Best Art Studies colleges in the U.S. 2026
“Art evokes the mystery without which the world would not exist.” -- Rene Magritte
Experience, unfold, and demystify the mystery of art by entering an art studies degree program. You’ll study the theory of art, cultivate a deep appreciation for its various forms, and explore the possibilities that art inspires. This diverse field includes instruction on the visual arts and performing arts, art history, and practical studio artistry. Perspectives are brought in from all over the world and different cultures, from women in ancient Greece to modern American Indian artists.
An art studies degree lays the foundation for students who want to develop their own artistic mind and talents. While these programs don’t focus on “doing” art, they do typically include lessons on artistic fundamentals that support the development of your artistic portfolio. Many, many art studies graduates go into teaching. But starting a career in art is also an option. There are plenty of other arts-related careers, including gallery or museum work (owning/selling/curating), arts management, nonprofit arts administration, design (interior, industrial, floral, graphic, etc.), and film/theatre.
Click Here to See the Best Colleges in the USBest Art Studies colleges in the U.S. for 2026
Brown University offers 1 Art/Art Studies, General degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a midsize city. In 2024, 53 Art/Art Studies, General students graduated with students earning 53 Bachelor's degrees.
Carnegie Mellon University offers 2 Art/Art Studies, General degree programs. It's a large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 27 Art/Art Studies, General students graduated with students earning 21 Bachelor's degrees, and 6 Master's degrees.
University of Southern California offers 1 Art/Art Studies, General degree programs. It's a very large, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 23 Art/Art Studies, General students graduated with students earning 23 Bachelor's degrees.
University of California-Davis offers 1 Art/Art Studies, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a small suburb. In 2024, 7 Art/Art Studies, General students graduated with students earning 7 Master's degrees.
University of Virginia-Main Campus offers 1 Art/Art Studies, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a midsize suburb. In 2024, 40 Art/Art Studies, General students graduated with students earning 40 Bachelor's degrees.
The University of Texas at Austin offers 1 Art/Art Studies, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 8 Art/Art Studies, General students graduated with students earning 8 Bachelor's degrees.
University of Washington-Seattle Campus offers 2 Art/Art Studies, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 146 Art/Art Studies, General students graduated with students earning 139 Bachelor's degrees, and 7 Master's degrees.
University of California-Los Angeles offers 2 Art/Art Studies, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 63 Art/Art Studies, General students graduated with students earning 47 Bachelor's degrees, and 16 Master's degrees.
University of Wisconsin-Madison offers 2 Art/Art Studies, General degree programs. It's a very large, public, four-year university in a large city. In 2024, 73 Art/Art Studies, General students graduated with students earning 58 Bachelor's degrees, and 15 Master's degrees.
Williams College offers 1 Art/Art Studies, General degree programs. It's a small, private not-for-profit, four-year university in a outlying town. In 2024, 29 Art/Art Studies, General students graduated with students earning 29 Bachelor's degrees.
Find local colleges with Art Studies majors in the U.S.
List of all Art Studies colleges in the U.S.
| School | Average Tuition | Student Teacher Ratio | Enrolled Students | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Brown University Providence, RI | 12 : 1 | 11,956 | |
|
Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA | 11 : 1 | 15,888 | |
|
University of Southern California Los Angeles, CA | 21 : 1 | 46,566 | |
|
University of California-Davis Davis, CA | 23 : 1 | 40,065 | |
|
University of Virginia-Main Campus Charlottesville, VA | 16 : 1 | 26,409 | |