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 2026
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 53 Art and Design degree programs. It's a medium sized, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 1,285 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 897 Bachelor's degrees, 274 Master's degrees, 81 Associate's degrees, and 33 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 2024, 1,307 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 783 Associate's degrees, 502 Bachelor's degrees, 19 Master's degrees, and 3 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 2024, 324 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 152 Master's degrees, 128 Bachelor's degrees, 36 Certificates, and 8 Doctoral degrees.
University of Rochester offers 32 Art and Design degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2024, 311 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 174 Bachelor's degrees, 92 Master's degrees, 41 Doctoral degrees, and 4 Certificates.
SUNY at Purchase College offers 33 Art and Design degree programs. It's a small, public, four-year university in a large suburb. In 2024, 376 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 359 Bachelor's degrees, 14 Master's degrees, and 3 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 2024, 528 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 423 Associate's degrees, 86 Bachelor's degrees, and 19 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 2024, 330 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 247 Bachelor's degrees, and 83 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 2024, 355 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 209 Master's degrees, 123 Bachelor's degrees, 21 Doctoral degrees, and 2 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 2024, 269 Art and Design students graduated with students earning 171 Bachelor's degrees, and 98 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 | 56,832 | |
|
The New School New York, NY | 21 : 1 | 9,068 | |
|
Fashion Institute of Technology New York, NY | 39 : 1 | 8,206 | |
|
The Juilliard School New York, NY | 8 : 1 | 1,073 | |
|
University of Rochester Rochester, NY | 14 : 1 | 11,946 | |