Top 15 Art Schools In Virginia And Fees (2025)
Choosing the right art school can be one of the most important steps in your creative journey. Whether you’re passionate about painting, sculpture, graphic design, or multimedia arts, Virginia offers a rich selection of programs across universities and private colleges. From the vibrant art scene of Richmond to the historical elegance of Williamsburg, each school brings something unique to aspiring artists.
In this comprehensive guide, we explore the Best Art Schools in Virginia—complete with their fees, program highlights, and reasons why each one stands out.
Top 15 Art Schools In Virginia And Fees
1. Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) – Richmond, VA
Why Choose VCU:
The VCU School of the Arts (VCUarts) consistently ranks among the top public art schools in the United States. Known for its vibrant student community and hands-on studio programs, VCU offers diverse majors including painting, sculpture, design, photography, and animation.
Tuition and Fees:
- In-State: Around $13,200 per year
- Out-of-State: Around $35,674 per year
Highlights:
- One of the best fine arts schools in the country
- Extensive art studios, galleries, and faculty mentorship
- Located in Richmond—Virginia’s cultural hub filled with museums and exhibitions
Why It’s Worth It:
VCUarts offers a strong reputation and exposure to real-world creative industries, making it an excellent choice for students looking to turn their passion into a professional career.
2. George Mason University – Fairfax, VA
Why Choose GMU:
George Mason University’s School of Art provides a comprehensive blend of fine arts, digital arts, and design programs. Its proximity to Washington, D.C. offers easy access to galleries, museums, and internships.
Tuition and Fees:
- Graduate Fine Arts Tuition: About $37,410 per year
Highlights:
- Strong in graphic design, new media, and fine arts
- Excellent internship opportunities near D.C.
- Large public university with plenty of resources
Why It’s Worth It:
GMU combines affordability with metropolitan access, making it a practical choice for students who want to balance artistic training with professional growth.
3. Radford University – Radford, VA
Why Choose Radford:
Radford’s College of Visual and Performing Arts offers intimate class settings and a focus on studio-based learning. Students can explore traditional fine arts alongside digital arts and crafts.
Tuition and Fees:
- Graduate Tuition: About $21,382 per year
Highlights:
- Excellent value for in-state students
- Hands-on instruction from experienced artists
- Peaceful setting ideal for focused creative work
Why It’s Worth It:
Radford provides an affordable yet quality education for students seeking smaller class sizes and personalized mentorship.
4. Marymount University – Arlington, VA
Why Choose Marymount:
Located in the heart of Northern Virginia, Marymount University offers strong programs in visual arts and design, supported by access to the D.C. art scene.
Tuition and Fees:
- Undergraduate Tuition: $41,236 per year
- Total Estimated Cost (including housing): $60,746 per year
Highlights:
- Close to major art galleries and cultural centers in Washington, D.C.
- Small campus community for personalized education
- Modern facilities with state-of-the-art technology
Why It’s Worth It:
For students seeking an urban, professional atmosphere, Marymount provides the perfect blend of creativity and career readiness.
5. Hollins University – Roanoke, VA
Why Choose Hollins:
Hollins University is known for its creative arts focus and nurturing environment. The school provides excellent fine arts programs with small class sizes that encourage creativity and experimentation.
Tuition and Fees:
- Tuition: $43,650 per year
- Total Residential Cost: $60,910 per year
Highlights:
- Tight-knit art community
- Strong record of alumni success
- Scholarships available for fine arts students
Why It’s Worth It:
Hollins offers one of the best liberal arts environments for visual artists seeking individual mentorship and creative growth.
6. Old Dominion University – Norfolk, VA
Why Choose ODU:
Old Dominion University offers a robust fine arts program that balances traditional studio training with modern digital design.
Tuition and Fees:
- Total Program Cost: Around $44,230 to $45,248
Highlights:
- Affordable public institution
- Excellent coastal setting with exposure to Norfolk’s art community
- Modern art facilities and gallery spaces
Why It’s Worth It:
ODU provides great value for in-state students seeking quality art education without high tuition costs.
7. Virginia Tech – Blacksburg, VA
Why Choose Virginia Tech:
Known for its innovation and technology, Virginia Tech integrates arts with modern design and digital creativity.
Tuition and Fees:
- Average Annual Cost: Around $14,010 (for certain income groups)
Highlights:
- Combines fine art with technology and design
- Research-oriented university with multidisciplinary options
- Affordable in-state tuition
Why It’s Worth It:
Ideal for students who want to merge art, technology, and innovation into one creative career path.
8. Liberty University – Lynchburg, VA
Why Choose Liberty:
Liberty University offers comprehensive fine arts programs with a strong emphasis on both creativity and career outcomes.
Tuition and Fees:
- Graduate Tuition: Around $8,349
Highlights:
- Large private university with flexible online and in-person programs
- Affordable graduate art education
- Faith-based learning environment
Why It’s Worth It:
Liberty stands out as one of the most affordable private options for pursuing art at the graduate level in Virginia.
9. Bridgewater College – Bridgewater, VA
Why Choose Bridgewater:
Bridgewater College combines liberal arts education with dedicated fine arts programs that nurture creativity through personal guidance and small class sizes.
Tuition and Fees:
- Tuition: $16,946 per year
- Total Cost with Room/Board: Around $32,819 per year
Highlights:
- Excellent student-to-faculty ratio
- Affordable tuition for a private college
- Active art exhibitions and student galleries
Why It’s Worth It:
Bridgewater offers strong value and personalized education for students seeking a smaller, community-oriented college experience.
10. James Madison University – Harrisonburg, VA
Why Choose JMU:
JMU’s School of Art, Design, and Art History provides diverse programs in studio art, art history, and graphic design.
Tuition and Fees:
- Graduate Tuition: $29,544 per year
Highlights:
- Strong academic reputation
- Balanced combination of traditional and digital art programs
- Affordable in-state options
Why It’s Worth It:
JMU offers a high-quality fine arts education backed by a reputable public university setting.
11. Regent University – Virginia Beach, VA
Why Choose Regent:
Regent University’s fine arts programs focus on combining creativity with purpose, offering both traditional and digital art studies.
Tuition and Fees:
- Master’s Program Cost: Around $29,772 to $30,565
Highlights:
- Located in Virginia Beach—great for inspiration and networking
- Affordable compared to other private schools
- Good facilities for multimedia arts
Why It’s Worth It:
Regent provides flexible, modern fine arts education at reasonable rates, making it an appealing choice for coastal students.
12. Norfolk State University – Norfolk, VA
Why Choose NSU:
Norfolk State University has a growing fine arts department that emphasizes both visual and performing arts.
Tuition and Fees:
- Bachelor’s Program Cost: Around $33,869 per year
Highlights:
- Strong diversity and inclusive environment
- Affordable public education
- Located in a culturally rich coastal city
Why It’s Worth It:
NSU offers accessible, affordable education for aspiring artists, especially those interested in blending traditional and modern art forms.
13. The College of William & Mary – Williamsburg, VA
Why Choose William & Mary:
One of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the U.S., William & Mary combines liberal arts education with strong visual arts programs.
Tuition and Fees:
- Estimated Cost for Fine Arts: Around $35,263 per year
Highlights:
- Rich academic tradition and historical campus
- Well-rounded education with focus on critical and creative thinking
- Strong alumni connections
Why It’s Worth It:
Perfect for students who want a balanced education that blends art with a classic liberal arts foundation.
14. Roanoke College – Salem, VA
Why Choose Roanoke College:
Roanoke College offers comprehensive fine arts and art history programs designed to prepare students for careers in visual arts, education, or design.
Tuition and Fees:
- Approximate Tuition: $38,000 per year
Highlights:
- Personalized mentorship from experienced faculty
- Exhibitions and on-campus galleries
- Opportunities for internships and study abroad
Why It’s Worth It:
Roanoke College is ideal for students who want an intimate, liberal arts environment with an active arts community.
15. Virginia Wesleyan University – Virginia Beach, VA
Why Choose Virginia Wesleyan:
A small liberal arts university, VWU emphasizes creativity, collaboration, and real-world art experiences.
Tuition and Fees:
- Annual Tuition: Around $39,000 per year
Highlights:
- Close to Virginia Beach’s artistic scene
- Small class sizes and individualized instruction
- Numerous exhibition and internship opportunities
Why It’s Worth It:
VWU’s combination of affordability, community, and practical training makes it a hidden gem among Virginia’s art schools.
How to Choose the Right Art School in Virginia
Selecting the perfect art school involves more than just comparing tuition rates. Here’s what to keep in mind:
- Program Focus:
Identify whether the school specializes in fine arts, digital arts, graphic design, or mixed media. - Facilities and Equipment:
Look for modern studios, labs, galleries, and access to up-to-date creative tools. - Scholarships and Aid:
Many schools offer merit-based art scholarships or portfolio grants. Don’t let sticker prices discourage you. - Location:
Decide between urban (Richmond, Arlington, Norfolk) or quiet rural campuses (Radford, Bridgewater, Hollins). - Career Support:
Check if the school offers career placement, internships, or exhibition opportunities to showcase your work.
Conclusion
Virginia is home to some of the best art schools in the U.S., offering options for every artist—whether you dream of a bustling city studio or a quiet mountain atelier.
- For prestige and national ranking, VCUarts leads the pack.
- For affordability and public education, Radford, Virginia Tech, and ODU stand out.
- For small-scale, personal mentorship, Hollins and Bridgewater offer unmatched attention.
Whatever your artistic passion, these 15 Virginia art schools can help you turn creativity into a lifelong career.