Chicago isn’t just famous for its architecture and deep-dish pizza—it’s also one of the most vibrant art cities in America. From fine arts and photography to film, fashion, and digital design, Chicago offers countless opportunities for creative students to thrive.

In this post, we’ll explore the top 30 art schools in Chicago, their programs offered, and tuition information to help you find the right fit for your artistic journey.

Top 30 Art Schools In Chicago And Fees

1. School of the Art Institute of Chicago (SAIC)

Program Offered: Fine Arts, Painting, Sculpture, Photography, Fiber, Fashion, Design, Art Education, Curatorial Studies.
Estimated Fees: Around $57,000 per year (undergraduate tuition estimate).

SAIC is one of the world’s most prestigious art schools, consistently ranked among the top fine arts institutions globally. The school emphasizes studio practice, innovation, and interdisciplinary learning. Students also benefit from proximity to the Art Institute of Chicago museum—one of the largest art museums in the U.S.—and a faculty of world-renowned artists and designers.

2. Columbia College Chicago

Program Offered: Film, Photography, Visual Arts, Graphic Design, Animation, Fashion, Illustration, Media Arts.
Estimated Fees: Approximately $17,700 per semester.

Columbia College Chicago stands out for its strong integration of the arts, media, and performance. With dozens of creative degree programs, this college nurtures visual artists, filmmakers, animators, and fashion designers. The urban campus and Chicago’s creative scene offer endless inspiration for students pursuing art-based careers.

3. DePaul University (College of Computing and Digital Media)

Program Offered: Graphic Design, Animation, Fine Arts, Interior Design, Game Design, Digital Media, MFA programs.
Estimated Fees: About $45,000 per year.

DePaul University’s art and design programs combine creativity with technology. Known for its hands-on approach and links to Chicago’s media and game industries, DePaul offers degrees that prepare students for both traditional and digital art careers.

4. University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC)

Program Offered: BFA, BA, MA, MFA in Studio Arts, Ceramics, Printmaking, Photography, and Art History.
Estimated Fees: In-state: $17,000/year, Out-of-state: $34,000/year.

UIC’s School of Art & Art History provides students with a balance of theory and studio practice. Its programs emphasize experimental art-making and critical thinking, preparing graduates for professional practice and advanced study.

5. American Academy of Art (Chicago)

Program Offered: Illustration, Advertising Art, Fine Art, Digital Art, Graphic Design.
Estimated Fees: Around $38,000 per year.

The American Academy of Art has trained some of Chicago’s most successful illustrators and designers. It focuses heavily on professional readiness, providing practical studio training that builds technical skill and creativity.

6. Northwestern University

Program Offered: Studio Art, Art Theory, Interdisciplinary Arts.
Estimated Fees: Approximately $65,000 per year.

Northwestern’s Department of Art Theory and Practice offers a more academic, research-based approach to studio art. Students learn within a supportive, idea-driven environment that blends art-making with theory, performance, and media exploration.

7. Loyola University Chicago

Program Offered: Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art History, Art Education.
Estimated Fees: Around $51,000 per year.

Loyola’s Department of Fine and Performing Arts provides a holistic education that integrates creativity with critical inquiry. Students explore diverse media while grounding their studies in cultural and social awareness.

8. Roosevelt University

Program Offered: Visual Arts, Art Therapy, and Interdisciplinary Arts.
Estimated Fees: Approximately $33,000 per year.

Roosevelt University’s visual arts programs emphasize social engagement and creative exploration. Its small class sizes and downtown location provide a supportive, inspiring learning environment.

9. Northeastern Illinois University (NEIU)

Program Offered: Studio Art, Graphic Design, Photography, Art Education.
Estimated Fees: In-state: $14,000/year, Out-of-state: $24,000/year.

NEIU’s Art and Design department offers affordable, high-quality education for aspiring artists. It’s a great option for students seeking small classes and strong community engagement.

10. North Park University

Program Offered: Studio Art, Graphic Design, Illustration, Digital Media.
Estimated Fees: Around $34,000 per year.

North Park University’s art programs blend technical skills with creativity and cultural understanding. Students get hands-on experience and the flexibility to combine art with other disciplines.

11. Chicago Academy for the Arts (High School)

Program Offered: Visual Arts, Dance, Music, Theatre, Film.
Estimated Fees: Around $37,500 per year.

As one of the nation’s top pre-college art conservatories, the Chicago Academy for the Arts prepares young artists for professional and collegiate study. Students receive intensive arts training alongside traditional academics.

12. Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts

Program Offered: Classical Drawing, Painting, Sculpture, Life Drawing, Atelier Classes.
Estimated Fees: Varies by course (membership or per-class pricing).

Founded in 1895, Palette & Chisel is one of Chicago’s oldest fine arts organizations. It’s perfect for adults and professionals seeking to refine their technique in a traditional studio setting.

13. City Colleges of Chicago (Harold Washington, Truman, Kennedy-King)

Program Offered: Fine Arts, Graphic Design, and Photography (AA degrees and certificates).
Estimated Fees: $4,000–$6,000 per year (residents).

For students looking for an affordable path into the arts, Chicago’s community colleges offer foundational art programs with transfer opportunities to larger universities or art schools.

14. Dominican University (River Forest)

Program Offered: Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art History, Art Education.
Estimated Fees: Around $38,000 per year.

Dominican University combines traditional art education with modern digital practices. Its small classes provide individualized attention, and its proximity to Chicago offers rich networking opportunities.

15. North Central College

Program Offered: Studio Art, Graphic Design, Photography.
Estimated Fees: Around $44,000 per year.

North Central College offers a well-rounded education that fosters creative thinking and practical skills. Students gain a strong foundation in art principles and access to Chicago’s gallery scene.

16. Illinois Institute of Technology (IIT)

Program Offered: Industrial Design, Architecture, Interaction Design.
Estimated Fees: Around $49,000 per year.

IIT’s design programs merge art with technology, preparing students for careers in product, interaction, and architectural design. It’s ideal for creative students who enjoy technical innovation.

17. Evanston Art Center

Program Offered: Drawing, Ceramics, Photography, Painting, and Mixed Media.
Estimated Fees: $250–$500 per class (non-degree).

This community art center is perfect for hobbyists and aspiring artists seeking affordable training and studio access. It also offers portfolio preparation for college applications.

18. The Art Institute of Chicago (Museum Programs)

Program Offered: Continuing Education, Youth Art Workshops, and Museum Studies.
Estimated Fees: $200–$1,000 per course.

While distinct from SAIC, the museum offers hands-on art programs for learners of all ages. It’s a great place for lifelong learning and artistic growth.

19. The Chicago School of Mold Making & Sculptural Arts

Program Offered: Sculpture, Mold Making, and Prop Fabrication.
Estimated Fees: Course-based, typically $300–$800 per workshop.

This niche school offers practical, industry-relevant training for artists interested in 3D fabrication, sculptural arts, and industrial design.

20. Oakton College (Des Plaines)

Program Offered: Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Digital Imaging, Photography.
Estimated Fees: $5,000–$8,000 per year (in-district).

Oakton College provides affordable, high-quality art education for students aiming to transfer to a four-year program or start a creative career.

21. Harper College (Palatine)

Program Offered: Fine Arts, Digital Design, Animation, Photography.
Estimated Fees: Around $6,000 per year.

Harper College’s art department features modern studios and digital labs. It’s an excellent starting point for future artists and designers.

22. Roosevelt University (Chicago College of Performing Arts)

Program Offered: Interdisciplinary Arts and Art Therapy.
Estimated Fees: $33,000 per year.

Roosevelt University promotes creativity, mental wellness, and performance integration. Its programs connect visual art with psychology and human development.

23. North Shore Art League

Program Offered: Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Printmaking.
Estimated Fees: $200–$600 per course.

A nonprofit institution in the Chicago area, this school focuses on hands-on workshops and art exhibitions for community artists.

24. Lincoln Park Drawing Workshop

Program Offered: Life Drawing, Portraiture, Oil Painting.
Estimated Fees: $250–$400 per class.

This independent studio offers flexible evening classes, perfect for working adults and emerging artists building portfolios.

25. American Conservatory of Art (Chicago)

Program Offered: Portfolio Prep, Fine Arts, Illustration.
Estimated Fees: $4,000–$10,000 per certificate.

This conservatory offers career-focused art training and individualized mentorship for aspiring illustrators and fine artists.

26. Chicago Center for Arts and Technology (CHICAT)

Program Offered: Design, Photography, Media Arts, and Workforce Development.
Estimated Fees: Free or subsidized (non-profit initiative).

CHICAT provides tuition-free creative programs for underrepresented youth and adults, offering pathways to creative careers in Chicago.

27. The Drawing Workshop Chicago

Program Offered: Life Drawing, Painting, Illustration.
Estimated Fees: $200–$500 per course.

This small studio emphasizes classical techniques and live model sessions. It’s ideal for those seeking mastery of foundational skills.

28. Judson University (Elgin)

Program Offered: Art, Design, and Visual Communications.
Estimated Fees: $32,000 per year.

Judson offers a Christian liberal arts environment with comprehensive art training. It’s a great choice for faith-based creative study near Chicago.

29. Elmhurst University

Program Offered: Studio Art, Graphic Design, Digital Media.
Estimated Fees: $42,000 per year.

Elmhurst provides small class sizes and modern studios for hands-on learning. Students participate in exhibitions and internships throughout Chicago.

30. SAIC Continuing Studies & Certificate Programs

Program Offered: Non-degree certificates, Portfolio Preparation, Professional Development Courses.
Estimated Fees: $500–$1,200 per class.

SAIC’s continuing studies programs are ideal for working artists and professionals who want to sharpen their creative skills.

How to Choose the Right Art School in Chicago

Choosing the right art school depends on your career goals, budget, and artistic focus. Here are a few tips:

Portfolio strength: Build a diverse portfolio that showcases your best work.
Visit campuses: Attend open houses to get a feel for the studio environment.
Check for accreditation: Ensure the school is accredited for quality education and degree recognition.
Review financial aid options: Many schools offer scholarships and grants to reduce tuition costs.
Consider location and networking: Being in Chicago gives you access to exhibitions, internships, and galleries.

Conclusion

Chicago’s art schools represent a blend of tradition and innovation. Whether you dream of becoming a painter, designer, animator, or art educator, the city provides world-class training and inspiration. From the elite School of the Art Institute of Chicago to community-based programs like Evanston Art Center, there’s an art school for every passion and budget.

If you’re serious about your artistic future, explore these 30 schools, review their programs, and find the one that resonates with your creative goals.