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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Art Studies Schools

228 Colleges in the United States
16,754 Art Studies Degrees Awarded
$36,339 Avg Early-Career Salary

Art Studies programs are offered at a focused set of schools across the country. The schools below stand out for the quality of their art studies programs.

College Factual analyzed 864 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best art studies schools.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great Art Studies School

Best Art Studies Schools

The art studies program you select can have a big impact on your future. That is why we developed our collection of Best Schools for Art Studies rankings. Our overall ranking combines our degree-level rankings, weighted by degrees awarded at each level.

To find the best fit, you can narrow this list to a specific degree level below.

Art Studies Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Art Studies
Bachelor's Degrees in Art Studies
Master's Degrees in Art Studies
Doctoral Degrees in Art Studies

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best Art Studies Schools list, to help you choose. More interested in schools in a specific area of the country? Filter this list by region or state.

To further help you make the college decision, we have developed a unique tool called College Combat that lets you compare schools on the factors that matter most to you.

Learn more about our methodology

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Best Schools for Art Studies in the United States

If you are not interested in a particular degree level and want to know which schools are the overall best at delivering an education for the art studies degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Art Studies

1

University Of Michigan Ann Arbor tops our 2026 ranking of the best art studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Ann Arbor. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. University Of Michigan Ann Arbor awarded about 147 art studies degrees in the most recent data year. Graduates of the art studies program make about $31,367 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $19,319 to complete this degree. Get the full art studies details for University Of Michigan Ann Arbor

2

Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in art studies, ranking #2. Located in the city of University Park, Pennsylvania State University Main Campus is a very large public university. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. About 46 art studies degrees were awarded at Pennsylvania State University Main Campus in the most recent year. See the full art studies program report for Pennsylvania State University Main Campus

3
Lafayette College crest
Lafayette College
Easton, PA

A rank of #3 makes Lafayette College one of the top schools for art studies. Located in the suburb of Easton, Lafayette College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. Roughly 88% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 11 art studies degrees were awarded at Lafayette College in the most recent year. Students who receive their art studies degree from Lafayette College earn around $59,513 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,931. Read more about the art studies program at Lafayette College

4
James Madison University crest
James Madison University
Harrisonburg, VA

James Madison University is a great choice for students pursuing a degree in art studies, landing the #4 spot this year. Set in the city of Harrisonburg, James Madison University is a very large public institution. James Madison University graduates 80% of students within six years. About 138 art studies degrees were awarded at James Madison University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from James Madison University generally make around $33,501. Typical student debt for the program is $23,001. Read more about the art studies program at James Madison University

5

University Of Washington Seattle Campus came in at #5 on our 2026 list of the best art studies schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Seattle. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. About 146 art studies degrees were awarded at University Of Washington Seattle Campus in the most recent year. Art Studies graduates of University Of Washington Seattle Campus earn a median of $25,947 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $13,667 to complete this degree. Read more about the art studies program at University Of Washington Seattle Campus

6

Illinois State University placed #6 among the best art studies schools. Illinois State University is a very large public school located in the suburb of Normal. Illinois State University graduates 64% of students within six years. About 77 art studies degrees were awarded at Illinois State University in the most recent year. Students who receive their art studies degree from Illinois State University earn around $35,967 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $20,125 to complete this degree. See the full art studies program report for Illinois State University

7

University Of San Diego landed the #7 spot for art studies this year. Located in the city of San Diego, University Of San Diego is a large private not-for-profit university. About 84% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 12 art studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of San Diego in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from University Of San Diego generally make around $68,281. Students borrow a median of $23,795 to complete this degree. Get the full art studies details for University Of San Diego

8

University Of Southern California earned the #8 position for art studies this year. University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Los Angeles. University Of Southern California graduates 92% of students within six years. About 19 art studies degrees were awarded at University Of Southern California in the most recent year. Art Studies graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $50,161 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $21,125 to complete this degree. Read more about the art studies program at University Of Southern California

9

The College Of New Jersey ranked #9 on our 2026 list of the best art studies schools. The College Of New Jersey is a moderately-sized public school located in the suburb of Ewing. The College Of New Jersey graduates 86% of students within six years. About 41 art studies degrees were awarded at The College Of New Jersey in the most recent year. Students who receive their art studies degree from The College Of New Jersey earn around $33,214 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $25,000. Read more about the art studies program at The College Of New Jersey

10

San Jose State University earned the #10 position for art studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of San Jose. San Jose State University graduates 69% of students within six years. There were roughly 43 art studies students who graduated with this degree at San Jose State University in the most recent data year. Get the full art studies details for San Jose State University

11

University Of Wisconsin Madison ranked #11 on our 2026 list of the best art studies schools. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. About 90% of students finish within six years. About 68 art studies degrees were awarded at University Of Wisconsin Madison in the most recent year. Students who receive their art studies degree from University Of Wisconsin Madison earn around $30,719 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,316. See the full art studies program report for University Of Wisconsin Madison

12

University Of Georgia landed the #12 spot for art studies this year. Set in the city of Athens, University Of Georgia is a very large public institution. Roughly 90% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 126 art studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Georgia in the most recent data year. Graduates of the art studies program make about $26,323 in their early career. University Of Georgia graduates carry a median of $21,947 in student loans. Read more about the art studies program at University Of Georgia

13
Amherst College crest
Amherst College
Amherst, MA

Amherst College earned the #13 position for art studies this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Amherst. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 16 art studies degrees were awarded at Amherst College in the most recent year. Art Studies graduates of Amherst College earn a median of $59,271 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $15,398. See the full art studies program report for Amherst College

14

University Of California Los Angeles earned the #14 position for art studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Los Angeles. The six-year graduation rate is 93%. About 63 art studies degrees were awarded at University Of California Los Angeles in the most recent year. Graduates of the art studies program make about $21,220 in their early career. Typical student debt for the program is $14,000. See the full art studies program report for University Of California Los Angeles

15
Brown University crest
Brown University
Providence, RI

Brown University ranked #15 on our 2026 list of the best art studies schools. Brown University is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Providence. Brown University graduates 96% of students within six years. About 32 art studies degrees were awarded at Brown University in the most recent year. Art Studies graduates of Brown University earn a median of $23,180 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $17,300 to complete this degree. Get the full art studies details for Brown University

16

Indiana University Bloomington placed #16 among the best art studies schools. Set in the city of Bloomington, Indiana University Bloomington is a very large public institution. Roughly 80% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 24 art studies students who graduated with this degree at Indiana University Bloomington in the most recent data year. Students who receive their art studies degree from Indiana University Bloomington earn around $33,265 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $19,500 to complete this degree. Read more about the art studies program at Indiana University Bloomington

17

College Of William And Mary placed #17 among the best art studies schools. Located in the suburb of Williamsburg, College Of William And Mary is a large public university. About 89% of students finish within six years. About 17 art studies degrees were awarded at College Of William And Mary in the most recent year. Art Studies graduates of College Of William And Mary earn a median of $29,752 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $18,935. Read more about the art studies program at College Of William And Mary

18
Williams College crest
Williams College
Williamstown, MA

Williams College landed the #18 spot for art studies this year. Williams College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit school located in the town of Williamstown. Roughly 94% of students complete a degree within six years here. About 28 art studies degrees were awarded at Williams College in the most recent year. Art Studies graduates of Williams College earn a median of $34,560 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $11,850. More information about a degree in art studies from Williams College

19

University Of Denver ranked #19 on our 2026 list of the best art studies schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Denver. University Of Denver graduates 76% of students within six years. There were roughly 10 art studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Denver in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from University Of Denver generally make around $36,943. University Of Denver graduates carry a median of $22,534 in student loans. See the full art studies program report for University Of Denver

20

Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University landed the #20 spot for art studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Blacksburg. The six-year graduation rate is 86%. There were roughly 60 art studies students who graduated with this degree at Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University in the most recent data year. Art Studies graduates of Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University earn a median of $36,927 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $26,323. More information about a degree in art studies from Virginia Polytechnic Institute And State University

21
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University landed the #21 spot for art studies this year. This very large public university is located in the city of Towson. Towson University graduates 70% of students within six years. About 57 art studies degrees were awarded at Towson University in the most recent year. Students who receive their art studies degree from Towson University earn around $29,958 in the first couple years of their career. Towson University graduates carry a median of $17,978 in student loans. Read more about the art studies program at Towson University

22
Davidson College crest
Davidson College
Davidson, NC

Davidson College came in at #22 for art studies this year. This mid-sized private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Davidson. About 91% of students finish within six years. Davidson College awarded about 12 art studies degrees in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, art studies degree recipients from Davidson College generally make around $41,505. Students borrow a median of $19,906 to complete this degree. See the full art studies program report for Davidson College

23

University Of Missouri Columbia ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best art studies schools. University Of Missouri Columbia is a very large public school located in the city of Columbia. University Of Missouri Columbia graduates 75% of students within six years. There were roughly 55 art studies students who graduated with this degree at University Of Missouri Columbia in the most recent data year. Students who receive their art studies degree from University Of Missouri Columbia earn around $23,034 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $22,000 to complete this degree. More information about a degree in art studies from University Of Missouri Columbia

24

West Chester University Of Pennsylvania landed the #24 spot for art studies this year. Set in the suburb of West Chester, West Chester University Of Pennsylvania is a large public institution. About 70% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 35 art studies students who graduated with this degree at West Chester University Of Pennsylvania in the most recent data year. Get the full art studies details for West Chester University Of Pennsylvania

25

University Of Virginia Main Campus landed the #25 spot for art studies this year. Located in the suburb of Charlottesville, University Of Virginia Main Campus is a very large public university. Roughly 96% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Virginia Main Campus awarded about 23 art studies degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their art studies degree from University Of Virginia Main Campus earn around $23,372 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Virginia Main Campus graduates carry a median of $19,500 in student loans. Get the full art studies details for University Of Virginia Main Campus

Rest of the Top 50 Art Studies Schools

These schools also placed among the best for art studies this year:

26
27
College Of Saint Benedict crest
College Of Saint Benedict
Saint Joseph, MN
28
29
Dickinson College crest
Dickinson College
Carlisle, PA
30
Colorado College crest
Colorado College
Colorado Springs, CO
31
Rowan University crest
Rowan University
Glassboro, NJ
32
33
33
35
St Olaf College crest
St Olaf College
Northfield, MN
36
37
38
39
40
41
Sonoma State University crest
Sonoma State University
Rohnert Park, CA
42
University Of Utah crest
University Of Utah
Salt Lake City, UT
43
44
45
46
47
48
49
50

Additional Art Studies Award Winners

These schools also earned a top-quality badge for art studies this year:

Rank School Location
#51 University Of California Riverside Riverside, CA
#52 University Of California Santa Cruz Santa Cruz, CA
#56 Carnegie Mellon University Pittsburgh, PA
#57 University Of Iowa Iowa City, IA
#72 Ball State University Muncie, IN
#77 San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA
#78 University Of North Texas Denton, TX
#81 Tufts University Medford, MA
#82 Rutgers University New Brunswick New Brunswick, NJ
#85 Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL
#100 Texas Tech University Lubbock, TX
#106 Texas State University San Marcos San Marcos, TX
#116 University Of Oregon Eugene, OR
#147 University Of Wisconsin Milwaukee Milwaukee, WI

Honorable Mentions

A few more art studies schools worth a look:

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Art Studies by Region

Explore the best art studies schools by region.

Region
Southeast
New England
Rocky Mountains
Plains States
Middle Atlantic
Far Western US
Southwest
Great Lakes

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View All Rankings >

Art Studies is one of many programs to choose from within the area of study. Browse the parent area of study.

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Notes and References

This list is compiled by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. Schools are scored on a blend of student outcomes (graduation rate, post-graduation earnings), affordability, and program focus, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 864 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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