Atlanta, Georgia, has long been known as the cultural heartbeat of the South. From its thriving film industry to its galleries, music scene, and design hubs, Atlanta has become one of the best U.S. cities for aspiring artists. Whether you are interested in fine arts, graphic design, film production, or fashion, Atlanta offers a wide range of highly regarded art schools.

If you’re considering pursuing art education in Atlanta, this guide will help you discover the top art schools in Atlanta and their fees. We’ll break down the programs they offer, tuition costs, admission details, and what makes each school unique.

Top Art Schools In Atlanta And Fees

1. Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) – Atlanta Campus

When it comes to art education in Atlanta, SCAD Atlanta is one of the most prestigious names. Established as an extension of the original Savannah campus, SCAD Atlanta has become a powerhouse for creative learning, offering programs in fine arts, graphic design, film, animation, fashion, and much more.

The campus boasts industry-level studios, galleries, and design labs. Students benefit from professional exposure, with SCAD hosting numerous exhibitions, career fairs, and its famous SCADstyle and SCAD FASH Museum of Fashion + Film events. The school also has strong links with Atlanta’s growing film and entertainment industry, providing students with practical opportunities and internships.

Programs Offered:

• Fine Arts
• Animation and Visual Effects
• Fashion Design
• Graphic Design
• Film and Television
• Photography
• Illustration

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate tuition: Around $39,000 – $42,000 per year
• Graduate tuition: Approximately $38,000 – $40,000 per year
• Additional costs: Housing ($10,000 – $12,000 per year), supplies, and studio fees

SCAD is ideal for students who want both artistic training and professional exposure in one of the fastest-growing creative markets in the U.S.

2. Georgia State University – Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design

Located in downtown Atlanta, the Ernest G. Welch School of Art & Design at Georgia State University (GSU) is another top choice. This public university offers a wide range of art programs while being more affordable compared to private institutions like SCAD.

The Welch School is well known for its commitment to blending traditional art education with modern technology. It houses professional-grade studios for ceramics, photography, digital design, and printmaking. The school also organizes exhibitions and student showcases, giving learners the chance to build portfolios while gaining real-world exposure.

Programs Offered:

• Fine Arts (Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Printmaking)
• Interior Design
• Graphic Design
• Digital Arts
• Photography
• Art History

Tuition Fees:

• Georgia residents: Around $9,500 – $11,000 per year (undergraduate)
• Out-of-state students: About $24,000 – $26,000 per year
• Graduate programs: $8,000 – $10,000 (in-state), $22,000 – $24,000 (out-of-state)

Georgia State University is best for students seeking high-quality art education at a lower cost while still benefiting from Atlanta’s creative ecosystem.

3. Emory University – Department of Art History & Visual Arts

Though known globally for its strong academics in medicine, law, and business, Emory University also provides a distinguished Art History & Visual Arts Department. Emory focuses heavily on fine arts and art history, making it a top choice for students who want to blend creative practice with critical analysis.

The program offers access to the Michael C. Carlos Museum, which holds one of the Southeast’s most impressive art collections. Students can also participate in global exchange programs, internships, and research opportunities. Emory’s art curriculum is designed for students who want to merge theory, practice, and interdisciplinary study.

Programs Offered:

• Art History
• Studio Arts (Painting, Drawing, Sculpture)
• Visual Arts with digital media components
• Interdisciplinary Arts & Sciences

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate tuition: About $59,000 per year
• Graduate tuition: Varies by program but generally $35,000 – $45,000 per year
• Additional fees: Housing, studio supplies, and course-related costs

Emory is ideal for students who want a liberal arts experience with a strong focus on critical thinking, research, and creativity.

4. The Art Institute of Atlanta

For students looking for a career-focused art education, The Art Institute of Atlanta offers programs tailored to design, media arts, fashion, and culinary arts. While part of a nationwide network, the Atlanta campus stands out because of its location in one of the fastest-growing creative hubs in the country.

The school emphasizes hands-on training, with students often working on real-world projects for local businesses, creative agencies, and production companies. The curriculum is structured around preparing graduates for immediate entry into creative industries, making it popular among those who want a more practical and employment-oriented education.

Programs Offered:

• Fashion Design & Fashion Marketing
• Graphic & Web Design
• Photography
• Media Arts & Animation
• Culinary Arts (creative branch)

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate tuition: Around $19,000 – $22,000 per year
• Graduate tuition: Approximately $20,000 – $25,000 per year
• Additional costs: Studio fees, technology fees, and supplies

The Art Institute of Atlanta is best suited for students who want a direct path into the creative workforce without necessarily pursuing traditional fine arts.

5. Clark Atlanta University – Department of Art

As part of Atlanta’s Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs), Clark Atlanta University provides a strong sense of cultural identity alongside art education. The university’s Department of Art has historically been influential in African American art, particularly in visual arts and design.

The program emphasizes not only technical skills but also cultural awareness and community engagement. Students often participate in exhibitions, public art projects, and collaborations with Atlanta’s vibrant arts scene. Clark Atlanta also has connections with institutions like the High Museum of Art, giving students opportunities to showcase their work and network with professionals.

Programs Offered:

• Fine Arts (Drawing, Painting, Sculpture)
• Graphic Design
• Digital Arts
• Art History

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate tuition: Around $24,000 – $26,000 per year
• Graduate tuition: $20,000 – $22,000 per year
• Additional costs: Housing, books, and art supplies

Clark Atlanta University is a strong choice for students seeking to combine art education with cultural and historical richness.

6. Spelman College – Department of Art & Visual Culture

Another prominent HBCU in Atlanta, Spelman College is renowned not only for academic excellence but also for nurturing African American women in the arts. The Department of Art & Visual Culture at Spelman emphasizes creativity, cultural identity, and critical engagement with global art movements.

Spelman students benefit from strong mentorship, small class sizes, and collaborations with Atlanta’s major art institutions. The college often hosts exhibitions, guest lectures, and workshops, exposing students to contemporary issues in art and design.

Programs Offered:

• Studio Art
• Photography
• Digital Media
• Art History & Curatorial Studies

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate tuition: About $32,000 – $35,000 per year
• Additional costs: Housing ($12,000 – $15,000 annually), art supplies, and fees

Spelman College is an excellent choice for women interested in pursuing art education with a focus on empowerment, culture, and professional growth.

7. Morehouse College – Visual Arts Program (in partnership with Spelman and Clark Atlanta)

While Morehouse College is primarily known for leadership and liberal arts education for men, it also offers access to a Visual Arts program in collaboration with Spelman College and Clark Atlanta University. This shared program is part of the Atlanta University Center Consortium, giving Morehouse students access to high-quality art facilities and diverse coursework.

Students can explore painting, sculpture, design, and digital media while benefiting from Morehouse’s emphasis on leadership, communication, and critical thinking. Graduates often pursue careers not only in the arts but also in education, media, and community development.

Programs Offered:

• Studio Art
• Photography
• Digital Media
• Art History

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate tuition: Around $30,000 – $32,000 per year
• Additional costs: Housing, technology fees, and art supplies

Morehouse is ideal for students who want to blend art with leadership and cultural engagement in Atlanta’s vibrant creative scene.

8. Kennesaw State University – School of Art and Design

Located just north of Atlanta, Kennesaw State University (KSU) has quickly grown into one of Georgia’s most respected public universities for the arts. The School of Art and Design offers a wide array of undergraduate and graduate programs that combine creativity, technology, and innovation. Students have access to advanced facilities including digital labs, printmaking studios, and galleries that host frequent exhibitions.

What makes KSU stand out is its emphasis on preparing students for both professional art careers and academic research. The school’s proximity to Atlanta allows students to participate in internships, art festivals, and networking events in the city’s bustling art community.

Programs Offered:

• Fine Arts (Painting, Sculpture, Drawing)
• Art Education
• Graphic Communications
• Illustration and Sequential Art
• Animation and Motion Graphics
• Art History

Tuition Fees:

• In-state undergraduate tuition: Around $7,000 – $9,000 per year
• Out-of-state undergraduate tuition: Approximately $20,000 – $22,000 per year
• Graduate programs: $8,000 – $10,000 (in-state), $18,000 – $20,000 (out-of-state)

KSU’s School of Art and Design is perfect for students who want a comprehensive art education within reach of Atlanta’s creative energy but at a more affordable price point.

9. Atlanta Technical College – Design and Media Production Technology

For students who want a more technical or vocational route into the arts, Atlanta Technical College offers a range of creative programs under its Design and Media Production Technology department. This institution focuses on practical, career-ready skills that lead directly into Atlanta’s thriving design, film, and multimedia industries.

Students get hands-on experience using industry-standard software and tools, with concentrations available in graphic design, photography, web design, and video production. The college also maintains strong ties with local creative agencies and companies, offering internships and work-study opportunities.

Programs Offered:

• Graphic Design and Prepress
• Photography
• Video and Film Production
• Web Design
• Animation and Motion Graphics

Tuition Fees:

• In-state tuition: About $3,000 – $5,000 per year
• Out-of-state tuition: Around $6,000 – $8,000 per year
• Additional costs: Technology and lab fees, art supplies

Atlanta Technical College is an excellent option for students seeking a more affordable, skills-based path into the creative industry, especially in areas like design and media production.

10. Georgia Tech – School of Industrial Design

While Georgia Tech is best known for its engineering and technology programs, its School of Industrial Design is among the most innovative in the Southeast. The program focuses on blending art, technology, and user-centered design — perfect for students who want to bridge the gap between creativity and engineering.

Students learn to create products, systems, and experiences that combine aesthetics with functionality. The curriculum includes 3D modeling, product visualization, and human-centered design. Georgia Tech’s connections with Atlanta’s tech startups, design firms, and global companies provide graduates with incredible professional opportunities.

Programs Offered:

• Industrial Design (BID)
• Master of Industrial Design (MID)
• Interactive Design
• Product Design and Innovation

Tuition Fees:

• In-state undergraduate tuition: Around $11,500 per year
• Out-of-state undergraduate tuition: About $33,000 per year
• Graduate tuition: $14,000 – $30,000 per year

Georgia Tech is ideal for students with a passion for both creativity and problem-solving — those who want to design not just art, but the future.

11. Portfolio Center / Miami Ad School Atlanta @ Portfolio Center

Known for its elite creative reputation, the Miami Ad School at Portfolio Center in Atlanta is the go-to choice for aspiring designers, art directors, photographers, and copywriters who want to break into the advertising and creative industries.

The school has a unique mentorship-based learning model that connects students directly with industry professionals. Courses are project-based, emphasizing portfolio development — a crucial asset for creative careers. Many graduates land positions at major advertising agencies, production companies, and design studios across the U.S. and abroad.

Programs Offered:

• Art Direction
• Graphic Design
• Photography
• Copywriting
• Social Media Strategy
• Video and Content Creation

Tuition Fees:

• Approx. $35,000 – $40,000 per year
• Additional costs: Portfolio development fees, software, and project materials

Miami Ad School @ Portfolio Center is best suited for students who want to enter highly competitive creative fields with a strong, industry-ready portfolio.

12. Atlanta Metropolitan State College – Fine Arts Program

Atlanta Metropolitan State College offers an affordable entry point for students beginning their journey in the arts. Its Fine Arts program emphasizes foundational art training, creative thinking, and exposure to various mediums such as drawing, painting, photography, and sculpture.

Students benefit from small class sizes, supportive faculty, and opportunities to transfer into larger universities or art schools after completing their associate degree. The program also encourages participation in community-based art initiatives across Atlanta.

Programs Offered:

• Fine Arts
• Digital Arts
• Photography
• Art Appreciation and Foundations

Tuition Fees:

• In-state tuition: Around $3,500 – $5,000 per year
• Out-of-state tuition: Approximately $10,000 – $12,000 per year
• Additional costs: Materials and lab fees

Atlanta Metropolitan State College is a strong choice for students looking for a budget-friendly, community-oriented start in the visual arts.

13. Agnes Scott College – Studio Art Program

Located in nearby Decatur, just outside Atlanta, Agnes Scott College is a liberal arts institution known for its rigorous academics and vibrant creative community. Its Studio Art program allows students to explore diverse artistic disciplines while integrating art with social and cultural studies.

Agnes Scott offers access to professional-grade studios and exhibition spaces, along with study-abroad opportunities and partnerships with Atlanta’s art organizations. The school encourages students to think critically about art’s role in society and to use creativity as a form of expression and activism.

Programs Offered:

• Studio Art
• Photography
• Mixed Media
• Art History
• Digital Art

Tuition Fees:

• Undergraduate tuition: About $47,000 – $49,000 per year
• Additional costs: Studio and art materials, housing, and lab fees

Agnes Scott College is best for students who value a liberal arts education with a creative and socially conscious edge.

How to Choose the Best Art School in Atlanta

When selecting an art school in Atlanta, consider the following factors:

1. Program Specialization – Do you want fine arts, digital design, or a film-oriented program?
2. Tuition and Fees – Public universities like GSU are more affordable, while private schools like SCAD offer extensive facilities but higher costs.
3. Facilities and Exposure – Look for schools with modern labs, galleries, and strong industry connections.
4. Cultural Fit – HBCUs such as Clark Atlanta, Spelman, and Morehouse offer unique cultural and community experiences.
5. Career Opportunities – Consider schools that partner with Atlanta’s film industry, galleries, and creative businesses.

Conclusion

Atlanta is not just the capital of Georgia—it’s also a creative capital of the South. Whether you choose SCAD for its prestige, Georgia State University for affordability, or Spelman and Morehouse for cultural enrichment, the city offers excellent options for aspiring artists. Each school provides unique opportunities, world-class faculty, and strong ties to Atlanta’s booming creative industries.

If you’re ready to begin your journey in art, these top art schools in Atlanta and their fees provide a comprehensive starting point to make an informed decision.