Top 25 Art Schools In Columbus Ohio And Fees (2025)
Columbus, Ohio, is one of the Midwest’s fastest-growing creative cities — a blend of innovation, education, and vibrant artistic culture. From the bustling downtown galleries to the campus studios of the Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD) and The Ohio State University, the city has become a magnet for emerging artists, designers, and creators.
If you’re looking to pursue a career in fine arts, digital design, photography, or visual communication, you’ll find plenty of great options here. Below, we explore the top 25 art schools in Columbus, Ohio, highlighting the programs they offer and the approximate tuition or fees to help you choose the perfect fit for your artistic goals.
Top 25 Art Schools In Columbus Ohio And Fees
1. Columbus College of Art & Design (CCAD)
Program Offered:
BFA majors in Animation, Illustration, Fine Arts, Graphic Design, Photography, Industrial Design, Fashion Design, Game Art, and more. Graduate programs include MPS in User Experience Design and MFA in Visual Arts.
Fees:
Full-time undergraduate tuition averages around $40,000–$42,000 per year (exclusive of housing and supplies).
Why Study Here:
CCAD is the heart of Columbus’s art scene. Its programs combine creative freedom with career readiness, and its campus is filled with galleries, design labs, and collaborative spaces that prepare students for both studio and industry careers.
2. The Ohio State University (OSU) — School of Art
Program Offered:
BA and BFA in Art, Art Education, and Art History. Specializations include Photography, Digital Media, Sculpture, and Printmaking. Graduate programs include MA and MFA in Fine Arts.
Fees:
In-state undergraduate tuition averages about $12,000–$13,000 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $36,000–$38,000.
Why Study Here:
As one of the top public universities in the U.S., OSU offers unmatched resources, top-tier faculty, and access to the Wexner Center for the Arts. Students enjoy a balance of studio practice and academic rigor.
3. Columbus State Community College (CSCC)
Program Offered:
Associate degrees in Fine Arts, Visual Communication, Photography, and Graphic Design. Certificate programs are available in Digital Media and Art Foundations.
Fees:
In-district students pay roughly $5,700 per year, making it one of the most affordable paths to start an art career.
Why Study Here:
CSCC offers a cost-effective way to begin your creative journey. Many students transfer to CCAD or OSU after earning their associate degree, while others go straight into creative work.
4. Otterbein University (Westerville)
Program Offered:
BA and BFA in Art with concentrations in Painting, Sculpture, Ceramics, Photography, and Digital Media Design.
Fees:
Tuition averages $34,000–$36,000 per year for undergraduates.
Why Study Here:
Otterbein combines strong studio programs with the intimacy of a small liberal-arts college. Students enjoy individualized attention and excellent gallery opportunities near downtown Columbus.
5. Capital University (Bexley)
Program Offered:
BA in Art, Art History, and Studio Arts. Minors available in Visual Communication and Design.
Fees:
Around $40,000 per year for undergraduate programs.
Why Study Here:
Capital offers a faith-based learning environment with small classes and personal mentorship — ideal for students seeking both creative and intellectual growth.
6. Denison University (Granville)
Program Offered:
BA and BFA in Studio Art, Art History, and interdisciplinary Art Studies.
Fees:
Tuition is about $66,000 per year (private liberal arts college).
Why Study Here:
Denison is selective and academically rigorous. Art students benefit from an intellectually rich liberal-arts environment and frequent opportunities for exhibitions and internships.
7. Ohio Dominican University
Program Offered:
BA in Art, Art Education, and Art History with flexible electives in drawing, painting, and digital design.
Fees:
Tuition is approximately $33,000 per year.
Why Study Here:
Located within Columbus, this small university offers personal learning, art education licensure, and strong community engagement programs.
8. Franklin University
Program Offered:
BS in User Experience (UX) & Graphic Design; Certificates in Digital Media and Web Design.
Fees:
Tuition is $398 per credit hour for design-related programs.
Why Study Here:
Perfect for working adults, Franklin offers online and hybrid courses focused on creative technology, UI/UX, and business-driven design.
9. Ohio Wesleyan University (Delaware)
Program Offered:
BA in Studio Art, minors in Art History and Design.
Fees:
Tuition averages $51,000 per year.
Why Study Here:
OWU provides a well-rounded liberal-arts experience, with modern studio facilities and study-abroad opportunities that enhance artistic development.
10. The Wexner Center for the Arts (OSU)
Program Offered:
Artist residencies, public education programs, community workshops, and professional development for creatives.
Fees:
Most workshops are free or low-cost; some professional seminars charge a small registration fee.
Why Study Here:
While not a degree-granting school, the Wexner Center offers world-class exhibitions, lectures, and artist residencies that connect students with the broader creative community.
11. Columbus Cultural Arts Center
Program Offered:
Community classes in Drawing, Painting, Ceramics, Printmaking, and Photography.
Fees:
Courses are individually priced — typically $75–$200 per course.
Why Study Here:
This downtown arts center is open to all skill levels and serves as a hub for emerging and recreational artists seeking affordable studio instruction.
12. CCAD Continuing Studies / Pre-College Programs
Program Offered:
Pre-college intensives, continuing education workshops, and summer programs focused on portfolio building.
Fees:
Program-specific; short courses typically range from $300–$800.
Why Study Here:
Perfect for high school students preparing for college admission into art or design programs.
13. SOMO Art Studio & Other Private Academies
Program Offered:
Adult art classes, pottery, ceramics, printmaking, and children’s art camps.
Fees:
Ranges from $25–$75 per session, depending on class type.
Why Study Here:
Local studios like SOMO, Bareclay, and Purple Dog offer accessible, community-based art instruction and open studios.
14. CSCC Fine & Performing Arts Center
Program Offered:
Certificates in Studio Arts, Photography, Digital Media, and Fine Arts.
Fees:
Affordable community-college rates — about $5,700 per year.
Why Study Here:
CSCC’s arts center is a hub for exhibitions and hands-on learning, ideal for those seeking career-focused training in an affordable setting.
15. OSU Urban Arts Outreach
Program Offered:
Community arts education, youth workshops, and teacher residencies.
Fees:
Programs often free or low-cost, depending on the event.
Why Study Here:
Great for educators and community artists looking to expand outreach skills while connecting with OSU’s network of professionals.
16. Columbus Museum of Art
Program Offered:
Youth classes, teacher training, adult workshops, and art appreciation programs.
Fees:
Varies; most workshops are between $50–$150.
Why Study Here:
The museum’s educational department supports both artistic development and art history knowledge, with direct access to top-tier exhibitions.
17. Private Art Tutors / Portfolio Prep Coaches
Program Offered:
Personalized instruction in drawing, painting, or digital portfolio development.
Fees:
Private sessions typically range $30–$80 per hour.
Why Study Here:
Private tutoring offers flexibility and tailored guidance, ideal for high schoolers applying to BFA programs.
18. Reynoldsburg & Gahanna Community Art Centers
Program Offered:
Adult and youth art classes in Ceramics, Painting, Fiber Arts, and Mixed Media.
Fees:
Affordable community-level pricing — usually $60–$150 per class.
Why Study Here:
Great for beginners or families interested in creative exploration close to home.
19. Central Ohio Technical / Vocational Art Programs
Program Offered:
Short-term certificates in Graphic Design Software, Illustration, and Photography.
Fees:
Typically $100–$300 per short course.
Why Study Here:
Geared toward adults or professionals looking to upskill in digital design tools.
20. Columbus Music & Art Academy
Program Offered:
Combined Visual and Performing Arts programs for kids and teens — drawing, painting, and creative expression.
Fees:
Session-based, starting at $100–$200 per term.
Why Study Here:
A perfect early introduction for children developing foundational art skills.
21. Local Portfolio Bootcamps / Summer Intensives
Program Offered:
Intensive workshops focused on college-ready art portfolios, figure drawing, and digital illustration.
Fees:
Typically $300–$1,000 per workshop, depending on duration.
Why Study Here:
Essential for students applying to top art schools like CCAD or OSU’s BFA program.
22. The Center for Arts-Inspired Learning
Program Offered:
School residencies, teacher workshops, and artist-in-community programs.
Fees:
Often grant-funded or free for eligible participants.
Why Study Here:
A nonprofit that bridges art education with social impact — great for aspiring art educators.
23. UX & Illustration Bootcamps (Private Training)
Program Offered:
Career-driven programs in User Experience Design, Illustration for Games, and Motion Graphics.
Fees:
Flat-fee bootcamps range from $1,000–$5,000.
Why Study Here:
Excellent for professionals looking to shift into creative tech or animation fields quickly.
24. Continuing Education Certificates (Local Colleges)
Program Offered:
Non-degree certificates in Photography, Digital Arts, and Studio Practice.
Fees:
Usually $250–$600 per course, depending on duration.
Why Study Here:
Perfect for part-time learners and professionals interested in refining their creative skills.
25. Local Makerspaces & Ceramic Studios
Program Offered:
Pottery, Sculpture, and Mixed-Media Workshops; Open Studio Memberships.
Fees:
Monthly membership or per-class fees ranging $50–$200.
Why Study Here:
These studios encourage collaboration, craftsmanship, and community involvement — ideal for hobbyists or freelance artists.
How to Choose the Right Art School in Columbus
- Know your career goal: Decide between a creative degree (BFA, MFA) or a technical certificate.
- Check facilities: Visit campuses to see studio space, digital labs, and gallery setups.
- Compare costs: Don’t rely on sticker prices; explore scholarships and financial aid.
- Seek internships: Many Columbus schools have partnerships with local design firms and galleries.
- Explore community programs: Non-degree options are excellent for portfolio building and professional networking.
Why Columbus is Perfect for Art Students
Columbus’s art community is diverse and accessible. From professional opportunities at the Short North Arts District to internships at top galleries and design studios, students get hands-on exposure early in their studies. The city’s low cost of living also makes it one of the most affordable creative hubs in the U.S., attracting young artists, photographers, and designers from across the country.
Conclusion
Whether you dream of becoming a professional illustrator, UX designer, fine artist, or art educator, Columbus, Ohio, offers a wide range of programs to help you succeed. From elite schools like CCAD and Ohio State University to affordable and flexible options like Columbus State Community College, there’s an art path for every student.
The key is to match your goals, budget, and creative interests with the right institution — and Columbus has plenty of choices waiting for you.