2024 Best Colleges for Art in America

• New Haven, CT•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.02 out of 5  1,050 reviews

Freshman: As someone who came from a low-income community and attended an underfunded high school, Yale is a dream come true. There are a plethora of resources for students with backgrounds like me, along with resources for the general student population. I like that Yale provides peer tutors for most STEM classes and writing tutors within the residential colleges (Hogwarts Houses) and the library's writing center. Additionally, the professors I've had thus far are wonderful and extremely helpful. They seem like they genuinely want their students to thrive and are willing to take some of their own time to help them. The student community at Yale is amazing and diverse. There is an astounding amount of clubs and activities for students to join, and I'm grateful for the many options I have. The housing at Yale can be hit-or-miss, especially when comparing the new residential colleges with the older ones. However, Yale's residential college system fosters a welcoming and tight-knit community.... Read 1,050 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 5%

• Net price $20,605

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Houston, TX•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.09 out of 5  1,121 reviews

Graduate Student: Going to Rice University to attend the Shepherd School of Music at a graduate level is an experience separate from the rest of Rice. The Opera Department at Rice University has been one of the best programs in the United States producing incredible singers in the industry for a while now. Financial aid has been decreasing from full rides to having to pay a couple of thousands to attend +fees for a Master of Music. It is case by case, however. Pros: BEAUTIFUL theater that is incredible to sing in, program's very YAP reminiscent (in good and bad ways), world-class faculty, great networking opportunity, masterclasses/private audition opportunities Cons: your soul/free-time belongs to the Opera Department; if a release conflicts with the opera schedule, tough luck; there have been many issues with casting opportunities/favoritism; if you're a person of color, be prepared to be a token on all promo material; TOO many irrelevant time-consuming academics; having a car is a MUST in Houston... Read 1,121 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $18,521

• SAT range 1490-1570

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  98 reviews

Freshman: The classes are very thorough and the professors are industry professionals. It is a small school with a tight community. Most freshman are given dorms, but upperclassmen need to find other living situations. The dorms are apartment style with kitchens.... Read 98 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 15%

• Net price $20,757

• SAT range 1330-1500

• Stanford, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.1 out of 5  1,280 reviews

Sophomore: My experience at Stanford University was incredibly enriching and transformative. The academic rigor challenged me to push my boundaries and think critically in diverse fields of study. The vibrant campus culture fostered deep connections with peers and faculty, sparking countless engaging discussions and collaborations. The resources and opportunities available, from research initiatives to extracurricular activities, were unparalleled, allowing me to pursue my interests and passions fully. However, I believe there's room for improvement in terms of diversity and inclusion efforts, ensuring that all students feel equally supported and represented within the Stanford community. Additionally, enhancing accessibility to resources for students from various socioeconomic backgrounds would further enrich the university experience for all.... Read 1,280 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $14,402

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Cambridge, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.15 out of 5  848 reviews

Alum: Attending Harvard College was transformative. The housing system fostered a strong sense of community, facilitating academic support and social interaction. The rigorous academics, led by renowned faculty, challenged me to think critically and pursue my interests. Harvard's commitment to diversity enriched my experience, and the vibrant location in Cambridge provided endless opportunities for exploration and growth. Harvard College offered an unparalleled experience that has left an indelible mark on my life.... Read 848 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 4%

• Net price $13,910

• SAT range 1480-1580

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  355 reviews

Junior: Overall I am grateful for my time at RISD so far. I am enrolled as an undergrad architecture student which often feels like a separate school from the rest of the majors, but In general, the architecture professors are very knowledgeable and are active practicing architects/engineers. It may not be worth coming to RISD due to one's financial situation, but if you do end up attending, the best part of RISD is constantly being surrounded by creative people who care about their work and care to hear about you and what you make.... Read 355 reviews

• grade A minus

• Acceptance rate 19%

• Net price $38,234

• SAT range 1310-1480

• Philadelphia, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.9 out of 5  1,358 reviews

Freshman: It's important to acknowledge that college experiences vary greatly from person to person, and while some may face challenges or difficulties, others may find their time in college to be transformative and rewarding. Instead of focusing on the negatives, perhaps you could consider exploring constructive criticism or discussing specific areas for improvement in the college experience. This approach allows for a more balanced and productive discussion that can lead to positive changes and improvements in the education system. If you have specific concerns about your college experience, it might be helpful to address them directly with the appropriate channels within your institution or seek support from counselors or advisors. Remember, challenges are a natural part of any educational journey, and there are often resources available to help navigate them.... Read 1,358 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $14,578

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Williamstown, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.85 out of 5  316 reviews

Sophomore: This is a charming, safe space to get away from everything. There is nature everywhere you look, and there are SO MANY resources for when you're struggling. Because it's so small, it's an extremely safe school, and you don't have to worry about your possessions disappearing if you leave them somewhere. However, the size also means that there aren't a lot of crazy events with LOTS of people (this can be comforting but sometimes isolating). Most people have cars, though, so even if you don't have one, some of your friends are bound to, and going on trips over the weekend is a common pastime and super fun. Returning to your safe little home after is so lovely, and you can get the best of both worlds. Winter is tough because of the cold and seasonal depression but that happens everywhere in New England. If you can't afford to go somewhere warm over breaks, Williams gives students who receive financial aid like 900 dollars a semester (not necessarily enough for all needs, but it's sweet).... Read 316 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $14,487

• SAT range 1410-1550

• Ann Arbor, MI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.96 out of 5  4,709 reviews

Sophomore: The University of Michigan takes a lot of pride in calling itself the best university in the world, but while finishing up my sophomore year I could not agree more. There is such a healthy balance between challenging courses that make students competitive prospects in their next step in life and opportunities to destress and enjoy the "best years of our lives", from watching our football team win the national championship to simply receiving free treats around campus from staff. From my personal experience, I cannot offer any suggestions for change for this amazing university! I have met some of the most kindhearted and motivated people in friends and professors while here and I cannot imagine attending another college.... Read 4,709 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 20%

• Net price $19,205

• SAT range 1340-1520

• Providence, RI•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  1,081 reviews

Freshman: Attending Brown University was an enriching and transformative experience. I cherished the vibrant community that fostered intellectual curiosity and diversity. The open curriculum allowed me to explore a wide range of subjects, fostering interdisciplinary connections and personal growth. The faculty were not only experts in their fields but also approachable mentors who genuinely cared about students' academic and personal development. I appreciated the emphasis on critical thinking and the encouragement to question assumptions. However, I would suggest enhancing resources for mental health support and increasing accessibility to financial aid for students from underprivileged backgrounds. Overall, Brown provided a nurturing environment that empowered me to thrive academically and personally.... Read 1,081 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $25,028

• SAT range 1460-1570

• Medford, MA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,073 reviews

Freshman: Tufts is an excellent school with lots of freedom to explore your passions. The professors are excellent and care about each student individually. There are lots of clubs to choose from and people are always welcoming. The campus vibe is very nice and laid back generally. Everyone is very passionate about some subject which is inspiring to be around. The dining halls are not amazing but Kindelvan and the other cafes are very convenient. Some of the activities can be hard to join as freshmen because it can be competitive but gets easier to get involved in later years. The dorms are not fancy but they certainly aren’t bad in general. People are quirky and a little nerdy but it keeps it interesting. In my experience, financial aid is also one of the best available. Overall I highly recommend going to Tufts!... Read 1,073 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $31,630

• SAT range 1440-1550

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  4,038 reviews

Freshman: I like the diverse, really friendly community, thoughtful curriculum, experienced teachers, and good campus life. I feel that the community is supportive and that I have many avenues to learn, change and grow here. The people are really nice! What I would like to see changed is a better work environment for the students and staff, more mediated spaces for discussions on difficult topics, and a better-organized structure for knowing what opportunities I have to contribute to the community or make the most of my educational experience.... Read 4,038 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $26,021

• SAT range 1410-1540

• Hanover, NH•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.88 out of 5  745 reviews

Freshman: Great school! Not super diverse, but it’s easy to find your people. Profs are for the most part amazing and super inspirational. Definitely less competitive than the other Ivies. I have truly had the best time here and gotten to come out of my shell.... Read 745 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $24,078

• SAT range 1440-1560

• Los Angeles, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.98 out of 5  5,585 reviews

Alum: As with any college, the experience is what you make of it. UCLA just presents a lot of diversity in terms of the experiences that you can have. You can get your party fix in on Thursdays at frat row, kickbacks through cultural or professional organizations, or even a warehouse rave in the Arts District. Academically, there are plenty of opportunities for research and internships. It can be difficult to get into certain classes until you are in your 3rd or 4th year, though. Living on campus is really helpful for finding friends and the food is definitely a blow-out compared to other schools I've visited. Only downside is that housing in general is expensive due to the area, so you'll likely be sharing a room and living on a budget!... Read 5,585 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 11%

• Net price $13,393

• SAT range —

• Saint Louis, MO•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  1,572 reviews

Sophomore: I am a sophomore at WashU. The depth of the education and the number of opportunities (if you seek them) can be life-changing. The business school is super good at hosting recruitment events if your interested in business careers, and the academics ARE HARD -- You will do a lot of work. CS department could be stronger; premed/ bio/chem/pre-law deps / olin are excellent. The undergraduate student body is tight-knit and mostly extremely friendly. People are very smart but not obnoxious or entitled. Campus life is great because many of the undergrads (freshmen, sophomores, and some juniors) live on campus. The housing is excellent, and many students have kitchens on campus. St Louis is certainly not a luxury city (i.e. NY or LA) but does have good restaurants (DRIVE NOT WALK AWAY) and a cheap cost of living (concerts are usually way cheaper). It is way better than being in the woods, but not the bestest place. The school has partially impeded on the fun with their attack on greek life.... Read 1,572 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $28,298

• SAT range 1490-1570

• Durham, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  1,206 reviews

Junior: Duke is an amazing place to go to college! I have loved every minute here as CS major -- the classes are challenging, professors are engaging and available, the campus is beautiful, and the people are incredibly smart and down-to-earth. I chose Duke over some other great schools and I can't recommend it enough!... Read 1,206 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 6%

• Net price $27,297

• SAT range 1470-1570

• New York, NY•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.76 out of 5  5,735 reviews

Other: New York University (NYU) is more than just an educational institution; it's an immersive journey through academic excellence, cultural diversity, and urban vibrancy. As a recent graduate, I can confidently affirm that NYU offers an unparalleled experience that transcends the traditional boundaries of higher education. One of the most striking aspects of NYU is its location. Situated in the heart of Manhattan, the campus seamlessly blends into the bustling rhythm of New York City. From the iconic Washington Square Park to the countless cultural landmarks just a stone's throw away, NYU provides students with unparalleled access to the pulse of the city.... Read 5,735 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 13%

• Net price $50,991

• SAT range 1450-1570

• Pittsburgh, PA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.71 out of 5  1,481 reviews

Freshman: Carnegie Mellon University suits those who believe in working hard, working hard, and playing hard occasionally. The academics are demanding and challenging, which ultimately creates dedicated, disciplined students, or burnout. Many people require some kind of passion to be here, as it takes passion to get through the intense workload. On the surface, the social life at CMU seems pretty dead. However, after actively looking for clubs, organizations, and student groups, I found there are a lot of opportunities to be part of communities that are passionate and welcoming. I also love that CMU is very invested in their student's success: it is easy to get help from academic advisors, pursue research positions, and take interesting opportunities to get your education outside the classroom. Overall, I am very proud and happy that I came here :).... Read 1,481 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 14%

• Net price $37,450

• SAT range 1480-1560

• Evanston, IL•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  1,491 reviews

Alum: Northwestern has an incredible network of professors who are preforming cutting-edge work in all their fields. Impressively, after an entire undergrad career there is only one professor who I would name as not a good professor, and that review is simply isolated to their teaching ability, not their subject knowledge. The learning support system is also extensive, and students are incredibly supportive as well. There is a culture of enabling yourself and those around you to reach new heights. While all the academics and research are amazing, I would say Northwestern needs to work on its accessibility to mental healthcare and ties to the greater Chicagoland community. There could be many more community outreach programs designed to benefit the diverse and interesting Chicago population, from academics to student life.... Read 1,491 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $29,999

• SAT range 1470-1570

• Washington, DC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.8 out of 5  1,276 reviews

Freshman: Amazing campus, beautiful area surrounding campus with lots of connections to history! GU boasts a strong reputation for academic rigor and excellence across various disciplines, including law, business, international relations, and public policy. Situated in Washington, D.C., Georgetown benefits from its proximity to numerous government agencies, international organizations, and cultural institutions, offering unparalleled opportunities for internships, research, and networking. I love the diverse and inclusive community, attracting students and faculty worldwide. Diversity enriches the cross-cultural understanding. Georgetown has a vast and influential alumni network, providing students with valuable connections and opportunities for mentorship and career advancement. Rooted in its Jesuit tradition, Georgetown emphasizes the importance of ethical leadership and service to others, instilling in students a sense of responsibility and commitment to making a positive impact on society.... Read 1,276 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 12%

• Net price $23,049

• SAT range 1410-1550

• Brunswick, ME•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.11 out of 5  727 reviews

Alum: Amazing food, great dorms, and professors that changed my whole perspective on life. I got very sick of the institutional bureaucracy but that might have been true at any college I went to. Other students of color -- be very aware that this is a PWI in a major way, it can be VERY isolating and disheartening. If you go here, I encourage you to ask for support and hold your people close. They have a lot of funding opportunities for research projects and individual interest projects. Take advantage of their huge endowment and apply for grants to do things you're interested in! Hang in there y'all... Read 727 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 9%

• Net price $26,727

• SAT range 1360-1510

• Valencia, CA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.87 out of 5  289 reviews

Freshman: Enrollment has been great, admissions office has been super helpful. Amazing experience so far! The courses are condensed and they offer certifications!... Read 289 reviews

• grade B

• Acceptance rate 29%

• Net price $53,916

• SAT range —

• Charlottesville, VA•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.92 out of 5  2,411 reviews

Senior: I grew to love the University of Virginia. I moved to Charlottesville during the pandemic, so I was not aware of the little "traditions" that UVA has - and more I learned about our school and traditions, I grew to like it. Visiting local Bodo's and getting number 1, visiting Carter's Mountain sunset series, partying and studying hard - all these experiences made my memories throughout my four years of UVA and two more to go!... Read 2,411 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 21%

• Net price $20,401

• SAT range 1380-1500

• Nashville, TN•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 4.01 out of 5  1,346 reviews

Graduate Student: My time at Vanderbilt University was truly enriching. The academic atmosphere fostered a culture of excellence and intellectual curiosity that I found invigorating. The professors were not only knowledgeable but also deeply invested in the success of their students, providing invaluable mentorship and guidance. The campus itself is beautiful, with a vibrant campus life offering countless opportunities for personal and professional growth. I particularly enjoyed the plethora of extracurricular activities available, from student clubs to research initiatives. What stood out to me was Vanderbilt's commitment to diversity and inclusion, creating a welcoming environment for students from all walks of life. However, one area that could be improved is the accessibility of certain resources, especially for students from underprivileged backgrounds. Enhancing financial aid and support services for these students would further enhance the University.... Read 1,346 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 7%

• Net price $27,553

• SAT range 1480-1570

• Davidson, NC•

• 4 Year

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  345 reviews

Junior: I’m a junior at Davidson, and I still have absolutely no regret about my decision years later. The campus is stunning and located in a beautiful, quaint town. It is not too far outside of Huntersville, Mooresville, and Cornelius, which all have a lot to do. The food options are great for a small school. We have create own pizza, sushi, hot dog stations, pho, smoothies, burritos, etc. Our campus cafe (Summit) is also incredible with breakfast options and iced coffees. The freshman dorm quality varies but upperclassmen dorms are top notch. D1 sports (esp basketball scene) is hard to come by at a small school. The career services are unmatched. When applying for internships, I feel I always have an advantage just because of all our seminars, workshops, and on-site cover letter and resume editing. Most of all, the PEOPLE and the professors and so flexible and always willing to help. I don’t find that Davidson is competitive. Most professors will prioritize your mental health. COME! :)... Read 345 reviews

• grade A+

• Acceptance rate 18%

• Net price $25,794

• SAT range 1300-1460