If you’re passionate about creativity, design, and visual storytelling, Georgia is one of the best states to pursue your dreams. From world-renowned institutions like the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) to prestigious public programs like the University of Georgia’s Lamar Dodd School of Art, the Peach State offers a wealth of opportunities for artists, designers, and visionaries alike.
In this blog post, we explore the top 20 art schools in Georgia, detailing their programs offered and fees to help you choose the right creative path.
Top 20 Art Schools In Georgia And Fees
1. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – Savannah & Atlanta
The Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) is arguably the most famous art school in Georgia and one of the best in the nation. With campuses in Savannah, Atlanta, and even abroad, SCAD provides world-class facilities, industry partnerships, and a hands-on approach that equips students for creative careers.
Programs Offered: BFA, MFA, and MA programs in Animation, Film, Graphic Design, Fashion, Illustration, Photography, Industrial Design, and more.
Fees: Annual tuition is approximately $42,000, with the total yearly cost (including housing and fees) reaching around $60,000–$65,000.
2. University of Georgia – Lamar Dodd School of Art (Athens)
The Lamar Dodd School of Art at the University of Georgia (UGA) is one of the most respected public art programs in the Southeast. It offers state-of-the-art facilities and encourages interdisciplinary learning across the arts and humanities.
Programs Offered: BFA in Studio Art (Painting, Ceramics, Sculpture, Photography, Graphic Design), BA in Art History, MFA in Studio Art, MA/PhD in Art Education and Art History.
Fees: In-state tuition for undergraduates typically falls between $10,000–$12,000 annually, while out-of-state students pay around $30,000. Georgia residents can further lower costs through the HOPE or Zell Miller scholarships.
3. Kennesaw State University – School of Art & Design (Kennesaw)
The School of Art and Design at Kennesaw State University (KSU) combines innovation with professional readiness. Its programs focus on digital arts, studio practice, and education, preparing students for modern creative industries.
Programs Offered: BFA and BA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art Education; Bachelor of Design in Illustration and Animation.
Fees: In-state tuition averages $7,500–$9,000 per year; out-of-state students pay about $17,000–$18,000.
4. Columbus State University – Department of Art & Design (Columbus)
Located near the Georgia–Alabama border, Columbus State offers intimate class sizes, access to professional galleries, and a vibrant creative community.
Programs Offered: BFA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Art Education; MFA in Studio Art.
Fees: In-state students pay approximately $6,000–$7,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition averages $16,000.
5. Georgia State University – Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design (Atlanta)
Situated in the heart of downtown Atlanta, Georgia State University’s Welch School provides endless networking and internship opportunities in one of the South’s busiest creative hubs.
Programs Offered: BFA in Studio Art, Drawing, Graphic Design, Textiles, Ceramics, Photography, and Printmaking; MFA and MA programs.
Fees: In-state tuition averages $10,000–$11,000 per year; out-of-state tuition is roughly $27,000.
6. Mercer University – College of Visual & Performing Arts (Macon)
Mercer combines a liberal arts foundation with professional art training, ensuring students get both creativity and critical thinking skills.
Programs Offered: BA and BFA in Visual Art, Graphic Design, Photography, and Art Education.
Fees: As a private institution, tuition is around $41,000 annually, excluding housing and materials.
7. Georgia Southern University – Betty Foy Sanders Department of Art (Statesboro)
Georgia Southern’s art department emphasizes experimentation and hands-on training in digital design and traditional art techniques.
Programs Offered: BFA and BA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art Education; MFA programs in Visual Arts.
Fees: In-state tuition costs roughly $8,000–$9,000 annually; out-of-state tuition is approximately $20,000.
8. University of West Georgia – Department of Art (Carrollton)
This program is perfect for students seeking a personalized art education experience in a smaller campus setting.
Programs Offered: BA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art Education certifications.
Fees: In-state students pay about $7,000–$8,000 annually; out-of-state students pay around $16,000.
9. Valdosta State University – Department of Art & Design (Valdosta)
Located near the Florida border, Valdosta State combines affordability with quality. It offers practical and professional training for studio artists and designers.
Programs Offered: BFA and BA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Interior Design, and Art Education.
Fees: Annual in-state tuition averages $7,000; out-of-state students pay around $17,000.
10. University of North Georgia – School of Visual Arts (Dahlonega)
UNG’s School of Visual Arts offers excellent programs with flexible learning options, making it ideal for aspiring artists in northern Georgia.
Programs Offered: BA and BFA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Photography, and Art Education.
Fees: In-state tuition is approximately $7,000–$8,000 annually; out-of-state students pay about $16,000.
11. Agnes Scott College – Department of Visual Arts (Decatur)
A small, private liberal arts college, Agnes Scott provides an intimate learning environment where students explore visual arts from traditional to digital mediums.
Programs Offered: BA in Visual Arts with concentrations in Studio Art, Digital Media, and Art History.
Fees: Annual tuition is approximately $47,000, with generous financial aid opportunities.
12. Emory University – Visual Arts Program (Atlanta)
Emory offers a unique art program that blends creative expression with research and liberal arts. It’s ideal for students who want to merge fine art with cultural studies.
Programs Offered: BA in Visual Arts, with concentrations in Studio Practice, Photography, and Interdisciplinary Media.
Fees: Tuition is approximately $60,000 per year, though need-based aid can substantially reduce costs.
13. Spelman College – Department of Art (Atlanta)
Spelman College, one of the nation’s top HBCUs, nurtures women artists with a strong focus on community engagement, African-American art, and cultural expression.
Programs Offered: BA in Art with concentrations in Studio Practice, Art History, and Curatorial Studies.
Fees: Annual tuition stands at $28,000–$30,000, with scholarships and aid available.
14. Morehouse College – Visual & Performing Arts Department (Atlanta)
Morehouse’s Visual & Performing Arts Department focuses on developing artistic talent alongside leadership and cultural awareness.
Programs Offered: BA in Visual Arts, Digital Media, Photography, and Graphic Design.
Fees: Tuition is approximately $29,000–$31,000 per year.
15. Oglethorpe University – Studio Art Department (Brookhaven)
Oglethorpe provides personalized mentorship, small class sizes, and a creative environment ideal for emerging artists in the Atlanta area.
Programs Offered: BA in Studio Art and Art History, plus minors in Design and Photography.
Fees: Annual tuition is roughly $42,000, excluding housing and materials.
16. Clayton State University – Department of Visual and Performing Arts (Morrow)
Clayton State’s art department provides a solid foundation in studio art and design, preparing students for both teaching and professional practice.
Programs Offered: BA in Visual Arts, Graphic Design, and Art Education.
Fees: In-state tuition averages $6,000–$7,000 per year; out-of-state students pay about $16,000.
17. Reinhardt University – Art Department (Waleska)
A small private college in northern Georgia, Reinhardt’s art program encourages students to explore creative disciplines in a close-knit learning community.
Programs Offered: BA in Art with concentrations in Painting, Drawing, and Digital Design.
Fees: Tuition averages $27,000 annually, with scholarships available.
18. Fort Valley State University – Department of Fine Arts (Fort Valley)
An HBCU rich in tradition, Fort Valley State offers quality art education with an emphasis on cultural identity and creative freedom.
Programs Offered: BA in Art, Graphic Design, and Art Education.
Fees: In-state tuition costs about $6,000–$7,000 annually; out-of-state tuition is around $16,000.
19. Georgia Highlands College – Visual Arts Pathway (Rome & Cartersville)
Georgia Highlands is an excellent starting point for aspiring artists who plan to transfer to four-year programs later. It offers affordable, foundational art courses.
Programs Offered: Associate of Arts in Studio Art and Design Foundations.
Fees: One of the most affordable in the state, with annual tuition around $3,500–$5,000 for in-state students.
20. Chattahoochee Technical College – Visual Communications (Marietta)
This technical college focuses on hands-on, industry-driven programs that equip students with skills for immediate employment or transfer.
Programs Offered: Associate Degrees and Certificates in Graphic Design, Animation, and Visual Communications.
Fees: Annual tuition typically falls between $3,000–$6,000, depending on the program length.
Understanding Tuition and Financial Aid
- Public vs. Private: Public universities (like UGA or Kennesaw) are significantly more affordable for in-state students than private institutions like SCAD or Emory.
- Scholarships: Georgia’s HOPE and Zell Miller Scholarships can reduce tuition by thousands for qualifying residents.
- Art Scholarships: Many schools offer art-specific scholarships for portfolios, academic merit, or financial need.
- Start Small: Beginning at a community college such as Georgia Highlands or Chattahoochee Tech can drastically reduce your cost before transferring to a four-year art program.
How to Choose the Right Art School in Georgia
When comparing art schools, consider these factors:
- Program Focus: Choose a school that aligns with your interests — animation, fine arts, design, or education.
- Portfolio Requirements: Most art programs require a portfolio. Spend time curating your best work.
- Location: Atlanta-based schools offer proximity to creative industries; smaller cities like Athens and Savannah provide a quieter, more immersive environment.
- Career Services: Check each school’s internship opportunities and job placement support.
- Cost and Aid: Always check current tuition on official websites, as fees can change yearly.
Conclusion
Whether you dream of becoming a painter, digital designer, fashion illustrator, or filmmaker, Georgia’s art schools offer paths to turn your passion into a career. The state’s blend of creative energy, affordable options, and vibrant cultural communities make it an ideal place for aspiring artists.
From SCAD’s global prestige to UGA’s comprehensive fine arts training and Kennesaw’s modern design programs, every student can find a school that fits their goals and budget.
So, if you’re ready to shape the future with your creativity — start exploring these top art schools in Georgia today!