Kentucky is home to some of the most inspiring and affordable art schools in the United States. Whether you’re drawn to painting, graphic design, ceramics, photography, or fine arts education, the Bluegrass State offers plenty of options to refine your creative abilities and launch a successful art career.

In this detailed guide, we explore the Top 20 Art Schools in Kentucky, the programs they offer, and their estimated tuition and fees. Each school provides unique opportunities — from small liberal-arts colleges to large universities with dedicated fine arts departments.

Top 20 Art Schools In Kentucky And Fees

1. University of Kentucky – Lexington

Programs Offered:
BFA/BA in Studio Art, BFA in Graphic Design, BFA in Art History, MFA in Studio Art, Ceramics, Sculpture, Painting, Printmaking, and Digital Media.

Tuition & Fees:
Undergraduate in-state tuition is about $13,000 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $32,000 per year.

Why Choose It:
As one of Kentucky’s largest and most reputable universities, the University of Kentucky offers a rich art culture, modern studios, and opportunities to showcase your work in Lexington’s vibrant art community.

 2. University of Louisville – Hite Art Institute

Programs Offered:
BFA/BA in Studio Art, Art Education, and Art History. Concentrations include Graphic Design, Sculpture, Ceramics, and Metalsmithing.

Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition is approximately $13,390 per year, while out-of-state students pay around $28,000 per year.

Why Choose It:
The Hite Art Institute connects students with Louisville’s thriving art scene, galleries, and creative networks, making it a top choice for those pursuing both fine arts and design.

3. Western Kentucky University – Bowling Green

Programs Offered:
BA/BFA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art History, Art Education, Ceramics, Photography, and Sculpture.

Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition costs about $12,072 per year, while out-of-state students pay roughly $27,000 per year.

Why Choose It:
Western Kentucky University combines affordability with excellent facilities and a supportive art faculty, ideal for students seeking a balanced art and academic environment.

4. Northern Kentucky University – Highland Heights

Programs Offered:
BA in Art, Graphic Design, Art Education, and Art History.

Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition averages $10,392 per year, while out-of-state tuition is approximately $20,448 per year.

Why Choose It:
Located near Cincinnati’s creative hub, NKU provides easy access to internships and exhibitions, offering a perfect blend of education and practical experience.

5. Eastern Kentucky University – Richmond

Programs Offered:
BA/BFA in Studio Art, Graphic Design, Art Education, and Ceramics.

Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition is around $9,876 per year, while non-residents pay approximately $19,848 per year.

Why Choose It:
Eastern Kentucky University has a strong reputation for art education programs, preparing students for both creative and teaching careers.

6. Murray State University – Murray

Programs Offered:
BA/BFA in Art with concentrations in Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, Graphic Design, and Art Education.

Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition is about $9,432 per year, while non-residents pay roughly $18,600 per year.

Why Choose It:
Murray State offers a strong studio arts curriculum and an on-campus gallery that gives students real exhibition experience.

7. Berea College – Berea

Programs Offered:
BA in Studio Art, Ceramics, Woodcraft, and Community-Based Art.

Tuition & Fees:
Berea College is tuition-free for all students, thanks to its scholarship model and work-study program.

Why Choose It:
This unique program allows aspiring artists to focus fully on their craft without worrying about student debt — making Berea one of the most accessible art schools in the country.

8. Bellarmine University – Louisville

Programs Offered:
BA in Art, Graphic Design, Art History, and Studio Practice.

Tuition & Fees:
Full-time tuition and fees total approximately $50,490 per year before scholarships.

Why Choose It:
Bellarmine offers a close-knit learning environment with modern facilities and deep ties to Louisville’s cultural institutions.

9. Morehead State University – Morehead

Programs Offered:
BA/BFA in Art, Art Education, Painting, Digital Art, and Sculpture.

Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition averages $10,192 per year, while out-of-state costs hover around $14,000 per year.

Why Choose It:
Morehead emphasizes art education and practical studio work, ideal for students seeking teaching credentials or community art careers.

10. Georgetown College – Georgetown

Programs Offered:
BA in Art (Studio and Art History concentrations).

Tuition & Fees:
Average tuition is about $42,000 per year, though most students receive generous financial aid packages.

Why Choose It:
Georgetown College’s small class sizes foster personal mentorship and artistic growth in a liberal-arts environment.

11. Centre College – Danville

Programs Offered:
BA in Studio Art and Art History.

Tuition & Fees:
Tuition is roughly $49,680 per year, with numerous scholarships available.

Why Choose It:
Centre College provides a top-tier liberal arts education combined with exceptional studio space and critical art analysis programs.

12. Brescia University – Owensboro

Programs Offered:
BA in Studio Art, Art Education, and Graphic Design.

Tuition & Fees:
Annual tuition is around $26,000 per year.

Why Choose It:
Brescia’s close student-faculty relationships and smaller class sizes provide a nurturing environment for developing artists.

13. Kentucky State University – Frankfort

Programs Offered:
BA in Art, Art Education, and Studio Arts.

Tuition & Fees:
In-state tuition is about $9,172 per year, and out-of-state students pay approximately $13,500 per year.

Why Choose It:
As an HBCU, KSU emphasizes cultural expression and community art, empowering students through creative and social impact.

14. Thomas More University – Crestview Hills

Programs Offered:
BA in Art, Studio Arts, and Digital Media Design.

Tuition & Fees:
Average annual tuition is $35,000, with strong scholarship programs.

Why Choose It:
Thomas More focuses on integrating traditional art with digital innovation, preparing students for modern creative industries.

15. University of the Cumberlands – Williamsburg

Programs Offered:
BA in Art, Visual Studies, and Creative Media.

Tuition & Fees:
Tuition is approximately $9,875 per year for undergraduates.

Why Choose It:
Affordable private education with flexible course options for working or part-time students.

16. Transylvania University – Lexington

Programs Offered:
BA in Studio Art and Art History.

Tuition & Fees:
Tuition is about $45,000 per year, with need-based and merit-based scholarships available.

Why Choose It:
Transylvania emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and individualized art mentorship in a small liberal-arts setting.

17. Asbury University – Wilmore

Programs Offered:
BA in Art & Design, Visual Communication, and Digital Media.

Tuition & Fees:
Undergraduate tuition is approximately $34,500 per year.

Why Choose It:
Faith-based education that combines creative exploration with ethical and spiritual growth.

18. Spalding University – Louisville

Programs Offered:
BA in Art, Visual Studies, and Graphic Design.

Tuition & Fees:
Average tuition is around $25,539 per year.

Why Choose It:
Located in downtown Louisville, Spalding offers access to local galleries, design firms, and creative collaborations.

19. Louisville Presbyterian Theological Seminary – Louisville

Programs Offered:
Programs in Religious Studies with creative and spiritual arts electives.

Tuition & Fees:
Graduate tuition rates vary, typically around $12,000–$15,000 per year depending on program load.

Why Choose It:
Ideal for those exploring the intersection of art, faith, and theology in visual expression.

20. Asbury Theological Seminary – Wilmore

Programs Offered:
Faith and arts-based creative studies integrated into ministry training programs.

Tuition & Fees:
Graduate tuition is around $14,500 per year depending on credit load.

Why Choose It:
Perfect for students who wish to blend theology, creativity, and social impact in their career path.

How to Choose the Right Art School in Kentucky

Before applying, consider the following factors:

• Program Focus: Choose a school that offers your desired specialization — whether it’s fine arts, design, photography, or art education.
• Tuition & Financial Aid: Always check for scholarships, grants, and assistantships. Many Kentucky schools offer merit-based aid that can cut tuition by 30–50%.
• Class Size & Studio Access: Smaller colleges like Berea, Georgetown, and Centre offer more individualized mentorship and studio time.
• Location: Louisville and Lexington provide thriving art scenes, galleries, and internship opportunities.

Conclusion

Kentucky’s art education landscape offers something for everyone — from tuition-free colleges like Berea to large, research-driven art programs at the University of Kentucky and UofL.

Whether you dream of becoming a studio artist, designer, art educator, or creative entrepreneur, these 20 top art schools in Kentucky provide the training, mentorship, and community you need to thrive.

Invest in your creativity, explore the right program, and take your artistic journey to the next level!