If you are passionate about the arts and you are looking for a college that can help you hone your skills, you are in the right place. Pursuing a career in the arts can be an incredibly fulfilling and rewarding endeavor. However, choosing the right college can make all the difference in launching a successful career in the creative industry.
There are numerous colleges around the world that offer comprehensive art programs, catering to a variety of interests and skill levels. From prestigious art schools like the Royal College of Art in London to traditional universities with strong art programs such as Yale University in the United States, the opportunities for students are diverse and endless. So, where should you begin your search for the perfect art college? In this article, we will explore some of the best art schools in the world, their admission requirements, programs, and features, to help you identify your ideal college.
Royal College of Art
Located in London, the Royal College of Art (RCA) is widely regarded as one of the top art schools in the world, known for producing successful graduates in various fields of art and design. Founded in 1837, RCA has nurtured the talents of world-renowned artists, such as David Hockney and Tracey Emin. The art college is home to several departments, including fine art, design, communication, and humanities. The RCA offers postgraduate and doctoral programs in various fields, with an emphasis on creativity, innovation, and research.
The admission process at RCA is highly competitive, and the requirements for each program vary. However, applicants are required to submit a portfolio of their recent work, a personal statement, and a resume, among other things. The tuition fee for international students is around £33,000 ($46000) per year, with various scholarship opportunities available.
Best Art Schools in the United States
If you are looking for the best art schools in the United States, there are numerous options available. According to the U.S. News and World Report 2022 rankings, the top five undergraduate art programs in the United States are:
- Rhode Island School of Design
- Yale University
- School of the Art Institute of Chicago
- California Institute of the Arts
- Maryland Institute College of Art
These top art schools have a reputation for producing successful graduates who excel in fields such as fine art, graphic design, animation, and other creative industries. Moreover, their programs range from mixing theory and practice to an emphasis on interdisciplinary studies.
These colleges have rigorous admission requirements with an emphasis on portfolio submissions and standardized testing such as the SAT or ACT. Tuition fees range between $50,000 and $75,000 per year for international students, with several scholarship opportunities available.
Is It Better to Go to Art School or College?
One of the biggest debates in the creative industry is whether artists should attend art school or a traditional college. The answer is not straightforward, as it ultimately depends on an individual’s goals, interests, and career path.
Art school offers a more focused curriculum, with an emphasis on developing technical skills and creative approaches specific to the industry and the field. While colleges offer a diverse range of academic courses, general education requirements, with less of a focus on art and less flexibility concerning program customization. On the other hand, art school graduates may be skilled in the studio but may lack critical thinking, analytical, and communication skills that are essential in many modern workplace settings.
At the end of the day, it is essential to evaluate an individual’s aspirations, interests, and goals before deciding on whether to attend an art school or college.
Other Top Colleges with Strong Art Programs
While art schools like the Royal College of Art and Rhode Island School of Design have established themselves as the top players in the game, many traditional universities worldwide have strong art programs that should not be overlooked, also providing an advantage of a diverse education and degree opportunities.
Harvard University, for instance, tops the list, according to QS World University Rankings by Subject 2021 for Art and Design, followed by the University of Oxford and the University of Cambridge in the UK. Among non-art schools that have excellent arts programs include New York University, Boston University, and the University of California, Los Angeles.
The existence of a strong art program at these non-art schools provides additional benefits to students with core curriculum classes outside of their chosen field and widens the opportunity to explore other related fields of interest.
What GPA Do You Need to Get into Art College?
At the risk of sounding too cliché, there is no magic number when it comes to admission requirements for art schools. Each college has its own minimum required score and requires prospective students to have an impressive portfolio of their art pieces with exceptional creative skills.
However, a good GPA and standardized test scores, such as the SAT or ACT, enhance an applicant’s chances of being admitted, especially for non-US students who must demonstrate excellent academic and English language skills.
Is Art Worth Going to College For?
The value of an arts degree cannot be measured in monetary terms, but it offers a range of benefits to an individual’s overall personal and professional life.
Despite the myth that an arts degree is less profitable than other careers, art and design students continue to find jobs and opportunities in the creative industry. Art college opens up numerous career opportunities in fields like advertising, graphic design, fashion, animation, and game design, among others. These graduates are also highly regarded for the critical thinking, analytical and communication skills that they develop during their studies.
In conclusion, the choice of an art school or college requires extensive research, evaluation and depends on an individual’s career interests and goals. However, attending a high-quality art school ensures students get a comprehensive education, develop excellent skills, and establish connections that will benefit them throughout their professional journey.