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College Factual  by our College Data Analytics Team
       Unbiased Factual Guarantee

2026 Best Fine Arts Schools

245 Colleges in the United States
9,876 Fine Arts Degrees Awarded
$33,537 Avg Early-Career Salary

Fine Arts is a field worth a close look when choosing where to study. While the number of schools offering the program varies, there are still top-quality ones to be found.

College Factual analyzed 749 schools to build this 2026 ranking of the best fine arts schools.

What’s on this page:

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Choosing a Great Fine Arts School

Best Fine Arts Schools

Where you study fine arts matters for your future. To help, we created our Best Fine Arts Schools 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.

Fine Arts Rankings by Degree Level

Associate's Degrees in Fine Arts
Bachelor's Degrees in Fine Arts
Master's Degrees in Fine Arts
Doctoral Degrees in Fine Arts

Since the program you select can have a significant impact on your future, we have developed a number of rankings, including this Best Fine Arts Schools list, to help you choose. Want schools in a particular part of the country? Narrow the list by region or state.

Want to compare schools head to head? Try our College Combat tool to weigh the factors that matter most to you.

Learn more about our methodology

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Best Schools for Fine Arts 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 fine arts degrees they offer, see the list below.

Top Schools in Fine Arts

1
Stanford University crest
Stanford University
Stanford, CA

Stanford University tops our 2026 ranking of the best fine arts schools. Set in the suburb of Stanford, Stanford University is a very large private not-for-profit institution. About 92% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 12 fine arts students who graduated with this degree at Stanford University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their fine arts degree from Stanford University earn around $100,827 in the first couple years of their career. Stanford University graduates carry a median of $10,492 in student loans. More information about a degree in fine arts from Stanford University

2

A rank of #2 makes University Of California Santa Barbara one of the top schools for fine arts. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Santa Barbara. About 83% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 72 fine arts students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Santa Barbara in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from University Of California Santa Barbara generally make around $45,488. University Of California Santa Barbara graduates carry a median of $16,978 in student loans. More information about a degree in fine arts from University Of California Santa Barbara

3

University Of Maryland College Park is one of the finest schools in the country for a degree in fine arts, ranking #3. Set in the suburb of College Park, University Of Maryland College Park is a very large public institution. University Of Maryland College Park graduates 89% of students within six years. There were roughly 77 fine arts students who graduated with this degree at University Of Maryland College Park in the most recent data year. Students who receive their fine arts degree from University Of Maryland College Park earn around $32,031 in the first couple years of their career. University Of Maryland College Park graduates carry a median of $20,000 in student loans. See the full fine arts program report for University Of Maryland College Park

4
Wesleyan University crest
Wesleyan University
Middletown, CT

Wesleyan University came in at #4 on our 2026 list of the best fine arts schools. Set in the city of Middletown, Wesleyan University is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. Wesleyan University graduates 93% of students within six years. About 24 fine arts degrees were awarded at Wesleyan University in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Wesleyan University generally make around $39,764. Typical student debt for the program is $16,125. Read more about the fine arts program at Wesleyan University

5

Students looking for a strong fine arts program will find one at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo, which ranked #5. California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo is a very large public school located in the suburb of San Luis Obispo. About 86% of students finish within six years. About 61 fine arts degrees were awarded at California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo in the most recent year. Students who receive their fine arts degree from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo earn around $36,006 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,198. Get the full fine arts details for California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo

6

Illinois State University came in at #6 for fine arts this year. Located in the suburb of Normal, Illinois State University is a very large public university. Illinois State University graduates 64% of students within six years. Illinois State University awarded about 21 fine arts degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their fine arts 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 fine arts program report for Illinois State University

7

University Of Southern California ranked #7 on our 2026 list of the best fine arts schools. Located in the city of Los Angeles, University Of Southern California is a very large private not-for-profit university. Roughly 92% of students complete a degree within six years here. University Of Southern California awarded about 20 fine arts degrees in the most recent data year. Fine Arts graduates of University Of Southern California earn a median of $50,161 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,125. Read more about the fine arts program at University Of Southern California

8

Cornell University landed the #8 spot for fine arts this year. This very large private not-for-profit university is located in the city of Ithaca. Roughly 95% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 28 fine arts students who graduated with this degree at Cornell University in the most recent data year. Graduates of the fine arts program make about $31,073 in their early career. Students borrow a median of $17,153 to complete this degree. Read more about the fine arts program at Cornell University

9

University Of Notre Dame earned the #9 position for fine arts this year. Set in the suburb of Notre Dame, University Of Notre Dame is a large private not-for-profit institution. About 95% of students finish within six years. There were roughly 13 fine arts students who graduated with this degree at University Of Notre Dame in the most recent data year. Students who receive their fine arts degree from University Of Notre Dame earn around $69,494 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,891. More information about a degree in fine arts from University Of Notre Dame

10

San Jose State University earned the #10 position for fine arts this year. This very large public university is located in the city of San Jose. The six-year graduation rate is 69%. About 165 fine arts degrees were awarded at San Jose State University in the most recent year. Read more about the fine arts program at San Jose State University

11

University Of Wisconsin Madison earned the #11 position for fine arts this year. Set in the city of Madison, University Of Wisconsin Madison is a very large public institution. The six-year graduation rate is 90%. There were roughly 62 fine arts students who graduated with this degree at University Of Wisconsin Madison in the most recent data year. Fine Arts graduates of University Of Wisconsin Madison earn a median of $30,719 early in their careers. Students borrow a median of $19,316 to complete this degree. Get the full fine arts details for University Of Wisconsin Madison

12

University Of Georgia placed #12 among the best fine arts schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Athens. University Of Georgia graduates 90% of students within six years. University Of Georgia awarded about 25 fine arts degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their fine arts degree from University Of Georgia earn around $26,323 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $21,947. Read more about the fine arts program at University Of Georgia

13

University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill landed the #13 spot for fine arts this year. Located in the city of Chapel Hill, University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill is a very large public university. About 91% of students finish within six years. About 25 fine arts degrees were awarded at University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill in the most recent year. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill generally make around $24,005. University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill graduates carry a median of $14,600 in student loans. More information about a degree in fine arts from University Of North Carolina At Chapel Hill

14
University Of Richmond crest
University Of Richmond
University of Richmond, VA

University Of Richmond ranked #14 on our 2026 list of the best fine arts schools. Located in the city of University of Richmond, University Of Richmond is a mid-sized private not-for-profit university. The six-year graduation rate is 85%. University Of Richmond awarded about 11 fine arts degrees in the most recent data year. Fine Arts graduates of University Of Richmond earn a median of $53,815 early in their careers. Typical student debt for the program is $21,634. Get the full fine arts details for University Of Richmond

15

Indiana University Bloomington landed the #15 spot for fine arts this year. 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. About 41 fine arts degrees were awarded at Indiana University Bloomington in the most recent year. Students who receive their fine arts degree from Indiana University Bloomington earn around $33,265 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $19,500. Get the full fine arts details for Indiana University Bloomington

16

Loyola University Chicago placed #16 among the best fine arts schools. Loyola University Chicago is a large private not-for-profit school located in the city of Chicago. About 75% of students finish within six years. About 11 fine arts degrees were awarded at Loyola University Chicago in the most recent year. Students who receive their fine arts degree from Loyola University Chicago earn around $58,568 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,521. See the full fine arts program report for Loyola University Chicago

17

The University Of Texas At Austin ranked #17 on our 2026 list of the best fine arts schools. The University Of Texas At Austin is a very large public school located in the city of Austin. The six-year graduation rate is 89%. About 72 fine arts degrees were awarded at The University Of Texas At Austin in the most recent year. Students who receive their fine arts degree from The University Of Texas At Austin earn around $25,927 in the first couple years of their career. The University Of Texas At Austin graduates carry a median of $24,057 in student loans. More information about a degree in fine arts from The University Of Texas At Austin

18

Southern Methodist University placed #18 among the best fine arts schools. This large private not-for-profit university is located in the suburb of Dallas. Southern Methodist University graduates 84% of students within six years. Southern Methodist University awarded about 17 fine arts degrees in the most recent data year. Students who receive their fine arts degree from Southern Methodist University earn around $38,154 in the first couple years of their career. Students borrow a median of $20,712 to complete this degree. See the full fine arts program report for Southern Methodist University

19
Hamilton College crest
Hamilton College
Clinton, NY

Hamilton College came in at #19 for fine arts this year. Set in the suburb of Clinton, Hamilton College is a mid-sized private not-for-profit institution. The six-year graduation rate is 91%. About 12 fine arts degrees were awarded at Hamilton College in the most recent year. Students who receive their fine arts degree from Hamilton College earn around $48,806 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $16,131. See the full fine arts program report for Hamilton College

20

University Of California Davis came in at #20 for fine arts this year. This very large public university is located in the suburb of Davis. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 48 fine arts students who graduated with this degree at University Of California Davis in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from University Of California Davis generally make around $32,741. Students borrow a median of $15,061 to complete this degree. See the full fine arts program report for University Of California Davis

21

University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earned the #21 position for fine arts this year. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus is a very large public school located in the city of Pittsburgh. About 86% of students finish within six years. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus awarded about 13 fine arts degrees in the most recent data year. Fine Arts graduates of University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus earn a median of $26,709 early in their careers. University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus graduates carry a median of $23,477 in student loans. See the full fine arts program report for University Of Pittsburgh Pittsburgh Campus

22
Florida State University crest
Florida State University
Tallahassee, FL

Florida State University came in at #22 for fine arts this year. Florida State University is a very large public school located in the city of Tallahassee. Roughly 86% of students complete a degree within six years here. There were roughly 83 fine arts students who graduated with this degree at Florida State University in the most recent data year. Students who receive their fine arts degree from Florida State University earn around $28,775 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $20,222. See the full fine arts program report for Florida State University

23
Towson University crest
Towson University
Towson, MD

Towson University ranked #23 on our 2026 list of the best fine arts schools. This very large public university is located in the city of Towson. The six-year graduation rate is 70%. There were roughly 72 fine arts students who graduated with this degree at Towson University in the most recent data year. Soon after graduation, fine arts degree recipients from Towson University generally make around $29,958. Towson University graduates carry a median of $17,978 in student loans. More information about a degree in fine arts from Towson University

24

Washington University In St Louis came in at #24 for fine arts this year. Washington University In St Louis is a large private not-for-profit school located in the suburb of St. Louis. The six-year graduation rate is 94%. About 29 fine arts degrees were awarded at Washington University In St Louis in the most recent year. Graduates of the fine arts program make about $68,303 in their early career. Washington University In St Louis graduates carry a median of $17,553 in student loans. More information about a degree in fine arts from Washington University In St Louis

25

University Of Connecticut landed the #25 spot for fine arts this year. Located in the town of Storrs, University Of Connecticut is a very large public university. University Of Connecticut graduates 83% of students within six years. About 49 fine arts degrees were awarded at University Of Connecticut in the most recent year. Students who receive their fine arts degree from University Of Connecticut earn around $24,419 in the first couple years of their career. Typical student debt for the program is $23,750. More information about a degree in fine arts from University Of Connecticut

Rest of the Top 50 Fine Arts Schools

These schools also placed among the best for fine arts this year:

26
27
Marist College crest
Marist College
Poughkeepsie, NY
28
29
30
31
32
University Of Florida crest
University Of Florida
Gainesville, FL
33
Colorado College crest
Colorado College
Colorado Springs, CO
34
35
36
New York University crest
New York University
New York, NY
37
38
University Of Pennsylvania crest
University Of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA
39
40
41
Macalester College crest
Macalester College
Saint Paul, MN
42
St Marys College Of Maryland crest
St Marys College Of Maryland
St. Mary's City, MD
43
44
45
46
47
Purdue University Main Campus crest
Purdue University Main Campus
West Lafayette, IN
48
49
50

Additional Fine Arts Award Winners

The following schools placed in the top tier for fine arts:

Rank School Location
#51 Fashion Institute Of Technology New York, NY
#58 University Of Delaware Newark, DE
#59 American University Washington, DC
#62 University Of Illinois At Urbana Champaign Champaign, IL
#68 San Francisco State University San Francisco, CA
#72 University Of North Texas Denton, TX
#83 Northern Illinois University Dekalb, IL
#98 University Of South Carolina Columbia Columbia, SC
#100 University Of Massachusetts Amherst Amherst, MA
#103 Syracuse University Syracuse, NY
#116 Massachusetts College Of Art And Design Boston, MA
#122 Pratt Institute Main Brooklyn, NY
#124 University Of Oregon Eugene, OR
#136 University Of Cincinnati Main Campus Cincinnati, OH
#168 Columbia College Chicago Chicago, IL
#216 California College Of The Arts San Francisco, CA
#221 School Of The Art Institute Of Chicago Chicago, IL

Honorable Mentions

Also worth considering for fine arts:

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Fine Arts by Region

View the Best Fine Arts Schools for a specific region near you.

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

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View All Rankings >

Explore other rankings in majors related to Fine Arts. See all related rankings.

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Notes and References

The ranking above is published by College Factual (MF_RANKING_2025), 2026 edition. The methodology weighs graduation rate, post-graduation earnings, cost, and program quality, drawn primarily from the U.S. Department of Education (IPEDS and College Scorecard).

Ranking method: College Major Top Ranked · 749 schools evaluated.

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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