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Best Art Schools in NYC

The art school is not something only rich people can go to. If you have a passion for drawing or painting and consider it a professional career, art schools are a fantastic option. But how to find out the best art school in town? Well, don’t worry, I got you covered. In this article, I have enlisted the top 10 art schools, especially in New York City.

Fortunate are those who are able to express themselves through art and design, so if you want to get into art school, I say go for it. If you choose the right art school, you will build a healthy network for your career; you will get valuable criticism from experts and healthy competition to push you for the best. So without further adieu, let us get into it.

1. Parsons School of Design at the New School

When it comes to the spectrum of arts and design, Parsons School of Design at The New School is a fantastic option as they provide wonderful training programs for art enthusiasts. The school focuses on giving students a perspective on progressive creativity and social activism.

The common misconception that the school is remarkably expensive is a myth. In fact, 81% percent of students receive scholarships and grants from The New School, so if you are worried about the tuition, chances are you will get a full-fledged scholarship at this top-rated arts school.

Founded In: 1896
Tuition: $46,960 (before aid)
SAT Avg. :1150
ACT Avg. : 28
Acceptance Rate: 35%
GPA: 3.1
Rank: #1 of Best Arts Schools in the NYC
Contact: +1 212-229-8900
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs,
New School Scholarships- Tuition Fee- Merit-Based Scholarships

Apply for Admission

2. Pratt Institute

Pratt Institute is yet another top-rated university in NYC that offers first-class art and design program. Pratt Institute is renowned for its multicultural epicenters for arts, culture, and design that help society better as it focuses on activism arts.

Pratt has two campuses in Brooklyn as well as Manhattan. The highlight of this institute is that facultyexcellentanexcellentLast but not least, the passion of your art; the art school is filled with many exceptional instructors and faculty who will help you strive for perfection, and the atmosphere will help you build a mentor-mentee relationship.

Founded In: 1887
Tuition: $70,368 (before aid)
SAT Avg. : 1125
ACT Avg. : 29
Acceptance Rate: 56%
GPA: 2.9
Rank: #2 of Best Arts Schools in the NYC
Contact: +1 718-636-3600
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs,
International Chancellor’s Scholarship- 15,000$- Educational Fund
Portfolio Gold Award Recipients in General Art or Photography- 3000$- Grant

Apply for Admission

3. Columbia University

If you’re looking for a more affordable art school whereas you also want it to be an ivy league, then hands down, Columbia University is the best choice. Not only arts programs but also Fine Arts degrees in Film, Theatre, Visual Arts, and Writing are top-rated in this department.

Columbia University has one of the top-rated campus life where they create a close-knitted community feel for students. It is a very diverse campus where you can learn a lot about different cultures.  The school often provides students to showcase their art pieces in different exhibitions.

Founded In: 1754
Tuition: $79,752 (before aid)
SAT Avg. : 1350
ACT Avg. : 33
Acceptance Rate: 5%
GPA: 4.13
Rank: # 3of Best Arts Schools in the NYC
Contact: +1 212-854-1754
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs,
Clifford and Siegfried Upton Scholarship- 1000$- Educational Fund
Lydia C. Chamberlain Fellowship- Varies- Need-Based Fund

Apply for Admission

4. School of Visual Arts

School of Visual Arts is a fantastic school primarily dedicated to arts and design programs. Moreover, SVA has been a leader in the education of artists, designers, and creative professionals for seven decades. So the alumni and network of the school are very vast and helpful for students.

The school focuses on giving a hand one experience towards learning arts. Moreover, they focus on building a relationship with faculties which is more of a mentor-mentee relationship. The school represents the most influential artistic communities in the world.

Founded In: 1947
Tuition: $69,868 (before aid)
SAT Avg. : 1220
ACT Avg. : 22
Acceptance Rate: 71%
GPA: 2.89
Rank: #4 of Best Arts Schools in the NYC
Contact: +1 212-592-2000
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs,
Silas H. Rhodes Scholarship- 5000$- Educational Fund
National Scholastic Art Award Scholarships- Varies- Need-based Fund

Apply for Admission

5. New York University

New York University cannot be missed out when we are discussing the best art schools in NYC. They have campuses in Manhattan as well as Brooklyn; both have first-class arts programs, but I would personally recommend the Brooklyn campus as they have a spectacular infrastructure for arts programs.

Not only does the school excel in arts, but they also have a fantastic success rate in acting school too. In fact, Famous alumni include actor Alec Baldwin, Lady Gaga, and playwright Tony Kushner. So when it comes to the arts stream, nothing can beat this first-class New York University school.

Founded In: 1831
Tuition: $75,502 (before aid)
SAT Avg. : 1320
ACT Avg. : 31
Acceptance Rate: 16%
GPA: 3.687
Rank: #5 of Best Arts Schools in the NYC
Contact: 212-998-4500
Financial Aid: Below are some of the best funding programs,
New York State Tuition Assistance Program (TAP)- Varies- Educational Fund
Sol and Margaret Berger Foundation Scholarship- 5000$- Need-Based Fund

Apply for Admission

6. The Art Students League of New York

How can I miss The Art Students League of New York when it has the best infrastructure and faculties for an art school. If you don’t mind spending more for a realty top-rated school, this art school is a great option. They provide a 3:1 student-faculty ratio where students will get undivided attention.

If you are following art, you might know great artists like Jackson Pollock, Norman Rockwell, and Ai Weiwei. It is fascinating to know that all these exceptional artists are alumni of this fantastic school. This formal art degree will give you all the necessary skills you have to learn.

Founded In: 1875
Tuition: N/A
SAT Avg. : 1200
ACT Avg. : 20
Acceptance Rate: 27%
GPA: 3.1
Rank: #6 of Best Arts Schools in the NYC
Contact: +1 212-247-4510
Financial Aid: For Details Please Click Here

Apply for Admission

7. Cooper Union

Cooper Union is one of the finest schools that has a fantastic art program. They provide first-class studio arts, graphic arts, and architectural history that will help you get a wide perspective on what you have to learn and the future career you are going to pursue.

The school will constantly help you bag a wonderful professional career in arts as they provide many internship opportunities and job assistance with the school’s first-class partnerships. It is a  serious-minded option for students who want to take an in-depth exploration of art.

Founded In: 1877
Tuition: $66,713 (before aid)
SAT Avg. : 1399
ACT Avg. : 32
Acceptance Rate: 15%
GPA: 3.8
Rank: #7 of Best Arts Schools in the NYC
Contact: +1 212-353-4100
Financial Aid: For Details Please Click Here

Apply for Admission

8. National Academy Museum and School

National Academy Museum and School is a fantastic option if you are looking for a school where you will get a completely holistic approach to learning art. The school focuses on giving students a hands-on training approach as it is very vital when it comes to art.

This school and museum offer courses and workshops in painting, drawing, sculpture, new media, video, photography, printmaking, mixed media, and even art theory. So if you want to have different concentrations with your art degree, you can always explore your options.

Founded In: 1825
Tuition: N/A
SAT Avg. : 1323
ACT Avg. : 33
Acceptance Rate: N/A
GPA: 3.0
Rank: #8 of Best Arts Schools in the NYC
Contact: +1 212-369-4880
Financial Aid: The college has not opened scholarships currently

Apply for Admission

9. CUNY — College of Staten Island

How can I miss CUNY when dealing with New York Schools? The CUNY — College of Staten Island has been offering fantastic arts programs for more than a decade. Not only on drawing and painting the school focuses, but also they put reliance on studio art, photography, or art history degrees.

The school offers an arts program that is the most affordable in town. It is just 6,930 dollars, and there is a full 100% acceptance rate at this top-rated university. So you can always have CUNY as an option to explore the passion of your art in your professional career.

Founded In: 1902
Tuition: $33,053 (before aid)
SAT Avg. : 1199
ACT Avg. : 21
Acceptance Rate: N/A
GPA: 3.0
Rank: #9 of Best Arts Schools in the NYC
Contact: +1 718-982-2000
Financial Aid: The following are the scholarships available,
Katie Geschwendt Verrazzano Study Abroad Scholarships- 1000$- Educational Fund

Apply for Admission

10. Marymount Manhattan College

Last but not the least, Marymount Manhattan College is a great school if you are looking for a program that will intellectually stimulate you all the time. The arts program is offered by great faculty who are exceptional in the industry.

The highlight of studying here is that students will get a chance to showcase their arts in different exhibitions if they are passionate enough to make the best art. Moreover, The City College of New York offers state-of-the-art facilities, including studios and multimedia labs managed by a superior faculty and staff.

Founded In: 1936
Tuition: $61,550 (before aid)
SAT Avg. : 1100
ACT Avg. : 21
Acceptance Rate: 80%
GPA: 2.32
Rank: # of Best Arts Schools in the NYC
Contact: +1 212-517-0430
Financial Aid: The college has not opened scholarships currently.

Apply for Admission

Indu Singh

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