Best Art and Design colleges in New York
New York state supports a variety of artists and designers that pursued Bachelor of Arts degrees before entering the professional world. Art and design degrees can vary depending on a chosen specialty, though many require a combination of theory and art and design history with hands-on lab work. Graduates can pursue jobs at museums like MOMA and the Guggenheim, or be employed with a local art gallery as painters or craftsmen.
Students interested in working in the art and design field should note many schools recommend pursuing a Bachelor in Arts degree, and potentially a master’s if they choose to further their expertise in fields like art history or interior design. Programs typically emphasize sketching and drafting, painting, and sculpting to ensure that students are familiar with a range of artistic mediums.
Students typically earn their degree in art and design in person due to the tactile nature of the degree. Some of the nation’s largest artist and design employers are located in the New York City metro at galleries, museums, and private boutiques. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 1,300 opportunities for art and design graduates in New York.
Best Art and Design colleges in New York for 2025
Since 1965, New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts has been educating artists and scholars alike on cinema studies, television, dance, drama, photography and more. NYU undoubtedly attracts talented student artists from around the world. The learning opportunities that Tisch provides to budding artists goes beyond New York City. In addition to the school’s six New York City locations—including 721 Broadway, 111 Second Avenue, and 194 Mercer—Tisch has expanded its reach around the globe. In 2007, Tisch School of the Arts Asia opened in Singapore with an inaugural film master’s degree program. Since that time, Tisch Asia has added animation and digital arts, dramatic writing, and international media producing programs. In addition, through the NYU Global Network, students in London, Prague, and Shanghai can enroll in Tisch courses. In 2012, Tisch opened the NYU Game Center to give students interested in becoming game developers, designers, and even critics, the education they need to reach their career goals. Through its bachelor’s and master’s game design program, the Center teaches students how to integrate animation, writing, and audio to create games that can be used for education or entertainment. In addition, NYU hosts the Game Center Student Show, where students show off the projects they created during their studies. Some exhibited projects include 3D animations, multiplayer games, surrealist game art, and card and board games.
The New School offers 51 Art and Design degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 1,300 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 819 Bachelor's degrees, 354 Master's degrees, 105 Associate's degrees, and 22 Certificates.
Fashion Institute of Technology offers 22 Art and Design degree programs. It's a medium sized, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 1,339 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 718 Associate's degrees, 591 Bachelor's degrees, 22 Master's degrees, and 8 Certificates.
The Juilliard School offers 55 Art and Design degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 255 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 126 Master's degrees, 101 Bachelor's degrees, 20 Certificates, and 8 Doctoral degrees.
SUNY at Purchase College offers 33 Art and Design degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 437 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 407 Bachelor's degrees, 27 Master's degrees, and 3 Certificates.
University of Rochester offers 31 Art and Design degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 294 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 169 Bachelor's degrees, 85 Master's degrees, 38 Doctoral degrees, and 2 Certificates.
Culinary Institute of America offers 6 Art and Design degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2023, 518 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 393 Associate's degrees, 101 Bachelor's degrees, and 24 Certificates.
Syracuse University offers 45 Art and Design degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2023, 319 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 251 Bachelor's degrees, and 68 Master's degrees.
Columbia University in the City of New York offers 15 Art and Design degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 306 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 188 Master's degrees, 96 Bachelor's degrees, 12 Doctoral degrees, and 10 Certificates.
School of Visual Arts offers 10 Art and Design degree programs. It's a small, private for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2023, 321 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 214 Bachelor's degrees, and 107 Master's degrees.
Find local colleges with Art and Design majors in New York
Top schools offering Art and Design degrees in New York
List of all Art and Design colleges in New York
| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
New York University New York, NY | 18 : 1 | 57,335 | |
|
The New School New York, NY | 22 : 1 | 9,434 | |
|
Fashion Institute of Technology New York, NY | 40 : 1 | 8,108 | |
|
The Juilliard School New York, NY | 7 : 1 | 1,028 | |
|
SUNY at Purchase College Purchase, NY | 18 : 1 | 3,229 | |