Top 10 Art Schools In Cleveland And Fees (2025)
Cleveland, Ohio, isn’t just known for its vibrant music scene and world-class museums — it’s also a rising destination for aspiring artists. From fine arts and design to digital media and art therapy, the city’s institutions offer exceptional training for creative minds. Whether you’re looking for a career in animation, painting, graphic design, or art education, Cleveland provides a diverse range of art programs for all levels and budgets.
In this detailed guide, we’ll explore the Top 10 Art Schools in Cleveland, the programs offered, and their fees, to help you make an informed decision about your artistic future.
Art Schools In Cleveland
1. Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA)
Location: University Circle, Cleveland, OH
The Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA) stands as one of the most prestigious art and design colleges in the Midwest. Founded in 1882, this independent college has produced generations of successful designers, illustrators, and fine artists who have shaped creative industries across the country.
Programs Offered:
- Animation
- Illustration
- Game Design
- Graphic Design
- Industrial Design
- Photography
- Ceramics
- Fiber and Fashion Design
- Biomedical Illustration
- Sculpture and Expanded Media
Tuition and Fees:
Tuition at CIA averages around $46,000 per year, with additional costs for supplies, technology fees, and housing. However, over 95% of students receive financial aid, making it more affordable for aspiring artists.
Why Choose CIA:
CIA is ideal for students who want immersive, studio-based learning and hands-on experience with modern creative tools. Its alumni network and professional partnerships make it the best launching pad for art careers in Cleveland and beyond.
2. Cleveland State University (CSU) – Department of Art and Design
Location: Downtown Cleveland, OH
Cleveland State University (CSU) offers a blend of affordability, creativity, and academic depth. Its College of Arts and Sciences provides art programs that emphasize both conceptual and technical skills, making it a strong choice for students seeking balance between creativity and professional readiness.
Programs Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art
- Graphic Design
- Art History
- Drawing and Painting
- Digital Arts
Tuition and Fees:
For Ohio residents, tuition averages $12,000 per year, while out-of-state students may pay around $18,000–$20,000. CSU also offers scholarships for art majors based on portfolio reviews and GPA.
Why Choose CSU:
Its downtown location provides easy access to galleries, art centers, and exhibitions, giving students exposure to Cleveland’s art scene while earning a respected degree.
3. Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C)
Location: Cleveland, OH
Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) is Cleveland’s most affordable option for students starting their artistic journey. The college offers hands-on training and an Associate of Arts degree designed to transfer seamlessly to four-year universities.
Programs Offered:
- Associate of Arts in Studio and Fine Arts
- Graphic Design and Multimedia
- Drawing and Painting
- Ceramics
- Photography and Digital Imaging
Tuition and Fees:
Tri-C offers unbeatable affordability. In-county tuition averages about $130 per credit hour, making it one of the best value options for aspiring artists.
Why Choose Tri-C:
Perfect for students who want to build a strong foundation or pursue art without the high financial burden. It also provides an excellent transfer pathway to institutions like CIA or CSU.
4. Case Western Reserve University – Department of Art History and Art
Location: University Circle, Cleveland, OH
Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) blends academic excellence with creative exploration. The Department of Art History and Art offers a balance of historical study and studio practice, ideal for students interested in theory, curation, and museum work.
Programs Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Art History
- Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art
- Master’s in Art History and Museum Studies
Tuition and Fees:
Annual tuition at CWRU is approximately $65,000, with comprehensive financial aid packages available.
Why Choose CWRU:
Students benefit from partnerships with institutions like the Cleveland Museum of Art and access to extensive research resources. It’s perfect for those aiming for museum curation, teaching, or art scholarship careers.
5. John Carroll University – Department of Art History and Humanities
Location: University Heights, OH
John Carroll University offers an art program rooted in liberal arts education. Students can pursue creative expression through fine arts and art history while gaining a strong academic background.
Programs Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts
- Studio Art
- Art History
- Interdisciplinary Art and Design Courses
Tuition and Fees:
Tuition at John Carroll University averages $49,000 per year. However, many students benefit from scholarships and financial aid opportunities.
Why Choose John Carroll:
If you’re seeking small class sizes, individualized mentorship, and a liberal arts experience with room for creativity, John Carroll is an excellent fit.
6. Baldwin Wallace University (BW) – Department of Art and Design
Location: Berea, OH (near Cleveland)
Baldwin Wallace University is known for nurturing well-rounded artists who combine technical proficiency with creativity. The university’s art department encourages cross-disciplinary collaboration with music, theatre, and digital media.
Programs Offered:
- Studio Art
- Graphic Design
- Illustration
- Art Education
Tuition and Fees:
Baldwin Wallace’s annual tuition stands at around $38,000, with merit-based scholarships available for outstanding portfolios.
Why Choose BW:
Ideal for students who want to merge art with performance or education. BW’s close community and creative campus atmosphere foster growth and confidence.
7. Ursuline College – Art & Art Therapy Department
Location: Pepper Pike, OH
Ursuline College stands out for its pioneering Art Therapy program, combining psychology and art to prepare students for careers in clinical, educational, and therapeutic settings.
Programs Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Art & Design
- Bachelor of Arts in Art Therapy
- Master’s in Counseling and Art Therapy
Tuition and Fees:
Undergraduate tuition averages around $36,000 per year, with multiple financial aid and scholarship options.
Why Choose Ursuline:
Ursuline is perfect for those who want to use art to heal and empower others. Graduates often pursue careers as art therapists or continue into counseling and psychology fields.
8. Lakeland Community College
Location: Kirtland, OH (Greater Cleveland area)
Lakeland Community College offers an affordable, transfer-friendly route for aspiring artists. With small class sizes and hands-on facilities, it’s an excellent place to develop foundational skills.
Programs Offered:
- Associate Degree in Fine Arts
- Drawing and Painting
- Digital Art and Design
- Sculpture and Ceramics
Tuition and Fees:
In-county students pay about $125 per credit hour, making Lakeland one of the most affordable starting points for an art education.
Why Choose Lakeland:
A great choice for students who want to minimize debt and later transfer to four-year programs such as CIA or Kent State University.
9. Kent State University – School of Art
Location: Kent, OH (40 minutes from Cleveland)
Although slightly outside Cleveland, Kent State University’s School of Art is one of the most respected in Ohio. The program emphasizes innovation, creativity, and professional preparedness.
Programs Offered:
- Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA)
- Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Art Education
- Ceramics, Sculpture, and Painting
- Digital Arts and Graphic Design
- MFA and PhD in Art
Tuition and Fees:
In-state tuition is approximately $12,000 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $22,000. Kent State also provides generous merit scholarships for art majors.
Why Choose Kent State:
Its expansive facilities, international partnerships, and creative community make it a top choice for serious artists seeking professional training and exhibition opportunities.
10. Notre Dame College – Visual Arts Program
Location: South Euclid, OH
Notre Dame College offers a small, supportive environment for developing artistic talent. The college focuses on studio-based education within a liberal arts framework.
Programs Offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art
- Visual Arts and Graphic Design Courses
- Art History
Tuition and Fees:
Average tuition is around $33,000 per year, with various scholarships for both academic and creative excellence.
Why Choose Notre Dame College:
It’s ideal for students looking for personalized attention, small classes, and a nurturing environment to explore their creativity.
How to Choose the Right Art School in Cleveland
Choosing an art school involves more than just comparing tuition fees. Here are a few factors to consider:
- Program Focus:
Look for a school that specializes in your artistic interests — whether that’s animation, art therapy, fine arts, or design. - Accreditation and Faculty:
Ensure the institution is accredited and has experienced professors who are practicing artists or industry professionals. - Facilities and Resources:
Visit campuses and explore their studios, galleries, and digital labs. The Cleveland Institute of Art, for example, has world-class facilities. - Networking Opportunities:
Schools connected to local museums and galleries — such as CWRU or CSU — can provide valuable exhibition and internship opportunities. - Financial Aid and Scholarships:
Always check scholarship availability and compare net costs instead of just sticker prices. Most private art schools offer strong financial aid.
Conclusion
Cleveland offers an inspiring blend of creativity, affordability, and opportunity.
- For the most prestigious, career-focused art degree, choose Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA).
- For affordability and flexibility, start at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) or Lakeland Community College.
- For academic depth and museum connections, go with Case Western Reserve University.
- And if you’re passionate about helping others through art, Ursuline College is unmatched in art therapy.
No matter your artistic path, Cleveland’s art schools provide the training, community, and inspiration needed to turn your creativity into a career.