may help you take the school off your list.

The best art schools in New York number among the best art colleges in the world. However, choosing the best art colleges in New York for you is an individual pursuit. The best art universities in New York for you may not be the same as those for your peers. Consider what you want and need out of an education from art universities in New York during your college search.

5 Tips for Applying to Art Colleges in New York

If you’re interested in art colleges in New York, the application process can be daunting. Because many of the best programs are in New York, acceptance rates are highly selective, and the applicant pool is competitive. Here are some tips and tricks you can keep in mind to boost your application and stand out among the other applicants. 

By following these tips, you can increase your chances of getting into the best art schools in New York. 

Art Schools in New York – Conclusion

No matter the type of artist you aspire to be, New York offers endless opportunities to pursue your artistic ambitions. After all, it’s home to schools like the Parsons School of Design, the Pratt Institute, the School of Visual Arts, and the New York Academy of Art. Art schools in New York can prepare you for a successful career with their world-class facilities, faculty, and diverse artistic community.

We have explored many art colleges in New York and the many different art majors available to you. Remember that when it comes time to choose the best art school in New York for you, research is key. It’ll take more than searching for “art colleges near me” or “art colleges in New York” to find your best fit. The more proactive you are, the more likely you are to find the best institution for you and your endeavors. 

When it comes time to craft and submit your art school application, remember that CollegeAdvisor is here to assist you every step of the way. Our team of expert advisors is dedicated to providing personalized guidance tailored to help you choose and apply to your dream art school.

This article was written by senior advisor Alex Baggott-Rowe and Bailey Bennett. Looking for more admissions support? Click here to schedule a free meeting with one of our Admissions Specialists. During your meeting, our team will discuss your profile and help you find targeted ways to increase your admissions odds at top schools. We’ll also answer any questions and discuss how CollegeAdvisor.com can support you in the college application process.