Top 20 Art Schools In Florida And Fees (2025)
Florida is home to some of the most vibrant and creative art institutions in the United States. From the bustling art scene of Miami to the historic charm of Sarasota and the cultural mix of Orlando, aspiring artists can find exceptional opportunities to grow their skills and launch successful careers. Whether you’re interested in fine arts, digital design, animation, photography, or visual communication, Florida has a perfect art school waiting for you.
In this post, we’ll explore the Top 20 Art Schools in Florida, highlight the programs offered, and outline their estimated fees so you can make an informed decision about where to pursue your passion.
Top Art Schools In Florida And Fees
1. Ringling College of Art and Design – Sarasota
Ringling College is one of the most recognized art schools in Florida and the U.S. Known for its excellence in animation, illustration, and game art, the college attracts students from around the world. With state-of-the-art facilities, award-winning faculty, and strong industry ties, Ringling consistently produces graduates who work for Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks.
Programs Offered:
- BFA in Animation, Illustration, Game Art, Motion Design, Film, Graphic Design, and Photography
- MFA in Visual Studies and related graduate programs
Tuition & Fees:
Estimated tuition and fees are around $51,000 per year (including supplies and housing). Check the official Ringling website for up-to-date costs.
2. University of Florida (UF) – Gainesville
The University of Florida’s School of Art + Art History provides a dynamic blend of creativity and research. Students have access to advanced art studios, digital labs, and collaborative projects across disciplines. UF’s art program emphasizes both artistic development and scholarly understanding.
Programs Offered:
- BFA/BA in Studio Art and Graphic Design
- MFA in Studio Art and Art History
Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition is approximately $6,400 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $28,700 annually.
3. Florida State University (FSU) – Tallahassee
FSU’s College of Fine Arts is widely respected for its Fine Arts and Studio Art programs. Students explore painting, sculpture, and digital media in a highly creative and supportive environment. The university also has a strong alumni network in the arts.
Programs Offered:
- BFA in Studio Art and Digital Arts
- MFA in Fine Arts
Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition costs around $6,600 per year, and out-of-state students pay about $21,600 annually.
4. University of Miami (UM) – Coral Gables
The University of Miami offers top-tier facilities and faculty, making it a prime destination for students looking to blend creativity with global exposure. The university’s proximity to Miami’s art fairs and galleries provides valuable industry experience.
Programs Offered:
- BFA and BA in Studio Art and Art History
- MFA in Fine Arts
Tuition & Fees:
Tuition for full-time undergraduate students is around $58,000 per year.
5. University of Central Florida (UCF) – Orlando
UCF’s School of Visual Arts and Design offers cutting-edge programs in digital media, animation, and design. Its location in Orlando—a hub for entertainment and technology—makes it ideal for creative career growth.
Programs Offered:
- BFA/BA in Visual Arts, Digital Media, Animation, and Graphic Design
- MFA in Emerging Media
Tuition & Fees:
In-state students pay about $6,400 per year, and out-of-state students pay approximately $22,500 per year.
6. University of South Florida (USF) – Tampa
USF’s School of Art and Art History promotes creativity through research and community engagement. Students benefit from interdisciplinary programs and Tampa’s lively art scene.
Programs Offered:
- BFA/BA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art History
- MFA in Studio Art
Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition costs around $6,400 per year, while out-of-state students pay nearly $17,300 annually.
7. Florida International University (FIU) – Miami
FIU’s College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts emphasizes creativity and innovation in a multicultural setting. The art school is ideal for students who want to merge cultural expression with modern design.
Programs Offered:
- BFA in Studio Art, Photography, and Graphic Design
- MFA in Visual Arts
Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition averages $6,100 per year; out-of-state tuition is about $18,500 annually.
8. Florida Atlantic University (FAU) – Boca Raton
FAU’s Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters offers diverse art programs emphasizing hands-on learning and studio practice. Students gain exposure to both traditional and digital mediums.
Programs Offered:
- BFA/BA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Photography
- MA/MFA in Visual Arts
Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition costs roughly $6,000 per year, while out-of-state tuition is around $17,300 annually.
9. New World School of the Arts (NWSA) – Miami
NWSA offers a conservatory-style education for serious artists. Its downtown Miami location connects students directly to galleries, festivals, and public exhibitions.
Programs Offered:
- BFA in Studio Art, Visual Arts, and Design
- Associate and pre-professional art tracks
Tuition & Fees:
Operated through Miami Dade College and FIU, tuition for in-state students averages $3,500 per year.
10. Miami Dade College (MDC) – Miami
MDC offers accessible and affordable art and design programs, making it one of Florida’s most popular starting points for aspiring artists who plan to transfer to a four-year university.
Programs Offered:
- AFA and AS in Visual Arts, Animation, and Graphic Design
- Certificate programs in Digital Design
Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition costs about $2,800 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $9,000 annually.
11. University of North Florida (UNF) – Jacksonville
UNF provides a strong foundation in art and design with opportunities for hands-on experience through internships and exhibitions.
Programs Offered:
- BFA/BA in Studio Art, Digital Arts, and Graphic Design
Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition is about $6,400 per year, and out-of-state tuition is $20,800 per year.
12. Rollins College – Winter Park
Rollins College combines a liberal arts education with professional art training. The small class sizes allow for individualized mentoring and creative development.
Programs Offered:
- BA in Studio Art and Art History
- Interdisciplinary Art Studies
Tuition & Fees:
Tuition is approximately $58,000 per year.
13. Eckerd College – St. Petersburg
Eckerd offers studio art programs in a close-knit, supportive environment. Located near the Gulf of Mexico, it encourages creativity inspired by nature and the local art community.
Programs Offered:
- BA in Studio Art, Photography, and Visual Arts
Tuition & Fees:
Annual tuition is around $50,000.
14. Lynn University – Boca Raton
Lynn focuses on creativity and real-world application, offering state-of-the-art technology for digital art and media students.
Programs Offered:
- BFA/BA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Digital Media
Tuition & Fees:
Estimated tuition is $42,000 per year.
15. Florida Southern College – Lakeland
Florida Southern’s campus, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, provides an artistic atmosphere perfect for art students. The program blends creativity with professional exposure.
Programs Offered:
- BA/BFA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Art History
Tuition & Fees:
Tuition is approximately $41,000 annually.
16. University of West Florida (UWF) – Pensacola
UWF’s art department offers an intimate learning environment with access to modern studios and exhibition spaces.
Programs Offered:
- BFA/BA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, and Photography
Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition is $6,300 per year, while out-of-state tuition costs $19,400 annually.
17. Jacksonville University (JU) – Jacksonville
JU provides a personalized art education that combines traditional art techniques with modern digital applications.
Programs Offered:
- BA/BFA in Studio Art, Photography, and Art Education
Tuition & Fees:
Tuition costs around $45,000 per year.
18. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) – Fort Myers
FGCU has a growing reputation for integrating sustainability and creativity. Its modern facilities and small classes make it a great choice for studio artists.
Programs Offered:
- BFA/BA in Studio Art, Ceramics, and Graphic Design
Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition is $6,200 per year, and out-of-state tuition is about $22,000 annually.
19. Stetson University – DeLand
Stetson’s art department emphasizes visual culture and artistic experimentation. Students have access to galleries, workshops, and personalized faculty mentorship.
Programs Offered:
- BA/BFA in Studio Art and Art History
Tuition & Fees:
Private university tuition is around $55,000 per year.
20. Daytona State College – Daytona Beach
Daytona State College provides affordable associate-level programs in visual arts and digital design, ideal for students who want to transfer to larger universities.
Programs Offered:
- AFA/AS in Graphic Design, Animation, and Visual Arts
Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition is $3,200 per year, and out-of-state tuition is around $11,000 per year.
Tips for Choosing the Best Art School in Florida
- Portfolio Requirements:
Many schools, like Ringling and NWSA, require a portfolio for admission. Start building your portfolio early to showcase your creative range. - Consider Location and Cost:
Public universities such as UF and FSU offer more affordable tuition for Florida residents, while private colleges may have higher costs but offer smaller class sizes. - Industry Connections:
Schools located in Orlando or Miami offer direct access to animation studios, galleries, and media companies — valuable for internships and future employment. - Scholarship Opportunities:
Many institutions offer merit-based and need-based scholarships. Always explore financial aid options before applying.
Conclusion
Choosing the right art school in Florida depends on your artistic goals, financial situation, and preferred learning environment. Whether you want the specialized focus of Ringling College, the academic rigor of UF or FSU, or the affordability of Miami Dade College, Florida’s art education landscape offers something for every aspiring artist.
With its vibrant creative communities, supportive faculty, and access to real-world opportunities, Florida stands as one of the best places in the U.S. to pursue a career in the arts.